More patients are taking up a new sport but are also wondering how a Bristol Osteopath such as myself can assist with Padel-related injuries.
At my Osteopathic clinic in Henleaze, I have treated many tennis and squash players for injuries sustained on and off the court.
And with the emergence of Padel, this new, exciting and exponentially growing cousin of tennis, I have already encountered and treated a number of Padel enthusiasts.
Padel is not only exciting and fun but accessible to so many people of all levels of fitness. I had a go and it really was fun and I can see the attraction.
Padel, tennis, racquetball, and squash often have similar modes and types of injury, however, the Osteopathic approach we take at our Bristol clinic is to assess and treat every patient as a unique individual.
Whilst injuries in sports might be similar every individual will have a unique set of circumstances, history and fitness level, so it is essential to look at the whole person when considering their injury.
Our osteopathic treatment and rehabilitation in Bristol will therefore not only reflect the injury but the person as a whole.
Swift resolution of any injury sporting or otherwise depends on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and then active engagement in a rehab program to suit that individual. Prevention of course is the ideal solution, but prevention comes from all-around fitness and conditioning.
Here are my top tips for preventing Padel and racket sports-related injuries:
-Build up steadily with playing intensity and any training. Doing too much too quickly, especially after a period of rest is a common cause of injury. Build stamina and strength slowly.
-Keep muscles and joints flexible and warm. Warm up well before intense playing and warm down with some gentle stretches after your game of Padel.
- Rest and recovery. Without full recovery after training or matches your body will be more at risk of injury. Recovery varies from person to person, and age is probably the biggest influencer here. Sleep is the best and most critical recovery time so make sure you get enough.
-Cross-training and flexibility. Doing other activities can be a great way to improve performance on the court and reduce injury risk. Yoga or Pilates for example offer great low-impact ways to improve core strength and flexibility, so you hit the court in better shape.
-Nutrition and hydration are really important in overall health and preventing injury. Water, electrolyte balance and healthy nutrition are key to maintaining and maximizing body performance.
At Alex Prince Osteopathy, we’re here to help patients enjoy injury-free Padel sessions throughout the Autumn.
Read this blog about how we treat Tennis Elbow at my Bristol Osteopathic clinic.
If you do find yourself in pain following a game of Padel, then book in at our Henleaze-based clinic here.