🏸 Padel Shoulder: Causes, Prevention, and Rehabilitation

Padel’s Rapid Rise — and the Risk of Shoulder Injury

Padel has exploded in popularity across the UK. According to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), it’s now the fastest-growing sport in the world — and by the end of 2023, Sport England reported that more than 50,000 people had played padel in England alone.

As participation soars, so does the number of players experiencing shoulder injuries, particularly a condition known as padel shoulder.

At TA Physiotherapy, we specialise in sports injury rehabilitation, helping padel players recover quickly, regain full range of motion, and build the strength to stay pain-free long-term.

What Is Padel Shoulder?

Padel shoulder is an overuse and overload injury caused by the sport’s repetitive overhead shots, smashes, and serves. The constant strain can irritate the rotator cuff tendons, leading to pain, weakness, and restricted movement.

You may have padel shoulder if you experience:

• Shoulder pain during or after play
• Weakness or fatigue lifting the arm
• Pain radiating down the upper arm
• Difficulty performing overhead shots or serves

Without proper treatment, these symptoms can progress into rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement, or even partial tears.

Common Causes of Padel Shoulder

1️⃣ Poor Technique

Improper racquet grip or follow-through transfers excessive load to the shoulder joint. Coaching and biomechanical assessment can identify inefficient movement patterns early.

2️⃣ Repetitive Overhead Movements

Frequent serves and smashes demand powerful rotation through the shoulder and upper spine. When fatigue sets in, technique often breaks down — increasing the risk of strain.

3️⃣ Weak Shoulder and Scapular Muscles

A stable shoulder requires strong rotator cuff, scapular, and core control. Weakness here can cause overload during explosive padel shots.

4️⃣ Skipping Warm-Ups

Starting a match cold dramatically increases injury risk. Dynamic warm-ups — like shadow swings or band-based activation drills — prepare muscles and joints for the intensity of play.

How to Prevent Padel Shoulder

✅ Warm Up & Cool Down

Begin with light cardio and dynamic stretching before each session, followed by a gentle cool-down. This primes the muscles for movement and aids recovery afterwards.

✅ Build Strength & Stability

Target the rotator cuff, shoulder blades, and core to increase joint control.

Our strength & conditioning for injury prevention programmes are ideal for padel, tennis, and racket-sport athletes.

✅ Refine Your Technique

Improving swing mechanics reduces unnecessary strain. A 3D movement analysis can highlight biomechanical inefficiencies and optimise your shoulder loading.

✅ Stay Hydrated and Energised

Fuel your body before play with balanced nutrition and hydrate consistently throughout matches to prevent fatigue-related form breakdowns.

When to Seek Treatment

If shoulder pain lingers for more than a few days or interferes with your performance, it’s time for a sports physiotherapy assessment.

Ignoring pain often leads to chronic inflammation and longer recovery times.

At TA Physiotherapy, we use evidence-based rehab to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence.

Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy for Padel Shoulder

Our MSK Specialist Physiotherapists design tailored rehab programmes focused on mobility, stability, and power. Typical treatment plans include:

• Manual therapy and soft-tissue release
• Rotator cuff strengthening (external rotation, pulldowns, lat raises)
• Core and postural training
• Load progression and return-to-sport testing

We also collaborate with orthopaedic specialists when imaging or surgical opinion is required — ensuring complete, multidisciplinary care.

Learn more about our return-to-sport physiotherapy pathways for competitive and recreational athletes.

Why Choose TA Physiotherapy for Padel Injury Rehab?

• Specialist sports and orthopaedic physiotherapists
• Clinics across Hampstead Heath, Crouch End, Marylebone, and Badgemore Park Golf Club
• Access to advanced gait and motion analysis technology
• Individualised rehab plans focused on long-term prevention

Our aim is simple — get you back on court stronger, more confident, and performing better than before.

Book Your Padel Physiotherapy Assessment Today

Shoulder pain shouldn’t stop you enjoying your game. Whether you’re a weekend player or a regular competitor, early physiotherapy intervention makes recovery faster and more effective.

➡️ Book your Padel Injury Assessment with TA Physiotherapy today — and let’s get you back to peak performance.