Padel is played on a court smaller than tennis, with walls that keep the ball in play: this multiplies sudden changes of direction and shots involving wrist and elbow rotation. That’s what makes it a very accessible sport, yet demanding for the ankles and arm joints. HOPP was designed by FIFA-certified sports physios to help you understand your injury and get back to it without getting hurt a second time.
The most common padel injuries
Frequent changes of direction and repeated shots expose you to specific injuries of the elbow, ankle and shoulder.
The most common, and why
Tennis elbow
— very common in padel, linked to vibrations from the rigid racket and repeated shots.Ankle sprain
— linked to sudden changes of direction on a smaller court.Shoulder tendinitis
— overuse from repeated smashes and serves.Calf muscle injury
— common during explosive movements and sudden stops.Golf elbow
— less common than tennis elbow, but present in some player profiles.
Find your padel injury
8 padel-related injuries are covered by the HOPP app. Select the one that matches your situation to access dedicated content: how the injury happens, the likely cause, and a suitable programme.
Not sure exactly what you have?
Take the HOPP test and get a clear answer about your injury.
Cause #1: unsuitable shot technique or equipment
Lack of warm-up, poor footwork: these factors play a role, but the most common cause of padel injuries lies elsewhere. In the vast majority of cases, it’s a racket that’s too rigid, a poorly adjusted grip, or a flawed shot technique that transmits excessive strain to the elbow and wrist.
The most common mistakes
Playing with a racket that’s too rigid or unsuited to your level
Increasing playing frequency too quickly
Neglecting to warm up the forearms before the first rallies
Repeating a flawed shot technique without correction
HOPP physio tip
before blaming just your elbow, the first question to ask yourself is almost always the same: are my racket and shot technique suited to my level? That’s the factor most often at fault, and also the easiest to fix once identified.
The risks of doing nothing
Continuing to play without understanding what’s going on is never a good strategy. Without proper care, a padel injury almost always follows the same script.
What you risk without proper care
An injury that gets worse if you keep playing without adjusting your load
A longer recovery period than with prompt care
A higher risk of relapse on your return, if the cause hasn’t been treated
HOPP takes care of every padel player profile
A dedicated tournament player, a casual player with friends, someone discovering padel after tennis: every profile has different needs, but none is left out by HOPP.
The profiles HOPP supports
How HOPP supports you, day after day
Since technique and equipment are the leading causes of padel injuries, it’s also the first thing HOPP helps you manage better. Every morning, you indicate how you feel, and your programme adjusts accordingly: a bit more load if all is well, a bit less if the area is complaining. The programme helps you find the right rhythm, match after match.
Good to know
HOPP is an injury information tool designed by sports physiotherapists. It doesn’t replace a doctor’s opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Does HOPP replace a medical consultation?
No. HOPP is an injury information tool designed by sports physiotherapists, it doesn’t replace a doctor’s opinion. It gives you clear, quick guidance to understand your situation and know how to act, and directs you to a professional if needed.
Do I need to stop padel completely during the programme?
Not necessarily. The programme adapts to your injury and how you feel each day: depending on the case, playing frequency may be reduced or certain shots adapted, rather than stopped all at once.
I’m just starting out in padel, is HOPP right for me?
Yes. The programme is calibrated to your actual practice, whether you’re just starting out or have been playing competitively for years. It’s not designed only for experienced players.
How long before I feel an improvement?
It depends on the injury and how long you’ve had it. You get a first clear explanation in 3 minutes, then the care programme gives you a realistic return trajectory, adjusted every day based on how you feel.
What if my condition doesn’t improve with the programme?
You can talk it through by teleconsultation with an expert sports physiotherapist to review your situation. HOPP also directs you to a medical consultation if your symptoms require it.
Is the 3-minute test really free?
Yes, the test that explains your injury is free and with no commitment. You then freely choose whether you want to start a suitable care programme.
Ready to get back to padel without delay?
Start your personalised programme today, without waiting.