Pickleball is everywhere these days, and we totally get why. It’s fun, social, easier on the joints than tennis, and gives you a great workout. But just because it’s gentler than some sports doesn’t mean it’s easy on your body—especially if you’re playing regularly.
The Hidden Demands of Pickleball
Don’t let the smaller court and underhand serve fool you. Pickleball puts some serious demands on your body:
- Quick lateral movements that challenge your ankles and knees
- Repetitive overhead motions that can tighten up your shoulders
- Lots of bending and twisting for those low shots
- Fast direction changes that test your balance
- Extended play that can fatigue supporting muscles
What We See in Pickleball Players
At Alexander Chiropractic and Wellness, we’ve noticed more and more pickleball players coming in with specific issues:
- Shoulder problems: From all those overhead shots and serves
- Lower back pain: Especially from bending low for dinks and volleys
- Knee discomfort: Quick stops and starts can be tough on knee joints
- Wrist and elbow issues: Similar to tennis elbow, but from pickleball’s unique motions
Hip tightness: All that lateral movement can lock up your hips
The tricky thing about pickleball injuries is they often sneak up on you. You might feel fine during play but wake up stiff the next morning.
At Alexander Chiropractic and Wellness in Brentwood, our experienced doctor, Dr. Arnott Adler, understands how important mobility, balance, and joint health are for athletes—especially in fast-paced sports like pickleball. Regular chiropractic care can help you move better, feel stronger, and recover faster from the physical demands of the game.
How Chiropractic Care Improves Your Pickleball Game
When your body is aligned and moving well, you’ll play better and feel better doing it. Here’s what proper chiropractic care can do for your game:
- Smoother movement: Better joint mobility means more fluid shots
- Quick recovery: Less stiffness between games and after play
- Better balance: Improved stability for those quick direction changes
- More power: Efficient movement patterns generate more force with less effort
- Injury prevention: Address small issues before they sideline you
We’re proud to have worked with plenty of pickleball enthusiasts, and they often love how fast they notice improvements in their game after beginning care with us!
The Whole-Body Approach
At Alexander Chiropractic and Wellness, we don’t just focus on where it hurts. We look at how your whole body works together:
- Spinal alignment: Keeps your foundation strong for all those quick movements
- Joint mobility: Especially in shoulders, hips, and ankles
- Muscle balance: Making sure no single muscle group is doing all the work
- Movement patterns: Teaching your body to move efficiently on the court
Beyond the Treatment Table
We believe the best treatment includes what you do at home:
- Warm-up routines specifically designed for pickleball players
- Stretching programs that target the muscles you use most
- Strengthening exercises for the small stabilizing muscles
- Recovery strategies to help you play more often with less soreness
Smart Training Tips for Pickleball Players
Before you play, take a few minutes to warm up those shoulders and hips with some light movement to get your joints ready. Don’t forget to make sure you’re well-hydrated before stepping on the court.
During play, the most important thing is to listen to your body—never push through real pain. Take breaks between games to let your body recover, and try to mix up your shots throughout the match to avoid putting repetitive stress on the same muscles and joints.
After play, cool down with some gentle stretching, ice anything that feels inflamed, and keep up with your hydration to support recovery. These simple habits can make a huge difference in how you feel the next day.
Keep Playing the Game You Love
Pickleball should be fun, not painful. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, we’re here to help you play your best while staying comfortable and injury-free.
The best part about taking care of your body? You’ll probably play better too. When you move well, everything on the court gets easier.