Pickleball Injuries: Effective Treatment for Active Adults

Key Highlights:

• Pickleball injuries are becoming more common, especially among active adults over 40.
• Common injuries include sprains, strains, and tendonitis in the knees, shoulders, and elbows.
• Recognizing early signs and seeking professional help is key to avoiding long-term damage.
• Physiotherapy, manual therapy, and customized exercise programs support recovery and prevent reinjury.
• Prevention strategies and expert care allow you to stay active and play pain-free.

Pickleball may well be the fastest growing sport in North America. However, with this dramatic increase in popularity comes a corresponding increase in injuries. If you’re over 40 and love staying active, you’re likely drawn to the fun, social, and low-impact appeal of the game. However, the stop-and-go movement, quick pivots, and overhead swings can take a toll on your body—especially if you’re returning to sports after a period of relative inactivity. If you’ve experienced an injury, the good news is that with the right treatment and recovery plan, you can get back on the court safely and confidently. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Pickleball Injuries in Adults Over 40

As the popularity of pickleball grows, older adults—especially those over 40—are leading the charge on courts across the country. While the game is accessible and engaging, it often places unexpected strain on muscles and joints that may already be impacted by age-related changes. Quick stops, pivots, and repetitive arm movements can all increase the risk of injury—especially if you’re not conditioned for these demands or are returning to sports after a break. Recognizing the types of injuries common among pickleball enthusiasts is the first step toward reducing your risk of a physical setback.

Common Types of Injuries in Active Adults

Many of the most common injuries experienced by pickleball players are related to the joints and soft tissues of the upper and lower body. Upper body or upper extremity injuries include wrist sprains, elbow tendonitis (pickleball elbow), and shoulder strain or rotator cuff irritation. Many of these are overuse injuries resulting from repetitive ball striking motions. However, improper technique, or falls on the court, particularly onto an outstretched hand, are other contributing factors. 

Lower body or lower extremity injuries include knee pain or meniscal stress caused by sudden directional changes, pivoting, or falls. Meanwhile, ligament sprains, meniscal tears, and inflammation can lead to difficulty with weight-bearing and a reduced range of motion. Ankle sprains are another common lower body injury and are often caused by lateral movements or awkward landings.

Why Pickleball Injuries Occur: Risk Factors and Mechanics

One of the leading risk factors for injury in racquet or paddle sports like pickleball is playing on the hard surface of the pickleball court. The unforgiving nature of the court increases the likelihood of injury from falls, joint pain from repetitive impacts. Wearing proper footwear with proper lateral stability can significantly reduce your risk.

Awkward movements during quick transitions—like pivoting or lunging—often lead to sprains and strains. These sudden bursts, coupled with repetitive swinging motions, can overload your muscles and tendons, which increases your risk of injury. This is why proper stretching before a game is so important as it can help prevent muscle strains.

Poor physical conditioning and improper movement or body mechanics also increases your risk. Staying fit, using appropriate equipment, and improving your movement and technique are effective ways to minimize your risk of injury.

Identifying Symptoms of Pickleball Injuries

When it comes to staying active, listening to your body is key—especially if you’ve recently started or ramped up playing pickleball. While some post-game soreness is expected, certain symptoms may signal an injury that requires more attention. Swelling, ongoing joint or muscle pain, and difficulty with movement or weight-bearing shouldn’t be ignored. Addressing these signs and symptoms early can help you avoid long-term issues and get back to playing with confidence.

How to Recognize a Sprain or Strain

Sprains and strains are among the most common injuries in pickleball. These typically involve the shoulders, knees, or ankles. Signs of a sprain or strain include localized pain, swelling, bruising, and a reduced range of motion. If you’re finding it hard to walk without discomfort or can’t move a joint through its full range, it’s worth taking a break and taking a closer look.

For mild cases, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) may be helpful. But if symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen with activity, it’s important to get assessed by a physiotherapist. Your physiotherapist can confirm the extent of the injury and recommend a plan to support healing while helping you stay as active as possible.

Signs of Tendonitis from Pickleball

Tendonitis often develops gradually and is caused by overuse. For pickleball players, this most often affects the elbow, shoulder, or Achilles tendon. If you’ve developed tendonitis, you might feel a dull ache during or after activity, or a stiffness that worsens with movement. Pickleball elbow (similar to tennis elbow) is especially common, resulting in discomfort on the outer part of your elbow after frequent paddle swings.

Tendonitis of the shoulder can make overhead motions painful and limit your ability to serve or smash. Achilles tendonitis, on the other hand, may cause tightness or pain near the back of your heel. These conditions tend to improve with early intervention, including activity modification, targeted exercises, and manual therapy.

When to Worry About Muscle and Joint Pain

While some soreness is normal after play, persistent muscle or joint pain that interferes with your daily activities isn’t something to simply “push through”. Red flags to watch for include swelling that doesn’t subside, sharp or localized pain during movement, or a joint that feels unstable.

If you’re noticing these kinds of symptoms, especially after repetitive play or a recent fall, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional for guidance. Early treatment can help prevent more serious injuries and reduce your risk of developing chronic issues that could keep you on the sidelines for much longer.

Seeking Professional Help for a Pickleball Injury

If your symptoms aren’t improving or if they’re interfering with your mobility, sleep, or day-to-day routine, it’s time to seek professional care. Left untreated, even mild sprains or overuse injuries can progress into something more serious that may take longer to heal and may limit your ability to stay active.

A physiotherapist can assess your condition, pinpoint the underlying cause, and guide your recovery with a personalized treatment plan. Getting the right support early can help speed up your healing. It can also help you return to the game with greater strength, confidence, and a reduced risk of reinjury.

Treatment Options for Pickle Ball Injuries

Getting the right treatment for a pickleball injury starts with a clear understanding of the nature and severity of your condition. While minor strains and sprains may respond well to rest and self-care strategies, persistent or more serious injuries often require a structured rehabilitation approach. A well-rounded treatment plan not only supports healing but also reduces your risk of reinjury and helps you return to play safely.

The most effective plans often involve a combination of therapeutic techniques, including physiotherapy, manual therapy, and targeted rehabilitation exercises—all tailored to your body’s specific needs and condition.

Physiotherapy for Relieving Pain and Restoring Mobility

Physiotherapy plays a key role in managing pain, restoring mobility, and supporting a safe return to the court. To treat your pickleball-related injury, your physiotherapist may use a combination of manual therapy, joint mobilization, myofascial release, and soft tissue techniques to reduce inflammation and improve your range of motion. These hands-on treatments are often paired with guided therapeutic exercises designed to restore strength, stability, and flexibility without placing excess strain on the injured area.

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>You may also work on neuromuscular re-education to improve movement patterns and correct biomechanical imbalances that could have contributed to your injury. By gradually strengthening the surrounding muscle groups and improving coordination, physical therapy not only helps relieve current symptoms, it also reduces the risk of future injuries.

Manual Therapy for Soft Tissue Recovery

If your injury has left you feeling stiff, tight, or sore in certain areas, manual therapy can make a big difference. This hands-on approach uses techniques like joint mobilization, targeted muscle release, and soft tissue massage to ease tension, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation around the injured area. You might notice improved flexibility and reduced discomfort after just a few sessions. 

Customized Exercise Programs for Rehabilitation

Once pain and inflammation are under control, following a personalized exercise plan can help you rebuild muscle strength, mobility, and confidence. Your routine would be tailored to your specific injury and recovery stage, starting with gentle movements and progressing to more active strengthening and balance work. Exercises that support the injured area while improving overall stability and movement help reduce your risk of reinjury and ensure a safer return to play.

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Whether you’re managing a shoulder strain, knee irritation, or recurring tendonitis, targeted rehab exercises can help you move better, heal faster, and stay active.

Integrated Care: Combining Modalities for Better Outcomes

Because no single treatment works for every injury, combining approaches—like physiotherapy, manual therapy, and targeted exercise—can often lead to better results. An integrated care approach looks at the full picture: easing pain, improving mobility, and building strength to support long-term recovery. When treatments work together, you’re more likely to heal fully. It can also get back to physical activity with a reduced risk of reinjury.

Preventing Future Injuries

Injury prevention isn’t just about what you do on the court. In fact, staying injury-free involves a mix of preparation, proper technique, and paying attention to your body’s needs. With the right approach, you can enjoy the game more often and with greater confidence.

Tips for Safe Participation in Pickleball

Preventing an injury begins with smart preparation and small, consistent habits. Here are some practical ways to reduce your risk:

• Warm up first. A little light cardio and dynamic stretching before you play helps prepare your muscles and joints for quick movements.
• Wear supportive court shoes. Look for proper shoes with strong grip and lateral stability to avoid slips or ankle twists.
• Focus on technique. A proper grip, balanced stance, and controlled swing reduce unnecessary strain—especially on your shoulder and elbow.
• Don’t push through pain. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and assess. Rest is often the first step in preventing a bigger setback.

These simple measures can reduce your risk of potential injuries while helping you stay healthy and active on the court. 

Personalized Care and Preventing Injuries from Pickleball

Everyone’s body moves differently—and your injury risk can be influenced by factors like age, strength, mobility, and past injuries. That’s why personalized assessments can be so helpful. A professional evaluation of your posture, balance, and movement patterns can identify areas that need support. Examples include core strength, joint stability, or range of motion.

For adults over 40, this kind of preventative approach can be especially useful. Targeted training routines designed to improve functional movement, flexibility, coordination and general fitness can make a noticeable difference. This applies not just to how you play, but to how your body feels afterward.

Taking the time to understand your body’s specific needs is one of the most effective ways to enjoy the great sport of pickleball safely, consistently, and injury-free.

Conclusion

Pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active, social, and fit—but like any sport, it’s not without risk. Understanding how injuries happen, recognizing the early warning signs, and knowing when to seek help are all part of staying healthy and in the game. Whether you’re dealing with a recent strain or looking to prevent future setbacks, a combination of physiotherapy, manual treatment, and personalized rehabilitation exercises can support your recovery and keep you moving confidently.

<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>If you’ve been struggling with pickleball injuries, we can help. Contact us today and let us show you why, at Physiomed…Healthier Starts Here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball Injuries:

What are the most common injuries associated with playing pickleball?

The most common pickleball injuries include sprains, muscle strains, and tendonitis—particularly in the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles. These often occur due to quick pivots, repetitive swinging, and playing on hard court surfaces, especially among adults over 40.

What are the first steps to take after a pickleball injury?

If you’ve been injured playing pickleball, start with the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Avoid putting weight on the injured area and monitor your symptoms. If pain, swelling, or limited movement persist, consult a healthcare professional. A physiotherapist can assess the injury and guide your recovery.

When should I seek professional help for a pickleball injury?

yle=”font-weight: 400;”>You should seek professional care if your symptoms last more than a few days, worsen with movement, or interfere with your daily routine. Signs like persistent pain, swelling, or joint instability may indicate a more serious issue that requires a clinical assessment and personalized treatment plan.