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How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Pickleball Injuries

No matter what your skill level or experience with Pickleball, learning how to prepare your body correctly is the key to enjoying the sport. Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, and the game is gaining more and more players every day.

Pickleball is an easy and fun way to stay active. The sport is similar to other racquet sports and is often played on modified tennis courts. 

Unfortunately, people jump right into the sport without any preparation or training to prepare their bodies for the demands on their muscles, tendons, and joints. At Aspen Rehab, our physical therapists have proven success working with people of all ages to recover from injury and resume whatever sport they enjoy.

The most common injuries associated with Pickleball

As with any sport, injuries can be a part of playing the game of Pickleball. The sport’s popularity has opened it up to people of all ages. The game is easy to play for beginners and can also meet the requirements of a more competitive player with the possibility of a fast-paced match for singles or doubles. As the popularity grows, so too does the risk of injury. 

The sport requires abrupt changes of direction and stopping and starting movements, all of which have been linked to non-contact injuries like sprains and strains. There is also the potential for falling and repetitive movement type injuries, especially to the upper extremities. Another potential risk of injury stems from the lack of preparation and the age of the deconditioned athletes. 

The most common injuries in Pickleball include:

  • Wrist fractures from falls
  • Ankle sprains
  • Achilles tendon injuries and inflammation
  • Patella (knee cap) tendinopathies 
  • Hamstring, adductor (inner thigh), or quadriceps muscle strains
  • Shoulder impingements and rotator cuff injuries
  • Elbow tendonitis (Tennis elbow)

“I just completed 3 months of therapy for a hip replacement. The goal was to get back on skates, and the staff worked tirelessly to ensure my goals were met. They were great, always had a smile, and made me feel comfortable. My scheduled appointments were on time every time. I would recommend Aspen to anybody needing a great physical therapy location.”

M. C.

Tim Weyant, Physical Therapist | Aspen Rehab Director

What to expect at physical therapy sessions

Physical therapy should start immediately following most injuries to ensure the fastest recovery possible. A physical therapist with experience treating sports-related injuries will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the injury’s severity and identify any other factor that may affect your ability to recover promptly. 

Next, your therapist at Aspen Rehab will create a targeted, individualized treatment plan for you to promote an accelerated recovery plan and prevent future injuries associated with Pickleball. 

For example, your physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to help the injury and return to your pre-injury abilities. We will start with pain management and restoring mobility to the injured area. 

Request an appointment today!

At Aspen Rehab, our therapists are experts at treating Pickleball-related injuries. We have proven success with treating athletes of all skill levels and ages. 

Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists!

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6913863, https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/Fulltext/2020/10000/Pickleball__Review_and_Clinical_Recommendations.8.aspx?context=LatestArticles, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0736467919307991

Dive into Spring Gardening Without the Back Pain

As flowers start blooming and southern gardens come alive, don’t let back pain hinder your green thumb efforts this spring. At Aspen Rehab, we’re committed to helping you get back in your garden by addressing your back pain concerns.

Our expert assistance ensures you:

  • Find relief from pain, preparing you for those gardening sessions.
  • Restore your mobility and strength to plant, prune, and pick with ease.
  • Share gardening tips and fresh produce with friends and family without the shadow of back pain.

Our treatments are crafted for your distinct needs. This spring, turn a new leaf without pain—connect with us today and let your wellness blossom alongside your garden!

Healthy Recipe:
Rhubarb Chia Pudding

Rhubarb chia pudding with a creamy coconut milk base and rhubarb compote. This sweet seasonal breakfast works just as well as a dessert and is a nice way to use spring rhubarb.

Ingredients

Instructions

Coconut chia pudding

  • 1 cup light coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Zest of a lemon
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla powder or 1 teaspoon extract
  • 3 tablespoons chia seeds

Rhubarb compote

  • 3 stalks rhubarb 150 grams (~1 cup), roughly chopped
  • 1 small beet peeled and quartered
  • Juice of a lemon
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup to taste

Coconut Chia Pudding

  • Add the coconut milk, honey, lemon zest, and vanilla to a container or jar. Whisk to combine.
  • Add the chia seeds and mix again, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until the seeds have gelled and the pudding is thick.

Rhubarb Compote

  • Place the rhubarb, beet, lemon juice, and honey into a small saucepan.
  • Heat over medium, covered, to bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer until the rhubarb is soft, about 10 minutes.
  • Set aside to cool fully. If the compote is not particularly pink, don’t worry – it will color further as it sits with the beet.
  • Remove the beet pieces before adding to the pudding and serving.

Exercise of the Month

Hamstring Stretch (Hamstrings, Low Back)

Sit on the floor with legs extended straight in front of you. Loop an exercise band around the ball of your foot and gently pull back on the band while keeping your back straight. You should feel a stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold, then switch sides. 3 Sets, 30-Second Hold (each leg). (Materials needed: exercise band, floor mat)

Tim Weyant
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Tim Weyant

Physical Therapist
Executive Director/ Owner 

Ana Silva Bazanta
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Ana Silva Bazanta

Physical Therapist

Vesna-Radivojevic-PTA-Aspen-Rehab-Coral-Springs-FL.jpg
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Vesna Radivojevic

Physical Therapist Assistant

Erika Davila
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Erika Davila

Marketing Director/ Computer Technology

Andrea Weyant
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Andrea Weyant

Chief Operating Officer

Kimberley Friedmann
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Kimberley Friedmann

Physical Therapist Assistant