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How a Chiropractor Can Help with Tendon Overuse Injuries from Pickleball
Patients have a habit of asking what my most commonly treated complaint which led me to sitting down to type this blog post. Being a chiropractor, patients assume that we only treat spinal conditions but this could not be further from the truth. Treating extremity conditions is my bread and butter because of what I dealt with as a college athlete. As pickleball players repeat swinging motions, their elbow tendons—particularly those involved in gripping and wrist extension—are placed under stress. Over time, this repetitive motion leads to microtears in the tendons, resulting in a condition known as lateral epicondylitis, or “tennis elbow.” The term may be borrowed from tennis, but the injury is increasingly common among pickleball enthusiasts.
Signs of Tendon Overuse:
Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
Weak grip strength, especially when shaking hands or holding objects
Discomfort during wrist or forearm movements, such as hitting the ball or gripping the paddle
Swelling or tenderness near the elbow
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
As a chiropractor, I frequently treat patients with tendon overuse injuries by focusing on improving function, reducing inflammation, and promoting long-term recovery. Here’s how chiropractic care can address elbow injuries from pickleball:
1. Adjustments and Joint Mobility
Chiropractic adjustments aren’t just for the spine—they can also be applied to the elbow and surrounding joints. Restoring proper joint alignment can reduce tension on the muscles and tendons in the forearm and elbow. This realignment helps alleviate pain and improves overall joint function, making it easier for the tendons to heal without unnecessary strain.
2. Soft Tissue Therapy
To address the tightness and tension that result from overuse, I use soft tissue therapies such as Active Release Technique (ART) or Graston Technique. These treatments focus on breaking up scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles and tendons, helping to restore normal movement patterns and reduce pain. Soft tissue therapy is especially helpful in loosening up the forearm muscles that contribute to tendon strain.
3. Rehabilitation Exercises
Strengthening the forearm muscles is key to preventing future overuse injuries. In my chiropractic care approach, I include corrective exercises tailored to strengthen the wrist extensors and flexors, as well as the rotator cuff muscles. Strengthening these muscles reduces the load on the elbow, improving stability and endurance during pickleball games. Stretching is also important to maintain flexibility and avoid further strain.
4. Ergonomic Advice
As a chiropractor and previous college tennis player, I also assess the patient’s pickleball technique and grip as well as provide advice on ergonomic adjustments. Often, minor changes in grip, swing mechanics, or paddle size can make a significant difference in reducing the stress on the elbow. Modifying how the player approaches certain movements can help prevent future tendon overuse injuries.
Preventing Tendon Overuse Injuries in Pickleball
While chiropractic care can help treat elbow injuries, prevention is always the best medicine. Here are a few key tips to help prevent overuse injuries:
Warm-Up: Always warm up before playing. A few minutes of gentle stretching, especially focusing on the forearms, wrists, and shoulders, can go a long way in preparing the body for play.
Strengthening Exercises: Regularly perform forearm and shoulder-strengthening exercises to build resilience in the muscles surrounding the elbow.
Rest: Avoid playing through pain. Give your tendons time to recover between intense games.
Paddle Choice & Ergonomics: Proper paddle grip is essential to avoiding excess strain on the elbow. Make sure to hold the paddle with a relaxed grip—avoid the tendency to "death grip" the handle, as gripping too tightly increases stress on the tendons of the forearm and elbow. Instead, aim for a firm but comfortable grip that allows for fluid motion. A handle that’s too large or too small can also cause you to compensate with poor grip mechanics, so choose a paddle that fits your hand size well.
Swing Mechanics: Focus on smooth, controlled swings rather than relying solely on arm power. Let your shoulder and body rotation do the work, reducing the direct strain on your elbow and forearm tendons.
Conclusion
As pickleball continues to rise in popularity, so does the prevalence of elbow-related injuries like tendon overuse. The good news is that with the right approach, including chiropractic care, players can recover fully and get back to the court with more strength and resilience than before.
Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, protecting your body is crucial to long-term enjoyment of the sport. If you’re experiencing elbow pain or discomfort from playing pickleball, consider consulting with a chiropractor to assess and treat the injury. By addressing the root cause of the issue and implementing effective treatments, you can get back to playing pain-free and continue to enjoy all the benefits of pickleball.
If you have questions or want to learn more about how chiropractic care can help with pickleball-related injuries, don’t hesitate to contact us at Revital Chiropractic & Wellness. I’m here to help you stay active and healthy both on and off the court!
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