The intent of the Tennis Screen is to identify any at-risk players before an injury happens and to educate them on rehabilitation and prevention with the goal of decreasing future time off due to injury.

The Tennis screen consists of functional movements, isometric dynamometer strength testing and goniometer range of motion testing.  No screen can supplement for coaching, but a screen can aid in performance by helping to identify weakness, thereby implementing actions that help fend of fatigue and assist in form.

Here are some things to keep in mind for injury prevention:

• Having a concurrent strengthening program is paramount to the health of any athlete in any sport, and tennis is no different

• The posture you have during the day can dramatically affect the health of your upper back, neck and shoulders.  It is not enough to stretch a couple times during the day.  You need to stand up and break that bad, seated posture 3 or more times an hour.

• Remember that your body needs time to heal and recover.  If you play for hours everyday, tissues will fatigue and will not heal properly leading to functional faults and pain

• For optimal performance, full body conditioning is important, including diet.  Give your naturopath a visit, and if you don’t have one, have a 15 minute free consultation with our resident Naturopath, just for enlisting in the Screen.

• Old recurrent injuries should be assessed.  If you have a pain that is recurrent or due to a specific trauma than it is time to get it checked.

There is no one thing you can do to avoid injury, and some injuries are unavoidable but going into an activity with knowledge and tools for injury prevention, you can enjoy a long and successful tennis season.

For more information or questions about the tennis screen, please contact me at drbatte @ theurbanathlete.ca (no spaces)