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Sports Physiotherapy

Sports physiotherapist David Ruth assessing a patient at Dorset Sports Physio, Advantage Padel, Christchurch

Sports physiotherapy at Dorset Sports Physio is specialist assessment, diagnosis and hands-on treatment for racquet sport injuries. Based at Advantage Padel in Mudeford, Christchurch, the clinic is led by David Ruth, a chartered physiotherapist specialising in the injuries that affect pickleball, padel and tennis players. No GP referral is needed, you can book directly online.

Whether you are carrying a long-standing tennis elbow, a shoulder niggle that flares every time you serve, or an Achilles that stiffened up after your last match, treatment starts from the very first appointment. David combines clinical assessment with a deep understanding of racquet sport mechanics, so rehab plans are specific to your sport, your position on court and your goals, not a generic exercise sheet.

Benefits of sports physiotherapy

Most racquet sport injuries are overuse injuries that build slowly and are easy to play through, until they are not. Early physiotherapy intervention gets to the root cause rather than managing symptoms, shortens recovery time, and reduces the chance of the same injury recurring. Dorset Sports Physio is based inside Advantage Padel in Christchurch, which means assessment and court-based testing happen in the same place you play.
Physiotherapy rehabilitation for a racquet sport player at Advantage Padel, Christchurch, Dorset

Accurate diagnosis, not guesswork

A thorough physical assessment identifies the true cause of your pain. You leave your first appointment knowing exactly what is wrong and what to do about it.

Faster return to play

Evidence-based rehab progressions get you back on court safely and quickly, with court-side testing at Advantage Padel before you return to competitive play.

Break the injury cycle

Recurring elbow, shoulder or knee problems usually have an underlying cause. Treatment addresses mechanics and load, not just the painful area, so injuries stop coming back.

Every treatment plan is built around your sport and your schedule. Sessions can combine hands-on therapy, rehabilitation exercise and, where helpful, coaching input on the technique habits that may be driving your injury.

Treatment areas

Dorset Sports Physio treats the full range of musculoskeletal injuries common in racquet sports, from acute strains to long-standing tendon problems and post-surgical return to play. The conditions listed below represent the most common presentations, but if your injury is not listed, get in touch, if it is a muscle, tendon, joint or movement problem, we can help.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow treatment for a pickleball player at Dorset Sports Physio, Christchurch
Knee pain assessment and treatment for a racquet sport player at Dorset Sports Physio, Christchurch

Knee Pain

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain assessment for a racquet sport player at Dorset Sports Physio, Christchurch

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain treatment for a racquet sport player at Dorset Sports Physio, Christchurch
Achilles tendinopathy treatment for a court sport athlete at Dorset Sports Physio

Achilles & Calf

Wrist Strains

Wrist strain assessment and treatment for a racquet sport player at Dorset Sports Physio, Christchurch
David Ruth, sports physiotherapist and pickleball coach, founder of Dorset Sports Physio at Advantage Padel, Christchurch
Not sure if physiotherapy is right for you? Book a free 15-minute phone consultation

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about sports physiotherapy in Christchurch? We’ve answered the most common ones below.
Q1. Do I need a GP referral for sports physiotherapy?
No. You can book directly with Dorset Sports Physio without a GP referral. Self-referral is straightforward: choose your appointment type online, pick a time that suits you, and come to the clinic at Advantage Padel in Christchurch.
our first appointment is a full assessment. David will take a detailed history of your injury, carry out a physical examination, explain what is causing your pain in plain language, and agree a treatment plan with you before you leave. Treatment typically begins in the same session.
Yes. Tennis elbow is the most common pickleball injury and is closely linked to grip pressure, paddle weight and stroke mechanics. A coaching session can identify and correct the technique habits most likely to cause elbow problems before they develop. If you already have elbow pain, the physiotherapy service can treat it alongside your coaching.
In most cases, yes. Completely stopping play is rarely necessary and can prolong recovery. David will advise on load management – how much to play, what to modify and when to progress – so you stay active while the injury heals.
Many private health insurers cover physiotherapy. Check your policy documents and contact your insurer directly to confirm cover before your appointment.