Physiotherapy for Pickleball Players
Pickleball is a sport that’s been around for over 50 years, but it’s only in recent years that it’s really taken off in popularity. It’s a game that’s similar to tennis, but it’s played on a smaller court and with a smaller racket. The ball used in pickleball is also smaller and lighter than a tennis ball, which makes it easier to hit and control.
One of the great things about pickleball is that it’s a sport that people of all ages and skill levels can play. It’s a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed by families, friends, and even complete strangers. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, there’s something about pickleball that will keep you coming back for more.
Common Injuries in Pickleball
As with any sport, there are some common injuries that pickleball players might experience. Here are a few of the most common injuries:
- Ankle sprains: Because pickleball involves a lot of quick starts and stops, as well as many changes of direction, ankle sprains are a common injury. It’s important to wear proper shoes and to warm up before playing to help prevent this type of injury.
- Tennis elbow: Tennis elbow is a condition that’s caused by overuse of the arm and elbow. It can be caused by repetitive motions, such as hitting the ball during a game of pickleball. It’s important to rest and ice the affected area if you experience any pain or discomfort, and to work on strengthening the joint outside of sport as well.
- Shoulder injuries: Shoulder injuries can occur from overhead shots, such as serves or smashes, as well as extended and repetitive use. It’s important to use proper technique when hitting these shots to help prevent injury, and, again, work on strengthening the joint outside of sport as well.
- Knee injuries: Knee injuries can occur from the constant stopping and starting that’s required in pickleball. The best thing we can do prevent this type of injury is to make sure our knees are strong enough to handle the repetitive impact they’ll experience when playing.
Preventing Injuries in Pickleball
While it’s impossible to completely prevent injuries when playing pickleball, there are some things that you can do to help reduce your risk of getting injured. Here are a few tips:
- Wear proper shoes: Wearing proper shoes that provide support and stability can help reduce your risk of ankle and knee injuries.
- Warm up properly before playing: A good general warm up consists of light cardio; movement in multiple directions; dynamic stretching; and a gradual increase in intensity. Making sure your warm up hits all of these key points will set you up for success before playing pickleball.
- Use proper technique: Using proper technique when hitting the ball can help reduce your risk of shoulder and elbow injuries by making your movements as efficient as possible – reducing the amount of effort you need to hit the ball hard.
- Take breaks: Taking breaks between games can help reduce your risk of overuse injuries. Letting yourself rest every so often means you can enjoy the game more in the long run!
Pickleball is a fun and social sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. While there are some common injuries that players might experience, there are also things that you can do to help prevent these injuries. By wearing proper shoes, warming up adequately before playing, using proper technique, and taking breaks, you can help reduce your risk of getting injured while playing pickleball. So get out there and have some fun!
If you do experience an injury while playing pickleball, it’s important to seek the help of a physiotherapist to properly assess and treat the injury. A physiotherapist can help determine the extent of the injury, provide recommendations for treatment, and create a plan to help you recover and get back on the court as soon as possible. They can also help you work on exercises and techniques to prevent future injuries from occurring. It’s important to take injuries seriously and not try to play through the pain, as this can lead to further damage and longer recovery times. So, if you do get injured while playing pickleball, make sure to seek the help of a physiotherapist to ensure that you get the proper care and treatment that you need.
Whether you are an avid pickleball player or just starting, our Edmonton Physiotherapists can help you stay injury free on the court! Give us a call to schedule in with our physios, you can reach our South Edmonton Physiotherapy clinic at 587-635-5555 or our Stony Plain Physiotherapy clinic at 780-591-5555. Or book online anytime!
BY: gcowan
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