More than 50% of power generated for a tennis serve originates from your lower limbs and pelvis. You might think that the stronger your shoulder the harder you will be able to hit the ball. Think again. This rule apply to all sport involving the upper body. To improve your upper body power and strength, you need to make sure your thighs, pelvis area and trunk is strong and flexible. You need to generate most of your force through the strongest part of your body.

The same rule apply when it comes to injuries of the shoulder. Sometimes therapists will focus just on the shoulder and upper body area. If you have pain or discomfort in your hip, you will not be able to generate the same amount of force from this area. Then you will put more strain on your shoulder to generate the same amount of force that the hip was supposed to. Then an overuse injury might occur.

Always assess holistically. Always strengthen and treat the body as a whole.

Karien Jordaan

M.Sc Sport Physiotherapy

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