In-home physiotherapy for tennis in Geneva

Tennis is an asymmetric sport with repetitive high-load constraints. Most consultations are for overuse injuries, not acute trauma. This makes prevention particularly effective : you can anticipate before pain becomes disabling.

The Geneva profile

Our typical cabinet profile : 40-65, plays 2-4 times a week, intermediate to advanced level, pain installed for 2-8 weeks. Often a mix of overuse and suboptimal technique (often serve or backhand). The challenge isn’t so much treatment as modifying the trigger gesture.

The four main scenarios

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

Paradoxically, only 5-10% of cases really come from tennis. Most are work-related (computer, manual work). But for tennis players, the single-handed backhand and increased playing frequency are the most common triggers.

Treatment : eccentric exercises (Tyler protocol), gesture correction with coach when possible, sometimes equipment adaptation (grip, string tension, heavier racket).

Server’s shoulder

The serve loads the shoulder maximally : rapid internal then external rotation, forced elevation. With age, the rotator cuff wears and the “50+ server” combination often gives subacromial impingement or tendinopathy.

Treatment : scapular fixator strengthening, isometric then eccentric cuff work, postural training, sometimes corticosteroid injection (discuss with doctor), exceptionally surgery. Serve gesture work is essential.

Player’s lower back pain

The serve loads lumbar extension repeatedly. For a player serving 60-80 times per match, the addition counts. Acute back pain mid-match : often a decompensation of an old muscle imbalance (glute weakness or core weakness).

Treatment : classic acute phase, then deep core strengthening (transverse, multifidus), glute work, hip stretching. Return is gradual : 1 set, then 1 match, then tournament.

Patellar tendinopathy

Repeated braking on clay and pivoting load the patellar tendon. Pain at the kneecap base. Untreated, can chronicise and limit play.

Treatment : eccentric protocol (single-leg squat with slow descent), load adaptation, sometimes shockwave for chronic cases. Return-to-play progression is key.

Prevention angle for regular players

• Sport-specific strengthening 1x/week : shoulders, core, legs.
• 10-15 min warmup before every session.
• Progressive volume : do not jump from 2 to 5 sessions/week.
• Annual technical review with your coach : a well-executed serve or backhand preserves you.
• Adapted equipment : racket weight and balance, string tension.