The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Pickleball Players

By: Matt Jacobson, PT, DPT, ATC

Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity, combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. While it’s a fun and engaging sport, it can also lead to injuries, particularly for those new to the game or returning after a break. This blog explores how physical therapy can enhance performance, prevent injuries, and promote recovery for pickleball enthusiasts.

Understanding the Physical Demands of Pickleball:

Pickleball involves quick lateral movements, rapid changes of direction, and explosive serves and volleys. These demands can put stress on various body parts, particularly:

Shoulders: Repeated overhead swings can lead to shoulder impingements or rotator cuff injuries.
Knees: Sudden stops and pivots can strain the knees, leading to sprains or tendinitis.
Wrists and Hands: The impact of the paddle can cause strain, especially with improper technique.

How Physical Therapy Can Help:

1. Injury Prevention

Physical therapists can design personalized conditioning programs to strengthen key muscle groups, improve flexibility, and enhance balance. This proactive approach helps reduce the risk of common injuries such as strains and sprains.

Strength Training: Focus on strengthening the shoulders, core, and legs.
Flexibility Exercises: Incorporate stretches to improve range of motion.
Balance Training: Use exercises that enhance stability, crucial for quick movements.

2. Technique Improvement

Many injuries stem from poor technique. A physical therapist can assess your form and provide guidance to ensure you’re using the correct biomechanics, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing performance.

Footwork Drills: Improve agility and positioning on the court.
Swing Mechanics: Learn how to execute shots effectively to minimize strain on your body.

3. Rehabilitation

If an injury does occur, physical therapy is crucial for recovery. A therapist can create a rehabilitation program tailored to your specific injury, focusing on restoring strength and mobility.

Gradual Return to Play: Follow a structured plan to safely return to the sport without re-injury.
Pain Management: Utilize modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to alleviate pain.

4. Education and Awareness

Understanding your body’s mechanics and recognizing signs of potential injuries can empower players. Physical therapists can educate players on how to listen to their bodies and when to seek help.

Warm-Up Routines: Learn effective warm-up techniques to prepare your body for play.
Post-Game Recovery: Implement strategies for recovery, such as stretching and hydration.

Pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active and socialize, but like any sport, it carries the risk of injury. At A Step Ahead Physical Therapy, we take an individualized approach to injury prevention along with recovery from injury to get back you back on the court as soon as possible! We develop a plan to help you move well, move often, and be well and decrease the risk of a pickleball related injury. Call (770) 998-6636 or click here to schedule an evaluation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt joined A Step Ahead Physical Therapy in 2022 and has been a physical therapist since graduating from Brenau University with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2020. He enjoys using his background in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine when working with athletes and active adults. Since becoming a PT, he has started to develop a niche working with the geriatric population, especially with Balance and Fall Prevention.