Pickleball, the beloved paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has taken the world by storm. With a surge in players from 3.5 million in 2019 to a remarkable 8.9 million in 2022, it's clear that this paddle-pounding sensation isn't slowing down anytime soon. This year, the number of players is estimated to continue skyrocketing to 22 million!
However, this sport isn’t for the faint of heart. With great popularity comes a not-so-great side effect: an alarming increase in pickleball-related injuries and a surge in orthopedic procedures costing nearly $400 million.
For those of you who are players and lovers of pickleball, we want to let you in on the secret for staying in the game and remaining injury-free.
The Impact of Pickleball on Players’ Health
Pickleball can be a demanding sport. With its fast-paced rallies and quick movements, it's no wonder that players are susceptible to injuries. The most commonly affected areas where players experience injury include the wrists, legs, and shoulders.
Although the overall population of pickleball players is gaining a younger following, it is traditionally more common among those between the ages of 50 and 70. Statistics still show that 86% of pickleball players who suffer from injuries are over 60.
Here are a few common injuries to watch out for:
- Sprains: The quick movements and lateral shifts on the court can lead to a sprain or more severe damage to the wrist or ankle.
- Tendonitis: Repetitive movements and overuse can severely strain the tendons, leading to irritation and pain, resulting in tendonitis.
- Shoulder Impingement: Overhead shots and serves can cause compression of the rotator cuff tendons, leading to shoulder impingement and discomfort.
- Meniscus Tears: In more severe cases, sudden twisting or awkward landings can cause tears in the knee's meniscus, requiring surgery to repair or remove the damaged tissue.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Constant overhead motions can lead to acute pain and sudden rotator cuff tears, although a mild injury could worsen with gradual tears due to overuse.
The Perks of Pickleball for Seniors
Pickleball is a fast-growing activity because it's not just a sport; it's a friendly community of people looking for fun and fitness. It’s an easy sport to learn with a smaller court, making it accessible to individuals of all ages and skill levels without running a marathon. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to practice hand-eye coordination in a sporty setting.
However, along with the perks come potential risks, so it’s important to keep those joints in top-notch shape with the help of physical therapy.
Convenient Physical Therapy at Your Neighborhood Pickleball Match
With the number of pickleball players and injuries on the rise, knowing how to prevent injuries and strengthen your joints and muscles, especially for those at a higher risk of injury, is crucial. Physical therapy can provide the guidance and support needed to stay healthy.
But here's the exciting part – Luna brings physical therapy right to your neighborhood pickleball league, on-court or post-match, making sessions a breeze. No more dealing with the hassle of clinics or trying to work around their tight schedules.
If you find yourself nursing a pickleball injury or want preventative measures, Luna is here to help — bringing your physical therapy sessions to you, on and off the court. Get the support you need from a licensed physical therapist without any added stress.
