Most common badminton injuries: conservative treatment options and prevention from the perspective of current evidence

Introduction: Badminton injuries are a relatively neglected issue despite the worldwide popularity of the sport. Methodology of the study search: This review article focuses on the literature and research on badminton injuries and conservative treatment options along with rehabilitation of these injuries. One of the objectives was to summarize the findings from available scientific studies published up until 2023. The search for relevant literature was performed in PubMed and Web of Science databases using the English equivalents of the keywords: badminton, injury, etiology, prevention, and physiotherapy. Results: A total of 51 studies were identified and used for the development of the article, which dealt with the risk factors of badminton injuries, their specific type and incidence (especially incidence and risk factors), the physiological demands of badminton, and treatment options for the injuries in question, with an emphasis on sports physiotherapy. Studies specifically addressing rehabilitation options and other conservative treatments for badminton players were not found. Rehabilitation options are based on current knowledge related to acute and chronic injuries in the sport in general. Discussion: From current evidence, progressive loading with elements of strength training to induce positive adaptive changes in the affected tissue appears to be an effective approach to overuse injuries. For example, elements of cryotherapy are widely used in sports physiotherapy, but there is insufficient evidence to support healing and regeneration of tendon pain. Injuries that result from an acute lack of tissue capacity to tolerate excessive load should be treated primarily with movement therapy with specific parameters. Specific rehabilitation procedures of the late phase of return to play are conditioned by the specifics of the sport, its biomechanics, and the particular type of injury. Conclusion: Although most injuries in badminton are treated conservatively, there is insufficient evidence relating to injury rehabilitation specifically for badminton players. The goal of treatment for badminton injuries is to reduce soreness, increase capacity, and improve coordination and balance. The premise of this article subsequently suggests options for injury prevention and conservative injury treatments with an emphasis on sports physiotherapy.