For the first topic lets talk about common injuries seen in Pickleball. This list was compiled from personal experience, observation on the courts, speaking with fellow picklers and recent diagnosis I've seen come through the doors with the uptick of individuals playing Pickle Ball.
1. SHOULDER: Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff works as a stabilizer of the shoulder. It will also assist in deceleration of the shoulder during high velocity movements…think of those overhead slams when you get a pop up. I would say the most common problems are shoulder impingement or strain of the RTC. Causes could be variable but most likely from lack of mobility, improper body mechanics and overuse.
2. ELBOW: Lateral Epicondylitis
Lateral Epicondylitis aka tennis elbow. Who knows with the growing popularity maybe we soon could hear it called picklebow…phrase coined. Lateral epicondylitis is inflammation of the site where the muscle attaches to the bone of the lateral epicondyle. It occurs from repetitive use. If you are like most pickleball enthusiasts we play for hours in one day, that's a lot of repitition! If the body has not been trained for the stress or strong enough to handle the paddle this is a setup for lateral epicondylitis.
3. HIP: Groin Strain
Groin strains involve the hip adductor muscle group. How many of us have went deep for a dig or slid during a lunge? This is where groin strains are likely to occur. If your competitive you're not going to avoid a dig or lunge for a ball..so how do we avoid this injury? Appropriate warmup and mobility training….more to come on this!
4. LOWER LEG: Calf Strain
Calf strains are typically an injury to the gastrocnemius and soleus complex (muscles). Like the groin strain it’s usually from a quick force or rapid stretch, such as running up to catch a drop at the net. Best prevention here again is appropriate warmup and training.
Like I said these are the most common pickleball injuries but that doesn't mean there are other aches and pain pickleballers deal with on the court. If you're looking to find more info on these injuries or are dealing with an injury reach out to us! We can help you get back on the court.
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