Page 29 - Waterfall City SeptOct Issue 2025

dramatically increases injury risk,” she elevate their game and avoid injury. often with sand infill, and requires
says. lateral grip and ankle support.
The individualised training Running shoes and general trainers
“Most padel-related injuries – programme, integrated with are unsuitable, increasing the risk
especially to the knees and calves pneumatic resistance equipment, of slipping or ankle rolls. Footwear
– happen early in matches when cold offers safe, measurable strength designed specifically for padel, or
muscles are pushed too hard, too training for all ages, including arm clay tennis surfaces offers the best
fast. Her advice: start every session and shoulder control exercises, lower protection. Recent Spanish data
with 10 minutes of active movement, limb stability and single-leg balance suggests that hybrid or omni-soles
including light jogging, mobility drills, eccentric tendon loading such may reduce impact forces compared
drills, and dynamic stretching. After as controlled heel drops, and trunk to full herringbone designs,” he says.
the game, static stretching of the rotation work to support the agility
legs, forearms, and lower back helps required for padel. It is also especially “By combining smart training, proper
prevent tightness and speed up effective for improving strength preparation, suitable footwear, and
recovery.” without overstraining joints. evidence-based rehabilitation, players
of all ages can enjoy padel while
The structured smart training Dr Naidoo points out that appropriate minimising injury risk. Whether you’re
programme, provided at Netcare padel footwear is another critical playing socially or competitively,
Waterfall City Hospital, combines piece of the injury prevention puzzle. whether you’re 25 or 65, playing smart
education with hands-on training, today can help you stay on court and
ideal for padel players looking to “Padel is played on synthetic turf, pain free for years to come.”

Waterfall City Sept/Oct 2025 27