ommon Pickleball Injuries and How Physical Therapy Can Help You Get Back on the Court

Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in America—and for good reason. It's fun, social, and suitable for players of nearly every age. But as participation continues to rise, so do pickleball-related injuries.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just discovering the game, understanding the most common injuries can help you stay healthy and continue enjoying the sport.

1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Despite its name, tennis elbow is one of the most common pickleball injuries. Repetitive gripping and backhand shots can strain the tendons on the outside of the elbow, causing pain and weakness.

Common symptoms include:

Pain on the outside of the elbow
Weak grip strength
Pain when lifting objects
Discomfort during backhand shots

Physical therapy focuses on reducing tendon irritation, improving strength, correcting movement mechanics, and helping prevent the injury from returning.

2. Rotator Cuff Injuries

Serving, overhead shots, and repetitive swinging place significant stress on the shoulder. Over time, this can lead to inflammation or irritation of the rotator cuff.

Signs may include:

Shoulder pain during overhead movements
Weakness when lifting your arm
Pain while sleeping on the affected side
Reduced range of motion

A physical therapist can improve shoulder mobility, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and restore proper movement patterns.

3. Knee Pain

Quick direction changes, lunges, and repetitive bending can place extra stress on the knees.

Players commonly experience:

Patellar tendon irritation
Arthritis flare-ups
Meniscus irritation
General overuse pain

Treatment often includes strengthening the hips and legs, improving balance, and addressing movement patterns that may be contributing to knee stress.

4. Achilles Tendon and Calf Strains

The stop-and-go nature of pickleball requires explosive movement, which can overload the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.

Symptoms often include:

Pain above the heel
Morning stiffness
Tight calves
Pain when pushing off to run

Physical therapy helps improve flexibility, gradually strengthen the tendon, and safely return players to competition.

5. Ankle Sprains

Fast lateral movement increases the risk of rolling an ankle during play.

Following an ankle sprain, many people return to the court too quickly, increasing the risk of another injury.

Rehabilitation focuses on:

Restoring balance
Improving ankle stability
Regaining strength
Preventing future sprains
How to Prevent Pickleball Injuries

While not every injury is avoidable, a few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.

Warm up for 5–10 minutes before playing.
Stretch tight muscles after your match.
Strengthen your hips, core, and shoulders.
Wear supportive court shoes.
Increase playing time gradually.
Listen to your body and don't ignore persistent pain.

Many injuries begin as mild soreness before developing into something more serious.

When Should You See a Physical Therapist?

If your pain lasts longer than a few days, keeps returning after you play, or limits your movement, it's a good idea to schedule an evaluation.

Physical therapists can identify the root cause of your symptoms—not just treat the painful area. Early treatment often helps athletes recover faster, avoid compensating with other joints, and reduce the risk of long-term problems.

Whether you're recovering from an injury or simply want to improve your performance on the court, a personalized physical therapy program can help you move with greater confidence and stay in the game.

Stay Active and Play Pain-Free

At Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center, our experienced team helps pickleball players of all ages recover from injuries, improve mobility, and prevent future setbacks. Through individualized treatment plans, hands-on care, and sport-specific rehabilitation, we'll help you safely return to doing what you love.

If pain is keeping you off the court, don't wait for it to get worse. Schedule an evaluation today and let our team help you get back to playing your best.