Pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular recreational sports in the United States, especially among adults looking for a fun, social way to stay active. While it is often perceived as a low impact sport, pickleball places repetitive and sometimes intense demands on the body. Quick lateral movements, sudden stops, rapid changes in direction, and repetitive arm motions can lead to injury when the body is not properly prepared.
At Pro Vita Physical Therapy, we frequently work with pickleball players experiencing pain, stiffness, or injuries that limit their ability to enjoy the game. Understanding common pickleball injuries and how physical therapy can help is key to staying active, reducing pain, and preventing long term issues.
Why Pickleball Injuries Are More Common Than You Think
Pickleball injuries often develop gradually rather than from one traumatic incident. Many players increase their playing frequency quickly, play multiple matches in one day, or return to play without proper recovery. Inadequate warm ups, limited strength training, and poor movement mechanics can all increase stress on joints, muscles, and tendons.
Additionally, many pickleball players are active adults who may already have underlying joint stiffness, arthritis, or past injuries. Without addressing these factors, the risk of overuse injuries increases.
Most Common Pickleball Injuries
Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder is one of the most commonly affected areas in pickleball. Repetitive serving, overhead shots, and quick volleys can lead to rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement, or shoulder instability. Symptoms often include pain with reaching, lifting, serving, or sleeping on the affected side.
Elbow Pain
Pickleball elbow, similar to tennis elbow, is caused by repetitive gripping and wrist extension. This condition can result in pain along the outside of the elbow, reduced grip strength, and difficulty performing daily tasks like lifting or opening jars.
Knee Pain
The stop start movements, lunging, and pivoting required in pickleball place significant stress on the knees. Common issues include patellar tendon irritation, meniscus aggravation, arthritis flare ups, and muscle imbalances that reduce knee stability.
Achilles Tendon and Calf Injuries
Quick push offs, sudden direction changes, and poor ankle mobility can strain the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Players may experience stiffness, soreness near the heel, or pain that worsens with activity.
Lower Back Pain
Pickleball involves repeated bending, twisting, and rotational movements. Without adequate core strength and hip mobility, the lower back may absorb excessive stress, leading to muscle strain or chronic discomfort.
Balance and Fall Related Injuries
Balance challenges are another common concern, especially on outdoor courts or uneven surfaces. Reduced balance, slower reaction time, and limited strength can increase the risk of falls, which may result in wrist, hip, or shoulder injuries.
How Physical Therapy Helps Pickleball Players Recover and Prevent Injury
Physical therapy plays a critical role not only in treating pickleball injuries but also in preventing them and improving overall performance.
Comprehensive Movement Assessment
A physical therapist evaluates how your entire body moves during functional tasks. Pain is often influenced by movement patterns, muscle imbalances, joint mobility restrictions, or lack of stability elsewhere in the body. Treating only the painful area often leads to recurring symptoms.
Targeted Strength Training
Strengthening key muscle groups such as the rotator cuff, hips, core, and lower body improves joint control and reduces strain on vulnerable areas. Stronger muscles help absorb forces during play and protect tendons and joints from overload.
Mobility and Flexibility Training
Limited mobility in the shoulders, hips, ankles, or spine can force other areas of the body to compensate. Physical therapy focuses on restoring proper joint motion so movements become smoother and more efficient.
Balance and Neuromuscular Training
Balance and coordination exercises improve reaction time and body awareness, reducing fall risk and improving on court confidence. This is especially important for older athletes and those returning after injury.
Sport Specific Training and Return to Play
Physical therapists design sport specific exercises that mimic pickleball movements. This helps players safely return to play while minimizing reinjury risk and improving overall performance.
Education and Injury Prevention
Learning how to warm up properly, manage recovery, and recognize early warning signs of injury can make a significant difference. Physical therapy empowers players with strategies to protect their bodies long term.
Physical Therapy Is Not Just for Injuries
Many pickleball players believe physical therapy is only needed after surgery or serious injury. In reality, physical therapy can help address minor pain before it becomes chronic, improve movement efficiency, and support longevity in the sport.
Early intervention often leads to faster recovery, fewer setbacks, and better long term outcomes.
When Should You Seek Physical Therapy
You may benefit from physical therapy if you experience:
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Pain that lingers after playing
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Stiffness that limits movement
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Weakness or instability
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Difficulty with balance
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Decreased performance or confidence on the court
At Pro Vita Physical Therapy, we offer free screenings to help determine whether physical therapy is right for you and to identify potential issues early.
Stay Active and Play with Confidence
Pickleball should be enjoyable, social, and sustainable. With proper care, strength, and movement support, you can continue playing while protecting your body and improving how you move.
Our experienced physical therapy team is here to help you stay active, reduce pain, and move with confidence both on and off the court.
📍 Crestview | Navarre | Milton | Florala | Fort Walton Beach
📞 850.331.3017
📅 Schedule your FREE screening today
