Why padel players are landing at physiotherapy

Padel, a racket sport that merges aspects of squash and tennis, has gained popularity in India over the past few years. As the number of courts has increased from around 100 in 2023 to approximately 500, and the number of players has risen from 1,000 to 100,000, physiotherapists are seeing a corresponding rise in injuries among recreational players.

Yash Mathur, a 33-year-old from Delhi, experienced this firsthand when he suffered a recurring Achilles tendon injury after playing padel for over a year. His physiotherapist helped him create a tailored exercise routine to strengthen the affected muscles. Mathur now plays padel two to three times a week, emphasizing the importance of proper warm-ups and cool-downs.

Christopher Pedra, a sports medicine expert, explains that padel's low barrier to entry doesn't mean it's low-impact. The sport requires acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction, which can lead to injuries, especially in beginners. Pedra estimates that padel injuries have doubled over the past two years, accounting for around 30% of his cases among recreational players.

Sports physiotherapist Dr. Paridhi Ojha has also observed a surge in padel-related injuries, attributing it to inadequate warm-ups, improper footwear, and the social nature of the sport. Players often underestimate the intensity of their sessions and stay on the court for extended periods, leading to overexertion. Ojha recommends at least 15 minutes of warming up and stretching, appropriate footwear, and focusing on core and cross-chain strength to prevent injuries.

Physiotherapists like Dr. Richa Mishra have seen a significant increase in padel-related injuries, with her clinic treating around 50-60% of sports-injury patients, mostly between the ages of 20 and 45. The most common complaints include ankle sprains and tennis elbow, with more serious injuries such as rotator cuff tears also rising. Mishra notes that many patients are repeat offenders, highlighting the importance of proper preparation and training to avoid recurrent injuries.