As physical therapists, we’re always excited to see people finding enjoyable ways to stay active — and few activities have taken off quite like pickleball. It’s fun, social, and surprisingly effective as a full-body workout, which makes it especially popular among older adults. But with increased play comes the need for proper movement, injury prevention, and recovery strategies — and that’s where we come in.
Why We Love Pickleball (and Why Your Body Will Too)
Pickleball offers a unique mix of fitness and fun, with some excellent physical benefits:
- Cardiovascular Boost: Quick rallies and continuous play elevate heart rate and improve endurance.
- Improved Balance & Coordination: Frequent pivots, stops, and direction changes sharpen neuromuscular control.
- Strength & Flexibility: Movements like lunges, squats, and overhead reaches help build muscle tone and joint mobility.
- Low Impact, High Return: The smaller court and slower-paced play mean less stress on joints — a major win for aging bodies.
That said, the sport isn’t without its risks. We see a lot of common injuries in our clinic tied to the demands of the game — but most of them are preventable with the right guidance.
How Physical Therapy Can Help You Stay in the Game
Whether you’re just picking up the paddle or you play several times a week, physical therapy can be a game-changer. Here’s how:
Injury Prevention
We provide a PT checkup as a free service which begins with a thorough assessment of your posture, strength, flexibility, and movement mechanics. This helps us catch early warning signs of overuse or imbalance. Then we create a custom program to help you avoid typical pickleball injuries like:
- Rotator cuff strains
- Achilles tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ankle sprains
- Knee pain
- Lower back discomfort
Recovery After Injury
Injuries happen — but they don’t have to keep you sidelined. If you’ve strained a muscle, tweaked a joint, or are dealing with lingering pain, we’ll design a personalized treatment plan that includes hands-on care, modalities (like ultrasound or e-stim), and progressive exercises. The goal? To get you back on the court safely and with confidence.
Pickleball + PT = Long-Term Wellness
Pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active, engaged, and sharp — especially as we age. When combined with physical therapy, it becomes even more powerful. You get the joy of play, the benefits of movement, and the support of a tailored wellness plan that evolves with your needs.
So if you love pickleball — or are thinking about starting — don’t wait for pain to slow you down. Schedule a free consultation with one of our physical therapists. We’ll help you stay strong, mobile, and ready for every match.
Let’s keep you doing what you love — with less pain and more confidence. See you on the court!
