Tennis

KNOSIS offers an integrated service for tennis players of all levels. In 2008 our therapists participated in the Olympic Games, taking care of the United States Tennis Team.  We have developed a thorough program to get athletes back on court and keep them playing at their highest level after injury. 

A thorough biomechanical evaluation of the serve, strokes, form and playing technique is essential to identifying the cause or contributing factors to pain, injury or poor play.  An assessment of flexibility, strength, power and control is crucial to devising a specific program to restore optimal performance.  In collaboration with your coach or tennis instructor, a therapist will link your physical limitations with your technical faults. 

During the last 20 years, the game of tennis has intensified and become more physically demanding.  It has progressed enormously with new playing techniques and changes in racket design.  The players are now stronger and faster than ever before while advancements in equipment technology have enabled players to produce velocities over 150mph.  Athletes are playing more from the back court and with open stances that permit the generation of greater forces.  Adding more power to the game has also increased injuries. 

Considering the demand of today’s tennis game, we focus on:  Flexibility, Control and Power. 

Flexibility

It is necessary to maintain flexibility in your legs and spine to support an efficient tennis technique.  Through manual therapy we can decrease your joint restrictions, improve range of motion, increase flexibility in your muscles and tendons.  Flexibility is key for rapid bursts and deep lunges when, for example, you have to return a low volley.  Accelerating after an abrupt stop is also a necessity for competitive edge.  As in a spring, if you have good flexibility and recoil, you can propel at much higher speeds and load your joints less.  We identify your limiting factors to develop this crucial aspect of your game. 

Control/Stability

Most shoulder, hip, knee and spine injuries in tennis are due to lack of balance and control with the muscles surrounding those joints.  Focusing on muscle strength throughout the necessary ranges of motion restores control to the most important joints for tennis.  Training the deep, local muscle system of the body gives you control and swiftness, allowing you to achieve a higher sense of bodily awareness for improved play.  To assist you in activating these deep muscles, we use Real Time Ultrasound Imaging as a biofeedback tool.  Roger Federer is an example of a player mastering the art of control. 

Power

By combining elements of flexibility and control we are able to achieve higher levels of power in your game.  Once we restore efficient patterns of movement, technique, strength, flexibility and control, you can achieve explosive, powerful movements on the court.  Continual assistance, through manual therapy, biomechanical analysis, and playing technique re-education will assure a constant growth of power in your game to optimize your play. 

Golf

KNOSIS offers an integrated service for golfers of all playing levels. 

Our aim is to prevent and eliminate pain as well as to enhance playing performance, longevity and enjoyment.  Specific assessment of the golfer’s posture, flexibility, stability, strength and power will form the foundation of his/her program.  With the golf coach or instructor, we will link physical limitations to swing faults.  KNOSIS therapists stay on the cutting-edge of golf rehabilitation and are closely associated with golf specialists such as The Golf Athlete, Golf Biodynamics, and FitforeGolf.   

Posture

Many of the postures that are assumed in the work environment may be detrimental to you as a golfer.  Working in front of computers predisposes the golfer to poor posture, both at address and throughout the golf swing.  It is imperative that posture be considered and that the golfer practice ideal posture and gait daily to see pain reduction and technical improvement. 

Flexibility

Flexibility in the thoracic spine, hip and shoulder is essential to the golfer.  Swing mechanics and technique, in part, determine flexibility.  If it is not sufficient to allow full torso, hip or shoulder range of motion, pain or inefficient power will result.  All golfers should have a well structured set of stretches for warm up, injury prevention and optimal driving distance throughout their playing years. 

Stability

The ability to control one’s body when balanced on one leg is key to have ideal weight transference during the golf swing.  Equally important is the ability to recruit the large muscles of the leg and trunk throughout the swing.  Weakness in these muscles can cause uncontrolled movement and increase stress on joints and nerves.  An independent routine of strengthening exercises is a priority when the golfer shows loss of control and tests weak in these muscles. 

Golfers and Back Pain

Back pain among golfers has almost reached epidemic proportions.  Professional golfers have the highest incidence of low back pain compared to all other professional athletes and back pain is the #1 injury among recreational golfers.  Several factors have contributed to the increase but irrespective of the cause, pain can be prevented, controlled and eliminated.  All it takes is some guidance and understanding, which is why we use the comprehensive Five Stage Back Care Program that was developed by world renowned golf researcher David Lindsay, BHMS, BPhty, Msc, CAT.