Tennis Physiotherapy

Tennis Physiotherapy - Recover Faster, Play Stronger, Prevent Injuries
Our sports physiotherapists help tennis players of all levels manage pain, recover from injuries, and improve performance through targeted rehabilitation and biomechanical correction.
Why Tennis Is Physically Demanding

Tennis places unique stresses on the body due to its combination of high-velocity swings, rapid court movement, rotational power, and repetitive strokes. These demands often overload the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knees, and lower back.
Common movement patterns that contribute to injuries:
- Powerful overhead serves - high load on the shoulder & rotator cuff
- Repetitive forehand/backhand swings - elbow and wrist strain
- Sudden sprints, stops & pivots - knee and ankle overload
- Rotational trunk movements - spinal and core fatigue
Understanding these mechanics helps us design more accurate and effective physiotherapy treatment plans.
Common Tennis Injuries We Treat
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Overuse of the forearm muscles from repetitive backhand strokes causes micro-tears at the elbow tendon, leading to pain and reduced grip strength.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
More common in players with strong forehand mechanics or heavy topspin; causes pain on the inner elbow during gripping and swinging.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy / Tear
The serve and overhead shots place intense load on the rotator cuff. Weakness or fatigue can lead to inflammation, impingement, or partial tears.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Poor posture, tight chest muscles, or incorrect serve mechanics can compress shoulder structures, causing pain in overhead motions.

Wrist Tendinitis
Frequent topspin strokes and improper racket grip often strain wrist tendons, causing swelling and reduced stroke control.

Knee Pain (Patellar Tendinitis / Meniscus Stress)
Jumping during serves, sudden directional changes, and lunging can irritate patellar tendons or stress the meniscus.

Lower Back Strain / Facet Joint Pain
Repetitive spinal rotation during serves and groundstrokes often leads to stiffness, muscle tightness, and nerve irritation.

Ankle Sprains
Rapid lateral movements and sudden stops increase instability and ligament sprains.
How Physiotherapy Supports Tennis Players

As treatment/management will be based on your goals, be it recovery or improving performance, physiotherapy can help to support you even when you are not experiencing pain!
A. Injury Prevention
We help tennis players avoid common racket-sport injuries through:
- Movement screening to identify biomechanical risks
- Flexibility programmes for optimal stroke efficiency
- Load management guidance (volume, intensity, recovery cycles)
- Footwear, racket grip & equipment advice
- Energy efficiency & technique refinement with movement coaching
- Plyometric training for short busts in tennis sessions
These reduce potential strains on joints and tendons by improving stroke efficiency.
B. Injury Recovery & Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation
If you're already injured, we help you recover safely and return to play stronger. Methods that may be applied include:
- Manual therapy (soft tissue release, joint mobilisation)
- Deep tissue massage to relieve tightness in the forearm, shoulder, hips, and back
- Sports massage to improve circulation and reduce match-related muscle fatigue
- Electrotherapy to reduce pain and support neuromuscular activation
- Joint mobilisation to restore shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, and ankle movement
- Progressive strengthening for upper limb endurance and lower limb power
- Tennis-specific return-to-play progression for serves, groundstrokes, and court movement
- Myofascial release for overloaded muscles affecting stroke mechanics and footwork
- Ultrasound therapy to accelerate healing of tendon and soft tissue injuries where appropriate
These will be coupled with rehabilitative exercises, tailored management plans and follow up care to ensure that in addition to you staying on track with your progress and recovery, you can also prevent injuries in the future.
Common Tennis Performance Issues Physiotherapy Can Improve
Many tennis players struggle with performance limitations that are not injuries, but still affect consistency, power, and endurance. Sports physiotherapy addresses these issues by improving movement efficiency, strength balance, and physical control on court.

Reduced Serve Power or Fatigue During Matches
A weak kinetic chain, poor shoulder endurance, or limited trunk rotation can reduce serve speed and cause early fatigue. Physiotherapy improves shoulder stability, core strength, and energy transfer from the legs to the upper body, resulting in more powerful and sustainable serves.
Poor Court Coverage and Slow Direction Changes
Inefficient footwork, weak hip control, or limited ankle mobility can slow lateral movement. Physiotherapy enhances agility, lower limb strength, and coordination, allowing faster reactions and smoother transitions across the court.
Loss of Consistency Late in Matches
Many players experience declining performance as fatigue sets in. This is often due to poor muscular endurance, inefficient movement patterns, or weak postural control. Physiotherapy improves stamina, energy efficiency, and postural endurance to help maintain performance throughout long matches.
Weak Rotational Power for Forehands and Backhands
Limited thoracic spine mobility or insufficieant core strength can reduce stroke power and control. Physiotherapy restores rotational mobility and strengthens the core to improve shot efficiency and power generation.
Shoulder or Arm Fatigue Without Pain
Even without injury, repetitive strokes can overload the shoulder and forearm muscles, leading to early fatigue. Physiotherapy improves muscular endurance, scapular control, and recovery capacity so players can train and compete longer.
Poor Balance During Wide Shots and Lunges
Loss of balance during stretched shots often comes from weak hip stabilisers or poor proprioception. Physiotherapy improves balance, joint stability, and body awareness, helping players recover faster between shots.
Inefficient Movement Leading to Unnecessary Energy Loss
Small biomechanical inefficiencies in footwork, posture, or stroke mechanics can waste energy. Physiotherapy refines movement patterns so players move more efficiently and conserve energy during play.
Reduced Flexibility Affecting Stroke Range
Tight hips, shoulders, or spine can limit stroke reach and fluidity. Physiotherapy improves flexibility and joint mobility, allowing smoother strokes and better reach without strain.
Difficulty Returning to Previous Performance After a Layoff
After time away from tennis, many players feel slower or weaker even without pain. Physiotherapy helps rebuild strength, coordination, and timing safely to restore match readiness.
Plateau in Performance Despite Regular Training
When performance stalls, the issue is often physical rather than technical. Physiotherapy identifies hidden movement limitations or strength imbalances that may be holding performance back.
What to Expect During Your Tennis Physio Session
1. Comprehensive Assessment
- Tennis-specific movement analysis
- Serve, forehand, backhand & footwork evaluation
- Strength, mobility & flexibility testing
- Grip size & racket technique review
- Injury history & playing intensity assessment
2. Personalised Plan for Injury or Performance
- Manual therapy & myofascial release
- Ultrasound therapy
- Taping or bracing for stability
- Strength & conditioning programme
- Mobility corrections
- Home exercise plan with progress tracking
3. Long-Term Prevention
- Correct serve and stroke mechanics
- Warm-up & cool-down recommendations
- Training load management
- Equipment recommendations
- Injury monitoring schedule
Meet Our Physiotherapists

Chin Yi Khern
Physiotherapist
BPT (Curtin)
Languages Spoken: English, 中文
Special Interest: Musculoskeletal conditions, Sports Medicine
Why Choose Regis Wellness Physiotherapy

Ready to play tennis without pain and improve performance?
Book your Tennis Physiotherapy session today and get back to serving strong.
Locate our Physiotherapy Clinic
Regis Wellness Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** We will end registration 45 mins before the displayed closing time above. Please make an appointment in advance to avoid disappointment.