Pickleball has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. It’s fast, fun, social, and perfect for staying active. However, with more time on the court comes a higher risk of getting injured.
Whether it’s a sore shoulder, twisted ankle, or nagging low back pain, injuries can seriously disrupt your game. Thankfully, Bergen Chiropractic offers specialized care tailored to pickleball players.
Our approach blends chiropractic techniques with customized rehab to help you recover quicker, move better, and get back to playing strong.
The 4 Most Common Pickleball Injuries We Treat
Pickleball may be low-impact, but it’s full of quick movements, lunges, and upper-body strain. Here are the top four pickleball injuries that our Bergen Chiropractic team regularly treats:
Shoulder Strains and Rotator Cuff Injuries
Reaching for overhead shots or swinging with poor form? That’s a fast track to strained shoulders or rotator cuff inflammation. You might notice sharp pain with movement, weakness, or even trouble sleeping. Chiropractic adjustments, shoulder-specific mobilizations, and soft tissue therapy help restore mobility and reduce pain without relying on rest alone.
“Pickleball Elbow”: A Repetitive Use Injury
Similar to tennis elbow, “pickleball elbow” is an overuse injury. It flares up from repeated paddle swings. The outer elbow becomes tender and inflamed, often making it tough to grip or carry things. Adjustments to the wrist and elbow joints, along with focused muscle release, go a long way in speeding recovery and restoring strength.
Sprains of the Wrist, Knee, and Ankle
Fast footwork and quick direction changes put these joints at risk. A sudden misstep, awkward landing, or off-balance lunge can lead to sprains. Chiropractic care helps stabilize these joints through gentle alignment work and rehab exercises designed to prevent repeat injuries.
Low Back Pain from Sudden Twists and Reaches
Those full-body lunges and side stretches are part of the fun, until your back locks up. Twisting without proper support or flexibility can strain the lower back muscles. With spinal adjustments, stretching routines, and core-strengthening guidance, Bergen Chiropractic helps relieve pain and prevent future flares.
4 Key Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pickleball Players
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a tournament regular, chiropractic care can give your game a real edge. Here’s how:
Customized Treatment Based on the Injury
Every pickleball injury is different. Bergen Chiropractic tailors your care plan to match what’s going on in your body. That means you’ll get focused, effective care, no cookie-cutter stuff here.
Enhanced Joint Mobility and Flexibility
Chiropractic adjustments improve how your joints move, which is a big win for your serve, reach, and recovery. Looser joints = smoother movement = less chance of injury.
Improved Muscle Coordination and Balance
Balance plays a huge role in pickleball. Through adjustments and targeted rehab, chiropractic care helps strengthen the connection between your brain and body, boosting your stability, reaction time, and coordination.
Long-Term Prevention Through Strength and Symmetry
Muscle imbalances often lead to recurring problems. Chiropractors at Bergen Chiropractic help restore symmetry across your body so no one area is overcompensating or overworked.
What to Expect from Your Chiropractic Recovery Plan
Getting back in the game doesn’t happen overnight, but with Bergen Chiropractic guiding you, progress feels steady and encouraging. Here’s what a typical recovery plan might include:
Targeted Adjustments for Spine and Extremities
Gentle adjustments realign the spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles, wherever the issue lies. These tweaks help relieve pressure, increase motion, and jumpstart healing.
Soft Tissue Work to Release Tension and Speed Healing
Chronic tension and microtears can linger long after an injury. Soft tissue techniques, such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy, help flush out tight spots, reduce inflammation, and get you moving freely again.
Rehab Exercises to Rebuild Strength and Stability
Once the pain fades, it’s time to build back better. You’ll get a guided routine that includes:
- Resistance band training.
- Balance drills.
- Flexibility and mobility work.
- Core activation techniques.
It’s all designed to match your skill level and help you move better than before.
5 Preventive Strategies to Keep You on the Court
Want to stay injury-free and play longer? Here are five simple tips you can use right now:
- Warm Up Before Every Match: Dynamic stretching wakes up your joints and muscles.
- Improve Your Footwear: Choose supportive shoes made for lateral motion.
- Cross-Train During the Week: Add strength, cardio, and flexibility work.
- Take Breaks: Avoid overuse injuries by pacing yourself.
- Listen to Your Body: Minor aches? Don’t ignore them. Early care = faster recovery.
Bergen Chiropractic Helps Pickleball Players Thrive!
The chiropractic team at Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center adheres to the highest medical standards to provide superior chiropractic care. Our mission is to deliver unparalleled patient care in a comfortable and healing environment.
Access our contact form or call us at (201) 357-6539 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic care for pickleball injuries!
