How is sports physiotherapy different in padel players?

Padel combines short bursts with frequent stopping, reaching and rotation. Repeated overhead or elevated-arm shots can load the shoulder, elbow and wrist, while low shots and lunges challenge the hips, knees, ankles and lower back. The glass walls and fast changes in position add timing and balance demands.

A physiotherapist may examine your dominant side, grip, swing pattern, footwork, court surface, racket and weekly playing schedule. The same elbow pain can behave differently in a player who serves often, a player who defends from the back of the court, or someone returning after a break.

Begin with the movements your assessment supports, then progress through strength, shoulder control, trunk rotation, balance and landing work. Practise footwork and hitting in manageable doses before adding speed, reach, competitive points and a full match.

Warm up the shoulders, hips and calves, and allow recovery between sessions. Tell your physiotherapist whether symptoms appear during a swing, after play or the next morning; that timing helps guide changes to volume and technique.

Stop playing and seek prompt care after a fall or collision that causes severe pain, deformity, inability to use an arm or bear weight, marked swelling, or suspected head or neck injury. Arrange an assessment for persistent night pain, increasing weakness, repeated joint giving-way or symptoms that are steadily worsening.

Ask: Which shots and court movements should I modify? Is my racket or grip contributing to the load? How can I maintain fitness while protecting the painful area? What should I complete before returning to competitive points? Which symptoms require imaging or urgent review?