Pickleball injuries and how orthopedic massage can help

Have you heard of Pickleball? It has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sport in the United States. I get its appeal. It’s accessible, it has a great social atmosphere and players of all ages can enjoy the game. But research shows with the sport’s popularity, comes a sharp rise in injuries, especially among adults over 50. Understanding why injuries are common in pickleball can help players protect themselves and recover more effectively.

Why So Many Injuries?

Recent studies support the observations of numerous health professionals. A national survey of 1,758 players found that 68.5% reported at least one injury in the past year, with nearly half of those injuries leading to time away from play. (Katz, R., et al. (2024). Injury Epidemiology in Pickleball: A National Survey. PubMed PMID: 40847179 

There are several overlapping factors that research shows have contributed to the high rate of pickleball injuries.

1. Inexperience and Conditioning

I believe this is one of the biggest factors. Without proper warm-ups, strength, or balance training, the sudden start of regular pickleball play can be overwhelming to the body.

2. Age and Vulnerability 

Pickleball attracts many players. While this is wonderful, older adults often face the reality of reduced bone density, slower reaction times, and less resilient tendons and ligaments. In this fast-moving stop-and-go sport, it makes them more prone to fractures, sprains, and tears.

3. Movement Demands

Although the game looks less intense than tennis, the stop-and-go motions, sudden lunges, repetitive swings and quick pivots put significant stress on the body (eg. shoulders, knees, ankles, and Achilles tendons). Also, falls, especially when reaching or diving for the ball, are major sources of fractures and sprains.

4. Repetition and Overuse

The swinging motion of the paddle, combined with frequent play, often leads to overuse injuries in the shoulder, elbow, and wrists.

5. Hard Surfaces

Most games are played on concrete or asphalt courts. They are unforgiving surfaces that magnify the impact of falls and add stress on joints with every step.

How Orthopedic Massage Therapy Can Help

Now that we've talked about Pickleball injuries, here's how orthopedic massage can help. An orthopedic massage therapist would evaluate the unique demands of the sport with the client. This therapy is great for helping pickleball players stay in shape and if needed, with recovery from injuries like soft tissue issues, sprains, strains, and overuse. We use techniques that support the healing process and boost your overall performance≥.

Orthopedic massage therapy can provide targeted therapy for these common areas which affects pickleball players:

• Calves and Achilles Tendons

• Shoulders, Rotator Group, Forearm flexors and extensors 

• Lower back and legs

• Breaking down adhesions and scar tissue which limits joint mobility

• Improving circulation and tissue repair from overworked tendons and ligaments

Tips for Prevention

Players can reduce their injury risk with some simple practical steps.

• Please, Please, PLEASE warm up with dynamic stretches and light movements before playing. (Don’t forget proper cool-down routines too.)

• Strengthen key areas like calves, quadriceps, glutes, core, and rotator cuff muscles.

• Work on balance and agility drills. 

• Preventative care with regular massage sessions. It can reduce muscle tightness, restriction, and address any issues in real time. And honestly this has made all the difference for many of my clients.

• Use and wear proper equipment to support and protect your body during play (like arch support, grip, and wrist/ankle support).

• Schedule days for rest and allow time for recovery. 

• DO NOT play when injured. Allow full recovery before going back to regular play. These types of repetitive injuries accumulate & build quietly, causing pain but do not stop activities. So, giving your body time to heal at the first sign of injury is important.

Pickleball is a fantastic sport, but awareness, conditioning, and preventative care, such as incorporating orthopedic massage therapy, can significantly impact whether you enjoy it for the long haul or experience repeated setbacks. Respecting your body’s limits and investing in recovery will help all you Pickleball Warriors stay on the court longer and healthier. 

Article written by Diana Gordon, LMT, OMMT

As a professional Licensed Massage Therapist for 23 years, I have had the privilege of learning, growing, and sharing with my clients. I am grateful to now share what I’ve learned with you. I’m not a doctor or pretend to be one, so if you have pre-existing conditions or any medical concerns, it is always best to first consult your medical physician before starting any treatment.

(For full article with reference contact cs@dianagordonlmt.com)