Common Badminton Injuries

In my experience, badminton injuries are either not serious at all or very serious! The common badminton injuries that I see from amateur badminton are usually torn muscles and ligaments. Let me explain further.

• The case of torn muscles and ligaments usually arises from an awkward twist of the body or arm. It can also result in an ankle ligament tear from twisting your body awkwardly on a static fixed foot. Common areas affected are the ankle, wrist, thoracic spine or knee. Treatment usually requires “R. I.C.E”, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation at the early stages followed by mobility, strength and balance exercises. The result is usually good once you follow the treatment protocol prescribed by your physiotherapist. Do not try to rehabilitate yourself if your pain lasts more than 24 hours – this is my usual rule of thumb!

• The severe injuries that I see in my own physio practice from badminton are usually anterior cruciate ligament tears to the knee OR shoulder dislocations. Both these injuries usually require surgery followed by an intense physiotherapy regime to allow you to return to badminton. Seek immediate medical attention if your knee injury is severe or you have dislocated your shoulder. Time will not heal them!

• Cruciate ligament tears are caused from severe twisting of the body on a fixed foot. Shoulder dislocations can result from an underlying weakness in your shoulder muscles or from an over stretch of your shoulder joint. You will know it if it happens to you!