Pickleball has skyrocketed in popularity, becoming America’s fastest-growing sport, with a 223% increase in participation since 2020. This paddle-based game, blending elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, attracts players of all ages, especially older adults seeking a fun, social, and low-impact activity. However, the surge in pickleball’s popularity has brought a troubling rise in injuries, particularly among the gregarious adult population. At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation in Wall Township, New Jersey, we’ve observed a significant increase in patients seeking treatment for pickleball-related injuries affecting the wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee, and back. Our expert occupational therapy services, specializing in upper extremity conditions, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, position us as a premier resource for addressing these injuries. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the common pickleball injuries, their causes, and how our Wall Township practice helps players recover and return to the court stronger than ever.
The Pickleball Surge and Its Hidden Cost
Pickleball’s appeal lies in its accessibility, smaller court size, and slower pace compared to tennis, making it ideal for older adults and beginners. However, the repetitive motions, quick lateral movements, and sudden pivots required in the game place significant stress on tendons, joints, and ligaments. A 2024 study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting reported a 90-fold increase in pickleball-related fractures from 2002 to 2022, with older adults aged 60-69 particularly affected. Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tendinitis, are also on the rise, with emergency room visits for pickleball injuries increasing by 21.5% from 2010 to 2019.
At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation’s Wall Township office, we’ve seen a marked uptick in patients with injuries directly linked to pickleball, particularly affecting the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand), as well as the knee and back. Our occupational therapy team, with specialized expertise in upper extremity rehabilitation, plays a pivotal role in treating these conditions. Below, we detail the most common pickleball injuries and how our tailored approach helps players recover and prevent future issues.
Common Pickleball Injuries: A Detailed Overview
1. Wrist and Hand Injuries
The constant gripping of the pickleball paddle and repetitive swinging motions place significant stress on the wrist and hand. Players frequently experience wrist sprains, strains, or tendinitis, such as DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, which affects the tendons controlling thumb movement. Falls onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH injuries) can also lead to sprains or fractures, such as distal radius fractures. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty gripping the paddle or performing fine motor tasks.
Treatment at Monmouth Pain: Our occupational therapists, who specialize in upper extremity conditions, design individualized treatment plans to address wrist and hand injuries. These plans include manual therapy techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilizations, to restore mobility and reduce inflammation.
Custom splinting is often used to stabilize the wrist, decrease pressure, and promote healing. Therapeutic exercises, including nerve stretching and tendon gliding, help regain range of motion and strengthen the muscles supporting the wrist and hand. Our therapists also provide education on proper paddle grip and wrist mechanics to prevent re-injury.
2. Elbow Tendinitis (Pickleball Elbow)
Often referred to as “pickleball elbow,” lateral epicondylitis is a common overuse injury caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as forceful backhand shots or excessive paddle gripping. This condition involves inflammation of the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow, leading to pain, tenderness, and weakness that may radiate to the wrist. Poor technique, such as overusing the wrist instead of engaging the shoulder, is a frequent culprit.
Treatment at Monmouth Pain: Our occupational therapists excel in treating elbow tendinitis, using a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and neuromuscular reeducation to restore stability and improve movement mechanics. Modalities like ultrasound or ice may be employed to reduce inflammation, while strengthening exercises target the forearm and grip muscles to alleviate strain on the elbow. Our therapists also guide players on proper swing techniques and paddle grip size to minimize stress on the tendons.
3. Shoulder Injuries
Pickleball’s repetitive overhead motions, such as serves and smashes, place significant stress on the shoulder, leading to conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis, impingement, or strains. Sudden twisting motions or falls can also cause shoulder sprains or dislocations. Older players, who may have pre-existing arthritis or reduced muscle strength, are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms include pain when raising the arm, weakness, and limited range of motion.
Treatment at Monmouth Pain: Our occupational therapy team specializes in shoulder rehabilitation, offering targeted exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff and improve shoulder stability. Manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilizations, address restrictions in range of motion, while neuromuscular reeducation enhances movement patterns to reduce strain. Our therapists work closely with patients to develop warm-up routines and proper serving techniques to prevent shoulder injuries.
4. Knee Injuries
The quick lateral movements, pivoting, and jumping in pickleball stress the knees, leading to injuries like patellar tendinitis, meniscus tears, or ligament sprains (e.g., MCL injuries). Older players with osteoarthritis are at higher risk, as repetitive bending and twisting can exacerbate joint pain. Symptoms include swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight.
Treatment at Monmouth Pain: Our physical therapy team collaborates with occupational therapists to address knee injuries, focusing on strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and core muscles to improve knee stability. Therapeutic exercises and manual therapy reduce pain and restore function, while our therapists provide guidance on proper footwear and movement mechanics to minimize knee stress during play.
5. Back Pain
Low back pain is common among pickleball players due to repetitive twisting, bending, and poor posture during play. The hard court surface can exacerbate spinal stress, leading to muscle strains, herniated discs, or sciatica. Players may experience soreness, stiffness, or radiating pain that limits mobility.
Treatment at Monmouth Pain: Our chiropractic care corrects spinal misalignments, while physical and occupational therapy focus on core strengthening and flexibility to support the spine. Our occupational therapists incorporate functional exercises to improve posture and movement patterns, reducing the risk of back pain recurrence.
Why Pickleball Injuries Are Skyrocketing
Several factors contribute to the rising epidemic of pickleball injuries:
- Overuse and Repetitive Motions: Repeated swings, grips, and quick directional changes cause microtraumas in tendons, ligaments, and muscles, leading to injuries if untreated.
- Older Player Demographics: Many pickleball players are over 50, with reduced muscle strength, bone density, or flexibility, increasing the risk of fractures and soft tissue injuries.
- Improper Technique: Beginners often use incorrect form, such as over-relying on the wrist or failing to engage the shoulder, leading to overuse injuries.
- Inadequate Preparation: Skipping warm-ups, wearing improper footwear, or playing excessively without rest heightens injury risk.
- Court Conditions: Hard courts and rapid lateral movements increase the likelihood of falls and joint stress.
Why Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation in Wall Township Is Your Go-To Resource
Located in Wall Township, New Jersey, Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation is uniquely equipped to treat pickleball injuries, with a strong emphasis on occupational therapy for upper extremity conditions. Here’s why we’re the premier choice for pickleball players:
1. Specialized Occupational Therapy for Upper Extremity Injuries
Our occupational therapists are highly trained in treating conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, making them ideally suited to address the most common pickleball injuries. They use evidence-based techniques, including:
- Manual Therapy: Soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilizations to restore mobility and reduce pain.
- Custom Splinting: Tailored splints to stabilize the wrist or elbow, reducing inflammation and supporting healing.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, and enhance grip strength.
- Neuromuscular Reeducation: Techniques to retrain movement patterns, such as proper swing mechanics, to prevent re-injury.
- Modalities: Ultrasound, ice, or electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.
2. Comprehensive Diagnostic Expertise
Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, to accurately identify the root cause of your injury. Whether it’s a wrist fracture, elbow tendinitis, or shoulder impingement, we ensure a precise diagnosis to guide your treatment plan.
3. Multidisciplinary Approach
In addition to occupational therapy, our Wall Township office offers physical therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture, providing a holistic approach to recovery. Physical therapy strengthens supporting muscles, chiropractic adjustments correct misalignments, and acupuncture reduces pain and inflammation, ensuring comprehensive care.
4. Personalized Treatment Plans
We recognize that every player and injury is unique. Our occupational and physical therapists create customized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition, activity level, and goals, ensuring optimal recovery and a safe return to pickleball.
5. Injury Prevention Programs
Our team emphasizes prevention, offering education on proper warm-up techniques, dynamic stretching, and correct paddle grip and swing mechanics. We also provide strength and conditioning programs to improve core stability, balance, and joint resilience, reducing the risk of future injuries.
Tips to Prevent Pickleball Injuries
To stay injury-free, follow these expert tips from Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation:
- Warm Up Properly: Spend 5-10 minutes on dynamic stretches, such as arm circles, lunges, and wrist flexions, to prepare your body.
- Use Proper Equipment: Choose a paddle with the correct grip size and wear court-specific shoes with good lateral support and cushioning.
- Refine Your Technique: Work with a coach or our occupational therapists to ensure proper swing mechanics, emphasizing shoulder engagement over wrist overuse.
- Strengthen Your Body: Incorporate exercises to strengthen the core, legs, and upper body to support joints and reduce strain.
- Listen to Your Body: Take breaks if you feel pain or fatigue, and avoid playing through discomfort to prevent worsening injuries.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after play to prevent muscle cramps and strains.
Why Choose Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation in Wall Township?
As pickleball continues to captivate players in Wall Township and beyond, injuries shouldn’t keep you off the court. At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation, our Wall Township office is dedicated to helping you recover from pickleball-related injuries and prevent future issues. Our occupational therapists, with specialized expertise in upper extremity conditions, are uniquely qualified to treat wrist, elbow, and shoulder injuries, while our physical therapists and chiropractors address knee and back pain. With a patient-centered approach and cutting-edge therapies, we’re committed to getting you back to the game you love.
Conclusion
Pickleball’s meteoric rise has brought joy and fitness to millions, but it has also unleashed an epidemic of injuries affecting tendons, joints, and ligaments, particularly in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee, and back. At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation in Wall Township, New Jersey, our occupational therapy team specializes in upper extremity rehabilitation, offering personalized, evidence-based treatments to help you recover and prevent re-injury. Whether you’re dealing with pickleball elbow, a wrist sprain, or back pain, we’re here to support your journey back to the court. Contact us today at (732) 345-1377 or visit www.monmouthpain.com to schedule an appointment at our Wall Township office. Let us help you play pickleball pain-free and with confidence!
Yours in Health,
Dr. D’Andrea
Monmouth Pain and Scoliosis Center
Call Us Today to set up an appointment!
