Suffering from a Pickleball Injury?

Sports Performance Training Tips to Help You Get Back in the Game

Pickleball is an exciting and increasingly popular sport in the U.S., especially loved for its fun, social nature. Much like tennis, it’s a game that makes competition with friends and family incredibly engaging. It’s particularly favored by retirees, many of whom play almost every day. However, if you’ve suffered an injury while playing pickleball, it may take some time to return to the court. With the help of our skilled clinicians, though, you can recover and return with even better form than before.

 

Understanding Pickleball Injury Risks

As with any sport, pickleball comes with its share of injury risks. That said, experts agree that the benefits of staying active, especially later in life, far outweigh the potential risks. To minimize your chances of injury, it’s helpful to be aware of the most common pickleball injuries:

  • Ankle Injuries: Sprains are frequent in pickleball due to the sport’s requirement for quick direction changes, which can overstretch the ankle joint and lead to injury.
  • Achilles Tendon Strain: The Achilles tendon runs along the back of your lower leg, from your ankle to your calf. It’s vulnerable to strain due to pickleball’s stop-and-go movements, or from overuse over time.
  • Wrist Injuries: With constant movement and occasional falls, players often instinctively extend their arms to break their fall, which can result in sprains or fractures in the wrist.

While pickleball can lead to other injuries, these are among the most common.

 

Rehabilitating Your Pickleball Injury

Every injury requires a tailored rehabilitation plan, and yours will be designed according to the specifics of your condition and medical background. However, most recovery processes will involve physical therapy, splinting or casting when necessary, and close attention to your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Pushing yourself too hard or returning to the court too soon can hinder your recovery.

Following the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is often recommended in the early stages of recovery. Your physical therapist will also guide you through customized exercises to enhance strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion. Balance training is especially important for older players, as it helps reduce the risk of falls. Be sure to return to pickleball only after receiving approval from your clinician.

 

Preventing Future Pickleball Injuries

As you recover, continue working on your balance exercises and consider these additional strategies to minimize injury risks when you return to the court:

  • Wear tennis shoes with proper ankle support and treads.
  • Always stretch and warm up before playing.
  • Cross-train with other physical activities to improve overall strength and conditioning.
  • Gradually increase your playing time to avoid overexertion.

Pickleball players of all levels can find support at The Physio Shop. We offer everything from personalized physical therapy and training to sports performance services to help you get back to doing what you love. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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