Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court similar to a tennis court but smaller in size, with a lower net, and using paddles and a plastic ball with holes. The sport was invented in the mid-1960s by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum in the United States.
In terms of common injuries and soreness associated with pickleball, players may experience various conditions due to the repetitive nature of the sport and the quick lateral movements involved. Some of the common injuries and soreness in pickleball include:
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This is an overuse injury characterized by pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow. It can be caused by repetitive backhand strokes or improper paddle grip.
- Shoulder Injuries: Due to the overhead shots and serves in pickleball, players may develop shoulder issues such as rotator cuff strains, impingement syndrome, or bursitis.
- Knee Injuries: The quick lateral movements and changes in direction can put stress on the knees, leading to conditions like patellar tendonitis or meniscus tears.
- Ankle Sprains: The agility required in pickleball increases the risk of ankle sprains, especially when players quickly change direction or make sudden stops.
- Lower Back Pain: The twisting and bending movements during gameplay can contribute to lower back strains or muscle imbalances, resulting in discomfort or pain.
When it comes to physical therapy, providers like PhysioFit Physical Therapy (physiofitpt.com) can be instrumental in helping pickleball players recover from injuries, manage pain, and prevent future issues. Physical therapists can offer the following benefits:
- Injury Assessment and Treatment: A physical therapist can assess your condition, diagnose any injuries or imbalances, and create a personalized treatment plan. They may use various techniques such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities to promote healing and reduce pain.
- Rehabilitation and Strengthening: Physical therapy can help you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility after an injury. Therapists can guide you through exercises and functional movements specific to pickleball to restore your playing abilities.
- Pain Management: Physical therapists can utilize techniques like therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or taping methods to alleviate pain and promote healing.
- Education and Injury Prevention: Physical therapists can educate you about proper body mechanics, paddle grip, warm-up exercises, and techniques to reduce the risk of injuries. They can also provide guidance on training programs and strategies to improve performance.
By working with a physical therapist at PhysioFit Physical Therapy or any reputable clinic, you can receive expert care to recover from injuries, enhance your pickleball skills, and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Sports Injuries Guide for Anyone Injured from Pickleball
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kim Gladfelter, MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Women's Health Physical Therapy Specialist at PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness
Kim Gladfelter is a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, educator, author, and co-founder of PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness. She is known as a keen, well-rounded expert of healing through movement and women’s health specialist in the Silicon Valley area.
Kim has helped men and women of all ages to stay active and feel their best. She also writes about managing pain in her health columns, blogs and the local Los Altos Town Crier newspaper as well as reaches out to the local community, support groups, schools, libraries, and sports centers to advise and educate on body awareness and therapeutic exercise.