Explain how the muscular and nervous systems are affected when a tennis player repeatedly serves with poor technique, and describe appropriate first aid responses. (5 marks)
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- Rotator cuff muscles strain from repetitive overuse and incorrect loading patterns during the serve action. This occurs because poor technique places excessive stress on shoulder stabilisers, leading to micro-tears in muscle fibres and inflammation.
- Neural pathways activate continuous pain responses through the peripheral nervous system as protective feedback. This triggers muscle guarding and altered movement patterns, which creates a cycle of compensation and further tissue damage.
- Localised inflammation in the shoulder region compresses surrounding nerves and blood vessels. Consequently, the player experiences referred pain down the arm and reduced range of motion, preventing normal serving mechanics.
- First aid requires immediate ice application in 20-minute intervals with compression bandaging. This works by causing vasoconstriction to reduce blood flow and swelling, thereby limiting inflammatory response and pain signals.
- A 48-72 hour rest period from serving is essential while maintaining gentle mobility exercises. This combination enables tissue repair without complete immobilisation, which prevents adhesions and maintains flexibility for return to play.
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Sample Answer
- Rotator cuff muscles strain from repetitive overuse and incorrect loading patterns during the serve action. This occurs because poor technique places excessive stress on shoulder stabilisers, leading to micro-tears in muscle fibres and inflammation.
- Neural pathways activate continuous pain responses through the peripheral nervous system as protective feedback. This triggers muscle guarding and altered movement patterns, which creates a cycle of compensation and further tissue damage.
- Localised inflammation in the shoulder region compresses surrounding nerves and blood vessels. Consequently, the player experiences referred pain down the arm and reduced range of motion, preventing normal serving mechanics.
- First aid requires immediate ice application in 20-minute intervals with compression bandaging. This works by causing vasoconstriction to reduce blood flow and swelling, thereby limiting inflammatory response and pain signals.
- A 48-72 hour rest period from serving is essential while maintaining gentle mobility exercises. This combination enables tissue repair without complete immobilisation, which prevents adhesions and maintains flexibility for return to play.