Pickleball has taken Ponte Vedra Beach by storm. Courts at community centers, neighborhood parks, and private clubs across the A1A corridor are packed with players of all ages. It’s social, competitive, and easier on the body than tennis, however, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a sport with low injuries.
At Ponte Vedra Beach Chiropractic, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in patients coming in with pickleball-related injuries over the past few years. Many are active adults who play several times a week and aren’t ready to give up the sport they love. The good news is that most pickleball injuries respond well to conservative chiropractic care, and with the right treatment plan, most players are back on the court faster than they expect.
Why Pickleball Causes More Injuries Than People Expect
Pickleball is often marketed as a low-impact sport, and compared to tennis or basketball, it is, however, “low-impact” doesn’t mean injury-free. The sport involves rapid lateral movements, frequent direction changes, overhead swings, and repetitive arm motions, all of which place real stress on the joints, muscles, and spine.
Many of our patients are also playing pickleball for the first time in their 50s or 60s, often with some pre-existing joint wear or postural issues that make them more vulnerable to injury. Add in the competitive nature of the game, most players push hard and don’t want to stop and it’s easy to see why we’re treating more pickleball injuries every season.
The Most Common Pickleball Injuries
Pickleball Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Often called “tennis elbow,” this is one of the most common complaints we see from pickleball players. The repetitive forearm and wrist motion involved in dinking, driving, and volleying can inflame the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow, causing pain that ranges from a dull ache to sharp discomfort with every swing. Left untreated, it tends to get progressively worse. We treat pickleball elbow with a combination of chiropractic adjustments to the wrist and elbow, Class IV laser therapy to accelerate tendon healing, and targeted rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and prevent recurrence.
Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Strain
When playing hard with movements like overhead smashes and high volleys put significant stress on the rotator cuff. This area is the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff strains, shoulder impingement, and general shoulder soreness are all common in pickleball players, especially those who play frequently or have prior shoulder issues. Dr. Slossberg evaluates shoulder injuries thoroughly to identify whether the pain is originating from the shoulder itself, the cervical spine, or a combination of both, which is more common than most players realize. Treatment typically includes chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and laser therapy to reduce inflammation and restore range of motion.
Knee Pain and Meniscus Issues
When performing quick lateral movements and then suddenly stopping it can cause stress to the player’s knee. We see patients with patellar tendinitis, meniscus irritation, and general knee soreness that develops after ramping up their playing frequency. Chiropractic care addresses knee pain by examining the entire kinetic chain, including the hip alignment, foot mechanics, and lumbar spine, rather than focusing solely on the knee itself. Custom orthotics, rehabilitative exercises, and laser therapy are often part of the recovery plan for knee injuries.
Lower Back Pain and Lumbar Strain
When it comes to pickleball, the bent-knee ready position that players hold for extended periods, combined with the rotational demands of groundstrokes and serves can put repeated stress on the lumbar spine. Unfortunately lower back pain is extremely common in recreational pickleball players. The good news is lower back pain is one of the conditions that responds best to chiropractic care. Spinal adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, and targeted core rehabilitation can relieve pain quickly and help players develop the spinal stability needed to stay on the court long-term.
Achilles Tendinitis and Ankle Sprains
The hard court surface and sudden directional changes in pickleball create significant stress on the foot, ankle, and Achilles tendon. Ankle sprains from awkward landings are common. We see this in players who’ve recently increased how often they play. We treat these injuries with chiropractic adjustments to the foot and ankle, laser therapy, and when appropriate, custom orthotics to correct any underlying biomechanical issues contributing to the strain.
Wrist Pain and Strain
The snapping wrist motion used to generate power can strain the tendons and small joints of the wrist. Wrist pain that’s ignored has a way of turning into a longer-term problem. Early treatment with chiropractic adjustments and laser therapy typically resolves wrist strains quickly. We often recommend this to players to help correct their mechanics before chronic damage sets in.
Our Approach to Treating Pickleball Injuries
Dr. David Slossberg has over 23 years of experience treating sports injuries in Northeast Florida, and his approach to pickleball injuries follows the same principle as all our care: find the root cause, not just the symptom.
A painful elbow might be a local tendon issue, or it might be driven by poor shoulder mechanics or a cervical spine restriction which is altering how you swing. A sore knee might be about the knee itself, or it might trace back to hip misalignment or flat arches. Those issues change how force travels up the leg. At Ponte Vedra Beach Chiropractic we take the time to evaluate the full picture before creating a treatment plan, which is why our patients tend to recover more completely and stay recovered.
For most pickleball injuries, treatment may include a combination of:
- We use chiropractic adjustments to restore joint alignment and reduce nerve interference
- Class IV laser therapy can be used to help accelerate healing and reduce inflammation in tendons, muscles, and joints
- Spinal decompression is helpful for back-related pain and disc issues
- Sports rehabilitation exercises can help restore strength, stability, and movement patterns
- Custom orthotics can help to address foot and ankle biomechanics that contribute to lower limb injuries
- Massage therapy is used to release muscle tension and support recovery
Don’t Play Through the Pain
One of the most common mistakes pickleball players make is continuing to play through an injury. Players are hoping it will resolve on its own. Some minor soreness does go away with rest. However, many pickleball injuries, particularly tendon issues like elbow and Achilles pain, become harder to treat the longer they’re ignored. What might take four to six weeks to resolve when caught early can turn into a months-long recovery if left untreated.
If you’re experiencing pain that doesn’t go away after a day or two of rest, it’s worth getting it evaluated. Early intervention almost always means a faster return to the court.
Serving Ponte Vedra Beach’s Pickleball Community
Ponte Vedra Beach Chiropractic is conveniently located at 820 A1A North, Suite W12. We are just minutes from the pickleball courts throughout the Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Nocatee areas. We work with active adults who want to stay in the game, and we understand that the goal isn’t just pain relief. Our goal is getting you back to the sport you love as quickly and safely as possible.
We accept most major insurance plans, Medicare, VA benefits, and HSA/FSA cards, and we’re currently welcoming new patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with pickleball elbow?
Yes, adjustments combined with Class IV laser therapy can be a very effective therapy for lateral epicondylitis (pickleball or tennis elbow). Many of our patients see significant improvement within a few weeks of consistent treatment.
How long does it take to recover from a pickleball injury?
Recovery time typically depends on the type and severity of the injury the patient has and how quickly they seek treatment. Minor strains treated early may resolve in two to four weeks. Tendon injuries or issues involving the spine may take six to twelve weeks with consistent care. The sooner you come in, the faster the recovery.
Do I have to stop playing pickleball while receiving treatment?
Not always. Depending on the injury, Dr. Slossberg may recommend modified play, reduced frequency, or a short rest period. Remember, the goal is to keep you as active as possible while allowing the injury to heal properly.
Do you treat pickleball injuries in Ponte Vedra Beach?
Yes, we serve players from Ponte Vedra, the Jacksonville Beaches, and Nocatee. Call (904) 285-2243 or request an appointment online.
Get Back on the Court — Book an Appointment Today
Don’t let a pickleball injury keep you off the court longer than necessary. Dr. Slossberg and the team at Ponte Vedra Beach Chiropractic are here to help you recover quickly, move better, and get back to the game you love.
Ponte Vedra Beach Chiropractic
820 A1A North, Suite W12, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Phone: (904) 285-2243
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 10am–6pm | Friday by appointment