Most Common Injuries Caused by Pickleball

1. Shoulder Injuries and Rotator Cuff Strain

Repeated overhead serves and smashes can strain or irritate the shoulder tendons. Early signs include soreness when lifting the arm, pain when reaching behind the back, or stiffness after long matches.
If untreated, shoulder strain can limit range of motion and affect strength during play. Chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, and shockwave treatment can relieve inflammation and restore mobility.

Players can prevent these injuries by warming up the shoulders before matches and strengthening the upper back and rotator cuff muscles between sessions.
Learn about our Pickleball Sports Injury Care →

2. Elbow and Wrist Pain (Pickleball Elbow)

Pickleball elbow, similar to tennis elbow, occurs when repetitive gripping and swinging cause small tears in the forearm tendons. Players may feel a dull ache on the outside of the elbow or pain that radiates into the wrist.

To recover, our chiropractors address joint alignment and muscle tension in the wrist, forearm, and shoulder, which helps distribute load more evenly during play. Shockwave therapy and targeted rehabilitation exercises are also used to promote tendon healing.

Wearing proper wrist supports and maintaining relaxed paddle control can significantly reduce stress on the forearm.

3. Lower Back Pain and Muscle Tightness

Many players bend or twist frequently when reaching for shots, putting strain on the lower back. Weak core muscles or poor posture can make the problem worse. Symptoms include stiffness, sharp pain after sudden movement, or fatigue that builds during play.

Our approach focuses on improving spinal alignment, core stability, and hip flexibility. By restoring balance through chiropractic adjustments and functional movement exercises, players experience less pain and greater endurance.

A short warm-up, core strengthening, and proper hydration all help prevent back strain.

4. Knee Strain and Meniscus Irritation

Quick changes in direction, lunges, and sudden stops can overload the knees, especially if the muscles around the joint are weak. Knee pain often appears as swelling, tightness, or tenderness after matches.

We assess the alignment of the hips, knees, and ankles to determine the cause of stress. Chiropractic care, strengthening exercises, and shockwave therapy can reduce swelling and restore stability. Players who maintain leg strength and wear proper court shoes are less likely to experience knee injuries.

5. Ankle Sprains and Foot Strain

The small but rapid steps required in pickleball challenge ankle stability. Sprains or strains occur when a player lands awkwardly or pivots too quickly. This often causes immediate pain or swelling on the outside of the foot.

Early chiropractic care helps restore range of motion and balance, while rehabilitation training strengthens the ligaments and surrounding muscles. We also teach proper recovery methods to prevent recurring sprains and foot fatigue.

Supportive footwear and ankle stability drills can make a significant difference in long-term injury prevention.

6. Overuse Injuries and General Muscle Fatigue

Pickleball is addictive, which means many players increase their playing time faster than their body can adapt. Overuse injuries develop gradually, leading to tightness, soreness, or decreased performance.

Rest and recovery are essential. Chiropractic maintenance care, stretching, and hydration all support muscle repair and joint mobility. Listening to your body and taking rest days can prevent minor fatigue from becoming a long-term problem.