Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States—especially among adults and seniors—thanks to its fun, social nature and accessibility. But with its growing popularity comes an increase in pickleball-related injuries.

At KOH Physical Therapy, we’re seeing more patients come in with pickleball injuries ranging from mild strains to more serious joint and tendon issues. The good news? Physical therapy can help you recover faster, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries, so you can get back on the court safely.

Common Pickleball Injuries We Treat

Pickleball involves quick lateral movements, sudden changes in direction, and repetitive motions—all of which can put stress on the muscles, joints, and tendons. Some of the most common injuries we see include:

• Pickleball Elbow (similar to tennis elbow) – Overuse of the forearm muscles can lead to lateral epicondylitis, causing pain on the outside of the elbow.
• Shoulder Strains and Rotator Cuff Injuries – Frequent overhead shots and serves can aggravate shoulder tendons.
• Ankle Sprains – Quick pivots and sudden stops can lead to rolled ankles and ligament damage.
• Knee Pain and Meniscus Injuries – The twisting and lunging movements can strain knee joints, especially in players with a history of arthritis or injury.
• Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis – Repetitive stress on the feet and calves can cause inflammation and pain that affects your ability to move comfortably.
• Lower Back Pain – Rotational swings and bending can lead to muscle tightness or strain in the lumbar spine.

Whether you’re new to pickleball or a seasoned player, physical therapy is a powerful tool to help you stay active and injury-free. At KOHPT, our approach is tailored to your individual goals, sport-specific demands, and recovery timeline.

1. Personalized Assessment

We begin with a full musculoskeletal evaluation to identify muscle imbalances, joint limitations, and faulty movement patterns that could be contributing to your pain or injury.

2. Pain Relief & Manual Therapy

We use a combination of hands-on techniques, soft tissue mobilization, and modalities like Shockwave Therapy (available at our clinics) to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

3. Targeted Strengthening and Flexibility

We’ll design a sport-specific exercise plan to improve muscle strength, joint stability, and flexibility—especially in areas prone to injury like the shoulder, ankle, and core.

4. Return-to-Sport Training

Our therapists guide you through progressive drills to build confidence and reduce the risk of re-injury. This includes dynamic balance, agility work, and paddle mechanics.

5. Injury Prevention & Wellness Programs

Want to keep playing for years to come? Ask about our maintenance programs, where we help you address early warning signs before they become injuries.

Play Hard, Recover Smarter

Pickleball should be fun—not painful. If you’re dealing with a nagging injury or want to boost your performance and prevent future issues, our team is here to help. KOHPT specializes in helping active adults move better, feel stronger, and stay in the game.