How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Pickleball Injuries
No matter what your skill level or experience with Pickleball, learning how to prepare your body correctly is the key to enjoying the sport. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, and the game is gaining more and more players every day.
Pickleball is an easy and fun way to stay active. The sport is similar to other racquet sports and is often played on modified tennis courts.
Unfortunately, people jump right into the sport without any preparation or training to prepare their bodies for the demands on their muscles, tendons, and joints. At Pro-Active Physical Therapy, our physical therapists have proven success working with people of all ages to recover from injury and resume whatever sport they enjoy.
Patient Success Spotlight
“Everyone was absolutely wonderful! I’ve done PT a couple of times at other clinics and this was the first time I felt like my issues were taken seriously and legitimately addressed. I feel better than I’ve felt in 10 years. Thank you so much!” – S.S
The most common injuries associated with Pickleball
As with any sport, injuries are part of playing the game of Pickleball. The sport’s popularity has opened it up to people of all ages. The game is easy to play for beginners and can also meet the requirements of a more competitive player with the possibility of a fast-paced match for singles or doubles. As the popularity grows, so too does the risk of injury.
The sport requires abrupt changes of direction and stopping and starting movements, all of which have been linked to non-contact injuries like sprains and strains. There is also the potential for falling and repetitive movement type injuries, especially to the upper extremities. Another potential risk of injury stems from the lack of preparation and the age of the deconditioned athletes.
The most common injuries in Pickleball include:
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendon injuries and inflammation
- Patella (knee cap) tendinopathies
- Hamstring, adductor (inner thigh), or quadriceps muscle strains
- Shoulder impingements and rotator cuff injuries
- Elbow tendonitis (Tennis elbow)
- Wrist fractures from falls
What to expect at physical therapy sessions
Physical therapy should start immediately following most injuries to ensure the fastest recovery possible. A physical therapist with experience treating sports-related injuries will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the injury’s severity and identify any other factor that may affect your ability to recover promptly.
Next, your therapist at Pro-Active Physical Therapy will create a targeted, individualized treatment plan for you to promote an accelerated recovery plan and prevent future injuries associated with Pickleball.
For example, your physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to help the injury and return to your pre-injury abilities. We will start with pain management and restoring mobility to the injured area.
Request an appointment today!
At Pro-Active Physical Therapy, our therapists are experts at treating Pickleball-related injuries. We have proven success with treating athletes of all skill levels and ages. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists!
Staff Spotlight: Krista Adams
PT | Clinical Director
Krista, her husband Brandon and their son Haden are current residents of Benton, AR. She attended college at UCA for her undergraduate and Harding University for PT school. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, relaxing in her hammock and playing a good board game. Krista participates in various community service projects throughout her church in Little Rock and surrounding communities. Krista joined our team in May 2018 and she has since taken on the title of Clinic Director at our Bryant location. When asked what her favorite part of the job is she says “meeting people from all walks of life and being part of their journey along the way”.
BLT Bites
Ingredients:
- 20 Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 pound of Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tablespoons of snipped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Cut a thin slice off each tomato top. Scoop out and discard pulp. Invert tomatoes on a paper towel to drain.
- In a small bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Spoon into tomatoes. Refrigerate for several hours.
Foot Pain Prevention: Tips for Staying Active and Injury-Free This Spring
Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, beckoning us outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather and blossoming nature. But for those prone to foot pain, the increased activity can also bring the risk of discomfort and injury. Fear not! With a few proactive measures, you can keep your feet happy and healthy while embracing all that spring has to offer.
Warm-up
Never underestimate the power of a good warm-up. Before engaging in any physical activity, dedicate a few minutes to proper warm-up exercises that target your feet, ankles, and calves. This will improve blood flow and prepare your muscles and joints for the demands ahead.
Choose the Right Footwear
Your shoes are your feet’s first line of defense against impact and strain. Invest in supportive, well-fitting footwear that matches your activity and foot type. Whether you’re hitting the trails, pounding the pavement, or simply strolling through the park, the right shoes can make all the difference in preventing pain and injury.
Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or fatigue in your feet. If you experience pain during or after an activity, don’t ignore it. Pushing through pain can exacerbate existing injuries or lead to new ones.
Modify Activities
Don’t be afraid to adjust your activities based on your fitness level and any existing foot conditions. If you’re new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase your intensity and duration.
Strengthen Your Feet
Strong feet are less prone to injury. Incorporate foot-strengthening exercises into your routine to improve your foot mechanics, enhance stability, and reduce the risk of pain.
By following these simple tips, you can protect your feet, prevent injuries, and enjoy the spring season. If you experience persistent foot pain or have concerns about your foot health, contact us today for a personalized evaluation and PT program to reduce your pain and get you back on your feet.
Let’s get started!
Move Comfortably with the Help of Laser Therapy
Move more comfortably and get back to doing what you love with professional laser therapy Pro-Active Physical Therapy. This safe, non-invasive treatment uses targeted light energy (photons) to penetrate tissue, reduce pain, stimulate cellular healing, and improve circulation—without discomfort or downtime.
Laser therapy can effectively treat both acute and chronic conditions, including back and neck pain, sciatica, arthritis, sports injuries, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, migraines, and more. Treatments are quick—typically just 2–10 minutes—and many patients notice improvement after only a few sessions.
Completely pain-free and FDA-approved, laser therapy delivers a gentle, soothing warmth while promoting natural healing. Schedule your evaluation today to find out if laser therapy is right for you.
