Padel Power: Play Hard, Stay Injury-Free

Padel: The Fast-Growing Sport and How to Stay Injury-Free

Padel has taken Australia by storm, and here in Perth, more and more people are hitting the courts for a fun, fast-paced workout. Played on a smaller, enclosed court, this sport blends elements of tennis and squash. Players use a padel ball—a slightly less pressurised version of a tennis ball—which provides a lower, slower bounce, perfect for quick reflexes and fast rallies.

While padel is incredibly enjoyable and great for fitness, the high-intensity movements can lead to injuries if you’re not careful. Some of the most common injuries we see include:

• Upper limb issues: Tennis elbow, shoulder tendinopathy, and wrist strains from repetitive strokes and overhead shots.
• Lower limb injuries: Ankle sprains, knee problems such as patellar tendinopathy, and Achilles strains from sudden direction changes, sprints, and lunges.
• Back strains: Lower back discomfort caused by twisting, bending, or stretching for shots.
• Other injuries: Calf strains, blisters, and hand irritation from prolonged play.

Treatments Available at Joondalup Sports Medicine

Our Sports Doctors and allied health team offer a range of evidence-based treatments to get you back on court safely and efficiently, including:

• Physiotherapy and exercise rehabilitation to restore strength, mobility, and function.
• Sports injections such as corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for tendon and joint injuries.
• Diagnostic imaging including ultrasound or X-ray for accurate injury assessment.
• Pain management strategies tailored to your condition.
• Preventative programs to reduce the risk of re-injury, including strength and conditioning plans, movement analysis, and technique advice.

Preventing injuries also comes down to preparation and care. Warm up thoroughly, maintain strong core and leg muscles, use correct technique, and ensure your footwear provides the right support for sudden stops and pivots.

At Joondalup Sports Medicine, we are dedicated to keeping you active and enjoying your sport safely. Don’t let a niggle turn into a long-term problem—book a consultation with our Sports Doctor team today and take the first step towards optimising your performance.

📞 Call us on 08 6388 4446 or book online

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