Where are all my pickleballers at!?
Seriously, pickleball has been exploding throughout the US in popularity!
I just heard on a news story this week that the rate of pickleball injuries is also dramatically on the rise!
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, fractures from pickleball have increased by 253% from 2017 to 2022…
With most of those injuries occurring due to falls in those over 60 years of age.
In addition to fractures, they cited that the other most common injuries have been sprained ankles, rotator cuff injuries, and achilles tendon tears.
Personally, when I first started playing pickleball competitively I began to experience knee pain from all the quick starts and stops as well as the deep knee bending that is required.
While pickleball consists of a much smaller court than tennis and is popular because of the lower physical demands than tennis, the following are some must-dos for every pickleball player to help stay injury free and be able to play for years to come:
Proper Dynamic Warm-Up: specifically focus on warming-up the ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, and mid-back prior to playing
Knowing Your Own Limitations: it is common that people become addicted with playing one more game and have trouble stopping, but if you are starting to develop pain then it’s time to call it for that day
Mobility Training: this should be individually focused on the body regions where you are tightest
Balance Training: various exercises can be done to improve your body’s ability to stay balanced and change directions easier to decrease risk of falls
This is not an exhaustive list of a full training regimen, but these are great tips to start with.
If these are areas that you would like assistance with improving and don't know where to start on your own... I specialize in building individual programs for clients to best meet their needs and achieve their goals!
And if pain has been stopping you from getting out on the pickleball court as much as you'd like, I'm a movement and pain expert who can help!
Let’s set up a phone consultation, get you in for the most in-depth body evaluation that has ever been performed for you, and then develop a plan to help you move better then ever!
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