Padel Boom in Dubai: Surge in Shoulder, Elbow & Back Rehab Needs

Padel Injury in Dubai | Driving Shoulder, Elbow & Back Injury | Padel has taken over Dubai—transforming from a niche racquet sport to a lifestyle movement with over 250 courts citywide. With luxury real estate developers building padel courts into residential communities, and fitness brands hosting tournaments every weekend, it’s no surprise that padel has become the sport of choice across all age groups.

But this explosive popularity has also led to an equally explosive rise in injuries—most notably in the shoulder, elbow, and lower back. Sports physio clinics across Dubai are reporting a spike in recreational and junior players seeking help for overuse injuries, muscle imbalances, and acute strains.

Why Padel is Causing a Rehab Boom

Unlike tennis, padel involves more frequent overhead shots, tighter court movement, and less recovery time between rallies.

Add in the fact that many players jump into the sport without building foundational strength or mobility, and you get:

Rotator cuff tendinitis
“Padel elbow” (similar to tennis elbow)
Lower back strain and disc irritation

Clinics like us are now offering padel-specific recovery protocols to help athletes return to the court faster—and smarter.

Pre-hab Routines by Player Level

Beginners (0–6 months of play):

10-minute warm-ups before matches: include shoulder rolls, thoracic spine rotations, and bodyweight squats
2x/week resistance band training for rotator cuff and scapular muscles
Emphasis on technique over power to reduce strain

Intermediate (6+ months):

30-minute bulletproofing circuits including:
- Dumbbell shoulder presses
- Pallof presses for core stability
- Prone YTWs for shoulder retraction
Use dynamic cool-downs post-match (leg swings, foam rolling)

Advanced & Juniors:

Quarterly musculoskeletal screening
Add posterior chain strength days: Romanian deadlifts, glute bridges, bird dogs
Partner with sports physios for movement assessments

Junior Padel Players: Early Screening is Crucial

Padel is growing among kids and teens in Dubai. But without proper development tracking, juniors risk long-term issues due to poor movement patterns or muscle imbalances.

What to look for:

One-sided strength or mobility
Rotational stiffness
Poor landing mechanics

Parents should ask for a padel-specific screen from their pediatric physio or sports specialist to prevent overuse injuries early.

When to Choose Shockwave, Dry Needling, or Rest

Choosing the right recovery modality can be tricky.

Always consult a licensed physiotherapist at Healthhub Clinic in Dubai before starting any intervention. Personalization matters—especially with complex or chronic issues.

Is Playing Padel Dangerous?

Playing padel is safe. It is not as dangerous as you think. Even children and their parents will enjoy this sport without worrying about any padel injuries!

Tennis injuries occur more rampantly because of the nature of the sport and the weight of its accessories.

Conclusion: Play Smart, Stay Injury-Free

Padel in Dubai is more than just a sport—it’s a social and fitness revolution. But if players don’t warm up properly, strengthen their support muscles, or listen to early signs of overuse, injuries can cut the fun short.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a junior star, or a seasoned pro, integrating prehab, smart training, and recovery is key to staying in the game.

As the padel scene keeps expanding, smart players are investing in their body as much as their gear.