Feature of the Month
Pickleball Injuries Are On the Rise!
Don’t Let Pain Keep You Off the Court
Summer is peak pickleball season, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself on the court much more often than you did during the cooler months. While we love seeing our patients stay active and fun, we also want to remind you that an increase in playing time can lead to an increase in injuries.
Yes, that’s true even for a relatively low-impact sport like pickleball! Quick pivots and repeated swinging motions might leave you dealing with a nagging pain in your elbow, shoulder, or knee.
The good news is that most pickleball injuries can be addressed with conservative care from the multidisciplinary team at Ace Physique. We’ll work with you to address your pain and help you get back on the court.
Why Pickleball Injuries Increase During the Summer
Many pickleball-related injuries are what are known as overuse injuries. These injuries aren’t sudden and flashy, like an ACL tear. Instead, they develop gradually when a tissue is repeatedly stressed without sufficient recovery between activities.
They tend to be especially common during the summer, as players increase the number of games they play each week, including playing on consecutive days. You’re even more likely to suffer an overuse injury if you took time off during the winter.
What Are Some Common Pickleball Injuries?
Overuse injuries are common in pickleball because the quick starts, stops, pivots, and repetitive paddle swings needed in the sport place repeated demands on muscles, tendons, and joints. Some common ones to watch out for include:
Pickleball Elbow
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Jumper’s Knee
Addressing Pickleball Injuries at Ace Physique
Our team believes the best results often come from addressing a problem from multiple angles. We work together to create individualized treatment plans that focus on reducing pain, restoring movement, and helping you return to your favourite activities–including pickleball.
Acupuncture for Relieving Pain
Massage Therapy for Reducing Muscle Tension
Chiropractic Care for Improving Movement Quality
Physiotherapy For Addressing Underlying Risk Factors
Physiotherapy plays a central role in helping you recover from a pickleball injury by identifying and addressing impairments in mobility, strength, balance, and coordination and progressively building up your physical capacity. These concerns are often at the root of sports injuries, and working to resolve them can help treat a current injury and prepare your body to minimize another in the future.
Don’t Let An Injury Hold You Back
You might be tempted to ignore that mild discomfort that lingers after your pickleball matches, but we don’t recommend it! Addressing those symptoms early on can often help prevent a minor issue from becoming a longer-term problem.
If you suspect your summertime pickleball habit may have led to an injury, reach out to the team at Ace Physique today. Our team will work together to create a personalized treatment plan designed to help you move better and get back to doing what you love.
More to Explore
How to Warm Up Properly for Pickleball (and Other Racquet Sports)
One of the easiest ways to lower your injury risk in pickleball, tennis, and other racquet sports is to warm up before you play. All too often, players jump straight into serving and sprinting without giving their muscles and joints time to adjust. A few minutes of preparation can improve performance and help you move more comfortably throughout your game.
Key Components to a Good Warmup
Start with Light Cardio
Begin with 3–5 minutes of easy movement, such as brisk walking or jumping jacks, to increase blood flow and raise your body temperature.
Add Dynamic Stretches
Dynamic stretches involve controlled movements that take joints through their range of motion. Choose stretches that prepare your body for the movements required on the court, such as:
- Arm circles
- Shoulder rolls
- Leg swings
- Walking lunges
- Torso rotations
Perform 10–15 repetitions of each.
Activate Key Muscle Groups
A few simple activation exercises can help wake up your lower body and blood flow to key muscle groups before you transition to faster footwork. This can improve stability and movement control, supporting your joints during quick movements on the court. We recommend:
- Mini squats
- Glute bridges
- Calf raises
- Standing balance exercises
Practice Sport-Specific Movements
Finally, spend some time on movements that will mimic game play, such as:
- Side-to-side shuffles
- Gentle practice swings
- Controlled serves or volleys
Get More Out of Your Time on the Court
A proper warm-up should only take 10-15 minutes, but it can make a significant difference in how you feel during and after a match.
And remember, if recurring pain, stiffness, or injuries are affecting your ability to enjoy racquet sports, the team at Ace Physique can help, including working with you to develop the best warmup routine for your needs.
Exercise of the Month
TOWEL PULL
Sit or stand tall and place a rolled towel behind your head, holding each end with your hands in front of you. Gently pull the towel forward and downward to support your head as you slowly extend your neck backward, looking up toward the ceiling. Use the towel for support—not force. Return to the starting position.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: towel)
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Seasonal Tips
Four Simple Ways To Make Hydration A Habit
Summer’s hot, sunny days make hydration even more important than usual. Heat can cause your body to lose more fluid through sweating, especially during outdoor activities, sports, or long walks. Staying hydrated will keep your body working efficiently so you can move with more comfort.
The key is consistency. Small habits can make drinking enough water feel automatic.
1. Start Your Day With Water
2. Pair Water With Daily Routines
3. Keep Water Within Reach
4. Add A Little Flavor
Patient Testimonial
What Our Patients Are Saying
Real stories from patients who trusted Ace Physique to help them move better, recover stronger, and feel supported every step of the way.
I had an excellent experience with the physiotherapy team. They are knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cared about my recovery. The treatment plan was clearly explained, and I noticed significant improvement in my pain and mobility. The staff were friendly and welcoming, making every visit comfortable. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking quality physiotherapy care.”
Ace Referral Program
We believe that great things should be shared! That’s why we’re excited to introduce the Ace Referral Rewards Program, designed exclusively for our valued clients like you!
Invite a friend or family member to join us, and both of you will get $40 off! Your friend will receive $40 off their first visit, and once they come in, you’ll get $40 off your next visit as a thank you.
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