I tore one of the rotator cuff tendons in my left shoulder six months ago. I faithfully went to physical therapy and did my exercise program for the first two months. Once the pain was gone and I could move the arm freely, I stopped doing the exercises. Is it safe now to sign up for tennis lessons?

If you still have full motion without pain or other symptoms, you are probably safe to begin tennis. There is a risk of future injury, but there is no way to predict this. Warming up before exercise or activity (including tennis) is always a good idea. Spend about five or 10 minutes stretching the muscles of both shoulders, and move your arms through various tennis motions gently and slowly.

Your therapist can retest the strength of your shoulder and prescribe a specific warm-up and exercise program for you. This may be a good way to prevent future injuries while still enjoying the fun of tennis.