Pickleball has exploded in popularity across the U.S. in recent years. With smaller courts, lighter paddles, and a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong mechanics, it’s easy to pick up and addictively fun. But like any sport, pickleball carries injury risks—particularly to the back, neck, knees and shoulder.
Whether you’re a beginner, a weekend warrior, or a competitive player, knowing how to prevent injury—and how to recover if one occurs—can make all the difference. At Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care, experts Dr. Joseph E. Weinstein, DO and Dr. Carlos Castro, MD have seen an increase in pickleball-related cases, particularly among middle-aged and older adults who are new to the sport or play frequently without proper conditioning.
Why Are Pickleball Injuries on the Rise?
While pickleball is often viewed as a low-impact activity, the sport involves repetitive swinging, abrupt lateral movement, quick pivoting, and high levels of spinal rotation. Players often dive, lunge, or twist in ways their bodies aren’t conditioned for. What’s more, since many players are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, pre-existing joint and spine issues can flare up or worsen.
Add to that poor warm-up habits and inadequate footwear, and you’ve got a recipe for injury.
Most Common Pickleball Injuries: Back, Neck, Knees & Shoulder
Back Injuries
The lower back is a common site of pickleball strain. Repetitive twisting and improper posture during games can aggravate existing spinal conditions or cause new injuries such as:
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Lumbar strains or sprains – muscle or ligament overstretching from quick motions
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Facet joint irritation – inflammation in the joints that link your vertebrae
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Disc herniation – especially in players with weak core muscles
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Sciatica – pain radiating down one leg due to spinal nerve compression
If you experience lower back stiffness, aching, or sharp pain after playing, you may be dealing with one of these conditions.
Neck Injuries
Neck strain in pickleball players often stems from poor posture (like leaning forward excessively), jarring movements during play, or looking up for overhead shots. Common conditions include:
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Cervical strain – muscle tightness and limited range of motion
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Degenerative disc disease – worsened by repetitive stress
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Pinched nerves – leading to tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms
Players may also develop tech neck—a postural issue caused by looking down at devices that transfers into gameplay mechanics.
Shoulder Injuries
The shoulder joint’s complex mechanics make it prone to overuse injuries in pickleball, especially from repetitive serves, smashes, and overhead shots. The most frequent conditions include:
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Rotator cuff tendonitis or tears
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Shoulder impingement syndrome
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Bursitis – inflammation of the shoulder’s fluid-filled sacs
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Frozen shoulder – stiffness and limited range of motion
Signs of a shoulder issue include pain when lifting the arm, difficulty sleeping on one side, or weakness in paddle grip.
Knee Injuries
Pickleball puts pressure on the knees, especially with frequent pivoting and sudden starts and stops. The most common knee injuries we see are:
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Meniscus tears
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Patellar tendinitis
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ACL/MCL injuries
How Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care Can Help
At Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care, your injury will be evaluated by a team with deep expertise in orthopedic medicine and sports injuries. Dr. Joseph E. Weinstein, DO and Dr. Carlos Castro, MD, leaders in spine care who specialize in joint preservation and surgical repair, offer a comprehensive range of treatments.
Their patient-centered approach includes:
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Detailed diagnostics using MRI, X-ray, and physical assessments
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Customized care plans based on injury severity and lifestyle
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Minimally invasive procedures when needed to speed up recovery
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Rehabilitation guidance tailored to pickleball mechanics
They don’t just treat the injury—they help you prevent it from recurring.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Pickleball Injuries
Many pickleball-related injuries respond well to conservative treatment. These include:
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Physical therapy: Strengthens core, shoulder stabilizers, and flexibility
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Anti-inflammatory medications: Reduce swelling and pain
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Manual therapy and massage: Target tightness and restore range of motion
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Joint injections: Corticosteroid or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for inflammation or tissue healing
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Posture correction: Focus on improving movement mechanics during play
In most cases, players can return to the court within weeks with proper care and a commitment to rehab exercises.
Surgical Options (When Necessary)
For more serious conditions—such as a full rotator cuff tear or herniated disc—surgical intervention may be required. The surgeons at Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care offer:
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Arthroscopic shoulder repair
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Arthroscopic knee repair
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Spinal decompression
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Minimally invasive spine surgery
These techniques are designed to minimize downtime and support a full return to play.
How to Prevent Pickleball Injuries
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Warm Up Properly: Do dynamic stretches and light aerobic movement before matches.
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Build Strength: Especially core, glutes, and rotator cuff muscles.
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Invest in Footwear: Use court shoes with ankle support and proper grip.
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Improve Your Technique: Consider lessons to avoid poor movement patterns.
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Use Your Non-Dominant Side: Occasionally practice with both sides to reduce overuse.
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Take Rest Days: Avoid playing multiple days in a row, especially in tournaments.
Why Pickleball Players Trust Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care
With a patient-first philosophy, Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care combines experience, advanced technology, and compassionate care. Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury or chronic discomfort, Dr. Weinstein and Dr. Castro will guide you from diagnosis to full recovery.
They also provide:
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Same-day appointments
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On-site imaging for faster answers
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Coordinated physical therapy
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Custom rehab timelines based on your sport and goals
Get Back on the Court—Stronger
Pickleball shouldn’t come with pain. If you’re experiencing back, neck, or shoulder issues after play, schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph E. Weinstein or Dr. Carlos Castro today at Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care. With the right treatment and guidance, you can stay healthy—and competitive—for years to come.
Ready to serve up your comeback? Contact Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care and take the first step toward pain-free pickleball.