Tennis and other racquet sports require strength, speed, and shoulder stability. Tennis players as overhead athletes, share similar injury risks with other throwing sports due to the repetitive overhead movements in their sport. If you’re feeling an ache deep in the back of your shoulder after a match, your infraspinatus muscle is sounding the alarm. This small but powerful muscle plays a big role in tennis performance—and it’s often the first to get overworked, especially in overhead athletes and those in throwing sports. At Cohen Trigger Point Therapy we see this pattern frequently and help athletes get ahead of the pain before it becomes chronic.

Introduction: Why Infraspinatus Matters in Tennis

When it comes to tennis the infraspinatus muscle is the real workhorse behind every big serve and precise overhead shot. As one of the 4 rotator cuff muscles—along with supraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor—the infraspinatus is essential for stabilizing the shoulder joint and allowing the complex movements that define the sport. Tennis players rely on this muscle not only for external rotation of the arm but also for optimal shoulder function throughout rapid repetitive play.

Because tennis involves high velocity swings and frequent overhead movements the infraspinatus muscle is constantly engaged making it particularly prone to overuse injuries such as strains, tendinitis and even tears. These types of shoulder injuries can sideline a player and disrupt the delicate balance of the rotator cuff affecting the entire kinetic chain that powers each stroke. Good kinetic chain function—where the legs, core and shoulder muscles work in harmony—is key to generating force and accuracy on the court. When the infraspinatus is compromised not only does performance suffer but the risk of further injury increases.

Understanding the role of the infraspinatus muscle in tennis is the first step to preventing injuries and long term joint health. By prioritizing the strength and function of all 4 rotator cuff muscles tennis players can protect their shoulders, improve their movement and keep their game at its best.

Biomechanical Aspects of Racquet Sports

Racquet sports like tennis place unique biomechanical demands on the body especially the shoulder joint. Every serve, volley and overhead shot requires a finely tuned sequence of movements with the infraspinatus muscle playing a central role in controlling external rotation and stabilizing the shoulder. For tennis players the dominant shoulder is exposed to repeated high stress movements and if the supporting muscles are not functioning optimally the risk of injury increases.

The kinetic chain—the coordinated action of the legs, hips, trunk and shoulder—must work seamlessly to generate the explosive power and speed needed for effective tennis strokes. Any weakness or imbalance in the infraspinatus muscle can disrupt this chain leading to compensatory movements, poor technique and a higher risk of shoulder injuries. Over time this can result in issues such as infraspinatus tears, labral pathology or chronic pain especially in the dominant shoulder.

Advanced diagnostic tools like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are invaluable for identifying infraspinatus tears and other shoulder injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Early detection allows for targeted treatment and rehabilitation helping athletes restore function and prevent further damage. By understanding the biomechanical challenges of racquet sports and the critical function of the infraspinatus muscle tennis players and coaches can implement strategies to maintain shoulder health, address weaknesses and optimize performance on the court.

What is the Infraspinatus Muscle?

The infraspinatus is one of four muscles that make up the rotator cuff and is located on the scapula (shoulder blade). This muscle attaches to the upper arm (humerus) and helps the shoulder function as a highly mobile joint allowing for a wide range of motion. Healthy joints are essential for optimal shoulder movement and performance.

It’s responsible for external rotation of your arm—essential for serving, swinging and controlling the racquet. It also plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder joint during dynamic movements. Because of its repetitive use in tennis it’s especially prone to fatigue and injury.

Can Playing Tennis Injure the Infraspinatus?

Repetitive Overhead Movements

Serving, including the tennis serve, overhead smashes and forceful topspin forehands all require external rotation. During the tennis serve especially in the cocking position phase the infraspinatus experiences significant stress as it contracts to stabilize and rotate the shoulder. Every time you do these movements your infraspinatus contracts to stabilize and rotate the shoulder. Over time this repetition leads to microtrauma which—without proper recovery—can accumulate into inflammation and strain.

Limitations in internal rotation can alter shoulder motion, disrupt proper movement patterns and increase the risk of injury during overhead activities like the tennis serve.

Poor Form or Equipment

Using the wrong grip size or playing with poor technique forces your body to compensate. These compensations often overload the rotator cuff especially the infraspinatus. Even slight inefficiencies in your stroke can have a major impact over weeks or months of play. Accurate diagnosis and the use of specific tests are important for identifying shoulder issues that result from poor form or equipment.

Muscle Imbalances & Compensation

In many players the chest and front shoulder muscles become dominant while the back-side muscles weaken. Weakness or dysfunction in muscles like the serratus anterior and levator scapulae can contribute to scapular instability and increase the risk of infraspinatus overuse. This imbalance causes the infraspinatus to work overtime to stabilize the shoulder increasing the risk of strain and dysfunction.

Trigger Points in the Infraspinatus

The infraspinatus is notorious for developing trigger points that cause referred pain to other areas such as the front of the shoulder pain, deltoid or even down the arm. Many players misattribute this referred pain to the biceps or shoulder joint itself. At Cohen Trigger Point Therapy we specialize in identifying these hidden referral patterns and resolving them before they escalate.

Symptoms of Infraspinatus Strain or Injury

• Infraspinatus pain can present with the following symptoms:
• Deep ache in the back of the shoulder
• Pain during external rotation (e.g., reaching back for a serve)
• Weakness or loss of power during overhead movements
• Discomfort when sleeping on the affected side
• Impingement symptoms such as pain when raising the arm overhead may also be present

How to Prevent Infraspinatus Injuries in Tennis Players

Proper Warm-Up and Cool DownStart with dynamic shoulder stretches and exercises to activate the rotator cuff as part of your warm-up. Post-game incorporate static stretches and targeted self-massage using a lacrosse ball to prevent stiffness and trigger point formation.

Strengthening Supporting Muscles

Rotator cuff weakness is important for injury prevention. Focusing on posterior deltoid, lower traps, rhomboids and core stability can help offload the infraspinatus. Include rows, external rotation exercises and scapular stabilizing drills in your training plan to maintain proper scapula function.

Regular Trigger Point Therapy

The best time to treat an injury is before it happens. Addressing shoulder dysfunction at an early stage can prevent more serious injuries and support long-term joint health. We work with athletes to release tension, prevent adhesions and improve shoulder mobility through precise trigger point therapy. This proactive care extends performance longevity and reduces downtime. In most cases early intervention leads to better outcomes and less downtime.

Listen to Your Body

Pain is information. If you feel soreness that persists beyond 48 hours or worsens during play patients should prioritize rest and seek care. At Cohen trigger point therapy we educate our patients on tuning into these signs and understanding the importance of rest during recovery to avoid long-term injury.

How Cohen Trigger Point Therapy Helps Tennis Players

Josh Cohen has years of experience working with tennis players, baseball players, pickleballers and racquetball enthusiasts, providing treatments tailored for overhead athletes. His method identifies biomechanical faults and muscular imbalances then uses hands-on therapy to restore balance and relieve pain. Every treatment plan includes personalized movement corrections, exercise and recovery strategies that support sustainable athletic performance. Physical therapy, exercise and other conservative treatments are prioritized before considering surgery or a surgical procedure.

Assessment includes evaluation for atrophy, shoulder dysfunction and shoulder problems as well as diagnosis of specific shoulder issues. The approach considers the entire kinetic chain including arms, elbow, trunk rotation and ankle and addresses issues on the dominant side. Mild strains are common and often resolve with conservative care.

We don’t just fix what’s hurting—we work to keep you injury-free for the long run with a focus on restoring motion and function as a key goal of treatment.

You don’t have to let tennis strain your infraspinatus. Know better, prevent better.

Book now with Cohen Trigger Point Therapy