Pickleball Pain? How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Keep You Moving

Although introduced in the 1960s, pickleball has officially become a mainstream sport that is rapidly gaining popularity across America. Its appeal is easy to understand, as the game is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. However, like many sports, playing pickleball also carries the potential risk of injuries. Even the most dedicated players can be sidelined due to issues such as muscle strains and joint pain. The good news is that chiropractic care can help you stay at your best, safely and naturally.

Understanding Pickleball Strain on the Body

While pickleball may not be as strenuous as high-impact sports, it still places strain on the body. From repetitive motions to quick pivots involved in the game, pickleball enthusiasts can experience injury, especially if preventative measures, like stretching and avoiding overexertion, are not taken.

Common injury sites in pickleball players include the knees, hips, shoulders, wrists, and lower back. Some specific pickleball-related injuries are:

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Rotator cuff (shoulder) strains or tears
• Ankle sprains
• Knee strains
• Ligament sprains
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Lower back pain

These injury locations are similar to those in tennis, as both sports involve frequent paddle swings and movement on the court.

Certain risk factors can also increase the likelihood of injuries while playing pickleball. These include:

• Older age: Pickleball is particularly popular among older adults, who may be more likely to get injured due to age-related issues such as slower reaction times, less muscle strength, and weakened bones.
• Poor posture: Maintaining proper alignment during play is important to avoid injuries, especially in the neck and back.
• Muscle imbalances: When one part of a muscle group is weaker than the others, the risk of injury increases. If you’re right-handed, your left side could be susceptible to strain a little more.
• Inadequate recovery: Not resting enough after a pickleball injury can lead to prolonged pain and a higher chance of further injuries. It’s tempting, but don’t get back on the court too soon!

Why Joint Mobility Matters for Pickleball Players

Joint mobility—the ability to move joints through their full range of motion—is crucial for preventing injuries, improving performance, and speeding up recovery. Flexibility, which refers to how well a muscle can stretch, is also important for top performance and avoiding injuries. 

If your joints are stiff, you may move differently, which can lead to strains and injuries from overuse. Ultimately, the more mobile and flexible you are, the more successful you will be in your pickleball participation.

The Role of Chiropractic Adjustments for Pickleball Players

Chiropractic care does more than treat injuries. It's also a proactive approach to keep you at the top of your game, both in everyday life and while playing pickleball. Regular chiropractic visits can help:

• Restore alignment: Keeping your body aligned reduces stress on your muscles and joints, allowing you to move more easily and with less pain.
• Reduce inflammation: Decreasing inflammation in the body helps relieve pain and speeds up recovery.
• Improve range of motion: Chiropractors can reduce joint restrictions and muscle tension, helping you move and stretch more effectively during a game.
• Relieve nerve pressure: Spinal adjustments can ease pressure on compressed nerves, decreasing pain and discomfort that may limit your agility on the court.

For those looking to maintain mobility while preventing and treating injuries, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free way to do just that!

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pickleball Enthusiasts

Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, which includes the spine, joints, and muscles. The techniques used by chiropractors can significantly benefit those looking to keep their bodies in optimal condition. Regular chiropractic care can help pickleball players achieve:

• Improved agility, coordination, and balance: Through targeted spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapies, chiropractors help your body function efficiently, enhancing your overall pickleball experience.
• Faster recovery time post-game: Chiropractic adjustments boost the body’s natural healing processes and improve nervous system function, allowing you to recover more quickly from injuries and experience more energy.
• Relief from common pickleball discomforts: Various chiropractic techniques help address pain from injuries and other bodily dysfunctions that contribute to strains, stiffness, and soreness related to playing the game.

When to See a Chiropractor

If you experience pain or discomfort in your shoulders, elbows, or back after playing pickleball, consider seeking chiropractic care, especially if you want to avoid invasive treatments. Acting early is key to quick relief and preventing chronic issues from developing.

Village Chiropractic for Your Pickleball Pain

Don't let pickleball pain hold you back! Whether you’re dealing with an existing pickleball injury or want to prevent one, the Village Chiropractic team is here to help you stay active and pain-free on the court. Request an appointment with our team located in The Woodlands and Cypress to get started.