
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson
Eye injuries
Squash has one of the highest rates of eye injuries among racquet sports because the ball travels very fast in a confined space. Injuries can include:
- Corneal scratches
- Bruising inside the eye
- Bleeding in the front of the eye
- Retinal injuries
- Permanent vision loss in severe cases
Protective eyewear that meets squash safety standards is strongly recommended, even for recreational players.

Squash Injuries & Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine
Here are the most common squash injuries:
| Injury | Typical symptoms | Common cause |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle sprain | Pain, swelling, instability | Landing awkwardly or changing direction quickly |
| Tennis elbow | Pain on the outside of the elbow | Repetitive backhand strokes and gripping the racquet |
| Achilles tendinopathy | Heel pain and stiffness | Repeated sprinting and lunging |
| Patellar tendinopathy | Pain below the kneecap | Frequent jumping and explosive movement |
| Rotator cuff injury | Shoulder pain with overhead swings | Repetitive hitting |
| Hamstring strain | Sudden pain in the back of the thigh | Fast acceleration or overstretching |
| Groin strain | Pain in the inner thigh | Deep lunges and lateral movement |
| Plantar fasciitis | Heel pain, especially in the morning | Repetitive impact on hard courts |
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson

Mental health and badminton injuries are connected in several ways. An injury can affect an athlete’s psychological well-being, while mental health can influence injury risk, recovery, and return to play.
How injuries affect mental health
Common psychological responses after a badminton injury include:
- Frustration and disappointment from being unable to train or compete.
- Anxiety about losing fitness, ranking, or skill.
- Low mood or symptoms of depression, especially during long recoveries.
- Fear of reinjury, which can make players hesitant when returning to court.
- Reduced confidence and changes in athletic identity, particularly for competitive players.
The risk tends to be higher when injuries require extended time away from sport or surgery.
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson
Head and facial injuries
Players can be struck by:
- The ball
- An opponent’s racquet
- An opponent during movement around the court
These impacts may cause cuts, bruises, dental injuries, or occasionally a Concussion.
Back injuries
Rapid twisting and repeated bending can contribute to:
- Muscle strains
- Lumbar disc herniation (less common)
- Mechanical low back pain
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson

Physiotherapist Carl Peterson
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson
How to reduce your risk
- Warm up for 10–15 minutes before playing.
- Improve leg and core strength to support quick directional changes.
- Wear squash-specific shoes with good grip and lateral support.
- Replace worn-out shoes to maintain traction and stability.
- Use certified protective eyewear.
- Increase playing intensity gradually if returning after a break.
- Stay hydrated and rest if you notice persistent pain rather than playing through it.
When to seek medical care
You should be evaluated promptly if you have:
- Severe pain or inability to bear weight
- A joint that looks deformed
- Significant swelling immediately after injury
- Eye pain, blurred vision, or any eye injury from a ball or racquet (this should be treated as urgent)
- Symptoms of a concussion, such as loss of consciousness, persistent headache, vomiting, confusion, or worsening drowsiness
- Pain that doesn’t improve after several days of rest or repeatedly returns when you play
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson

Physiotherapist Carl Peterson
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson
Physiotherapist Carl Peterson
