INSIDE

Players might not work out the rest of the week. “In the winter, it’s a little more difficult to do that.”

Also, they might not properly warm up for a game, but arrive at the club running late from traffic and immediately begin hitting a few balls before their allotted court time starts ticking away.

“That’s clearly less than the ideal,” he says. “You’re not warmed up appropriately.”

Instead, Dines says, a player should try to arrive early, warm up and get his or her heart rate going before play begins.

Those who play more frequently offer another set of challenges, Dines says.

Often younger players, especially students, follow a schedule that’s not always prudent.

Dines says playing for a school team might be combined with playing for a travel team, along with individual play.

“We’re seeing a lot more overuse injuries, especially in the younger age group. I see that in baseball players as well.”

In previous years, he says, students in particular would not only rest more between play but also cross-train instead of specializing.

Younger players are more prone to ankle sprains and knee injuries. As intensity progresses, these turn into rotator cuff concerns and tendonitis, affecting both the knee and elbow.

“Tennis or golfer’s elbow are just kind of injuries related to overuse,” Dines says.

He suggests players “use time wisely.” If you don’t have a match, still work out.

“Each season leads into the next,” he says, encouraging people to continue a fitness regime all year.

Training and lessons are also important.

“Doing things with incorrect technique or form predisposes you to injury.”

The most common problems include rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Dines has a particular interest in joint replacement, shoulder surgery and tendon injuries.

Should surgery be warranted, he can avail himself of the latest research and most cutting-edge techniques – no pun intended – in less invasive, arthroscopic approaches to shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle problems.

A love of the game

Dines enjoys working with the world’s top athletes.

“There’s cachet there. It’s fun. It’s celebrity.”

Dines, who was in Florida recently to address staffers from the White Plains-based United States Tennis Association, says his work in the sport keeps him busy.

“I was away like 40 days this year,” he says of his speaking schedule. “You kind of have to do it to stay relevant.”

But that doesn’t preclude the satisfaction he gets out of helping an amateur player of any age return to the game.

“It’s equally rewarding for me to get the high school or college player back.”

Still, his higher-profile work adds to his credibility in the eyes of some, he shares.

“If you’re treating the most elite athletes, it helps in treating the people who don’t have to get to that level.”

After all, if Dines can say he counseled Roddick to sit out a tournament, then it gives him credibility when telling future Federers that a break may be warranted.

To reach Joshua Dines, visit dinesorthopedics.com or call (516) 482-1037.