Why are injuries so frequent and which players are most at risk?. Padel is appealing… but it exposes you more than you might think..

Raphael Tournier, State-certified Physiotherapist, Training Supervisor at the Vichy Physiotherapy Training Institute, returns to this matter.

Padel has been experiencing a surge in popularity for several years now. exceptional growth in FranceEasy to access, user-friendly, and spectacular, it attracts a wide audience, often from other racket sports or complete novices. This rapid democratization has largely contributed to its success… but it also comes with a reality that is still too rarely discussed: Padel is a sport with a high risk of injury.

Contrary to popular belief, padel is not a "gentle" version of tennis. The mechanical stresses associated with short, explosive movements, constant changes of direction, and repeated overhead shots make it a physically demanding sport. one of the most traumatic racket sports for the body, particularly among amateur players.

Scientific data is now well established.

Two recent French studies, conducted on populations of amateur and competitive players, converge on worrying but consistent figures:

  • 52% of French padel players report having suffered at least one injury in the last 12 months
  • The incidence rate is estimated at 5,4 injuries per 1,000 hours of play.
  • The risk of injury is 3 to 6 times higher than that observed in tennis, across all categories

This data should not be interpreted as an alarm signal, but as a understanding toolThe faster a sport develops, the more essential it becomes to support its practice with better information.

Why does padel expose players to so many injuries?

The frequency of injuries in padel can be explained by a combination of factors specific to this sport:

  • short, repeated, and explosive movements, often without recovery
  • rapid trunk rotations, sometimes poorly mastered technically
  • A intense strain on the lower limbs and shoulders
  • extended gameplay sequenceswith few lulls
  • A large proportion of players resuming a sporting activity without adequate preparation

In the vast majority of cases, The injury was not accidental.but the consequence of an imbalance between the constraints imposed on the body and its ability to respond to them.

A particularly exposed population of practitioners

The typical profile of an injured padel player regularly appears in studies and field experience:

  • Our Players adults over 35 years old
  • Former athletes (tennis, football, squash) returning to sport
  • Practical intensive but irregular (high volumes over short periods)
  • Lack of specific physical preparation
  • Insufficient or absent warm-up
  • Underestimated recovery

Padel often gives the illusion that one can play "without physical fitness". It is precisely this false impression that explains a significant portion of the injuries observed.

Inform to play better, not to give up

It is essential to remember this: Padel remains a fantastic sportAccessible and beneficial to health when practiced intelligently. Like a seatbelt in a car, Prevention does not limit the practice, it prolongs it.

Understanding the risks allows you to:

  • Adjusting your playing volume
  • Better structure your warm-up
  • Respect recovery times
  • Adjust your equipment
  • Identifying your own bodily warning signs

The majority of padel injuries are avoidable with simple, progressive and consistent adjustments.

In the next episode :
The most frequent injuries in padel, the most affected body areas and why some recurring systematically.

Raphael Tournier

Physiotherapist, Training Manager at the Vichy Physiotherapy Training Institute, but above all a padel fanatic!

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