Pickleball Fever: How to Stay on the Court and Out of Pain

Pickleball is sweeping through Cedarburg, offering a fun, social way for people of all ages to stay active. While it’s more accessible than tennis, the fast-paced nature of the game carries unique physical demands.

At Newporte Courte Family Chiropractic, we want to make sure your "pickleball addiction" stays healthy. Here’s a look at the most common injuries and how to prevent them.

1. Sudden Sprains and Strains Pickleball requires quick lateral movements and abrupt changes in direction.

The Research: The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy notes that ankle sprains and calf strains are the most frequent acute injuries in the sport.

The Fix: A dynamic warm-up is non-negotiable. Don't just step onto the court; spend 5 minutes waking up your joints before the first serve.

2. "Pickleball Elbow" (Lateral Epicondylitis) Similar to tennis elbow, this is an overuse injury caused by repetitive swinging and a tight grip on the paddle.

The Research: Studies in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery show that the repetitive vibration and flicking of the wrist in pickleball can lead to inflammation on the outer elbow.

The Fix: Ensure your paddle grip size is correct and work on forearm strengthening to take the load off the tendon.

3. Rotator Cuff Strain Those overhead slams and serves place significant stress on the shoulder's stabilizing muscles.

The Research: Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy highlights that the repetitive nature of volleying puts players at a higher risk for rotator cuff abnormalities.

The Fix: Strengthening the "rotator cuff" specifically, rather than just the big shoulder muscles, provides the stability needed for those high-velocity shots.

4. Back and Neck Pain The "ready position" and frequent dinking often lead to a hunched posture, which can strain the lumbar and cervical spine.

The Research: Maintaining core stability and proper spinal alignment is the #1 way to prevent chronic pickleball-related back pain.

The Fix: Chiropractic adjustments ensure your spine is moving fluidly, while rehabilitative exercises help you maintain a strong "athletic stance" throughout the match.