Don’t let elbow pain keep you off the pickleball court!
Are you an avid pickleball player suffering from elbow pain? You may be experiencing what is commonly known as “pickleball elbow”. This condition is caused by repetitive strain on the tendons in your elbow, leading to pain.
Fortunately, we specialize in treating pickleball elbow, and we will give you our top 5 tips below.
5 Tips to Prevent Pickleball Elbow
1) Warm up before playing
One of the best ways to prevent pickleball elbow is to warm up properly before playing. Start by doing some light cardio to get your blood flowing and your muscles warmed up. Then, do some gentle stretches that focus on your arms, shoulders, and wrists. This will help prepare your muscles and tendons for the physical activity ahead, reducing the risk of injury. (Check out Pickleball Pro Kasandra Gehrke’s recommended warm up here)
2) Consider Overwrap on your paddle handle
Adding a layer of overwrap on your paddle handle makes the diameter larger, leading to less squeezing, and less muscle tension. There are several YouTube videos that show you how to do this on your own, or take your paddle to one of the local Wichita pickleball venues and ask the pro to do it for you.
3) Use proper technique
Using proper technique when playing pickleball can also help prevent pickleball elbow. Make sure you’re using the correct grip and swing technique, as improper form can put unnecessary strain on your elbow tendons. We strongly recommend consulting with a knowledgeable pickleball coach (hit us up if you don’t know one, we work with the best in town!) to insure your pickleball form is correct.
4) Take breaks and rest
It’s important to take breaks and rest your arms during play. Don’t play for too long without taking a break, and make sure to rest your arms in between games. This will give your muscles and tendons time to recover and reduce the risk of injury.
5) Make sure you aren’t holding the paddle too tightly
Don’t squeeze too tightly! Try this test: Hold your paddle like you do when you are playing. Grab it with the opposite hand and pull. You should be able to pull the paddle from your grip with mild to moderate pressure. If you have to pull hard to remove the paddle from your grip, you are holding it too tightly.
Different classifications of Pickleball Elbow
Did you know there are 3 different types or classifications of Pickleball Elbow? What is even more important is knowing which type you have, so that you can treat it properly.
You see, all 3 types of pickleball elbow must be treated completely differently, otherwise they won’t get better!
We cover all 3 types of Pickleball Elbow, as well as give even more great pickleball elbow tips in the video below.
In conclusion, pickleball elbow is a common condition among players, but you can prevent and treat it with proper care.
Most importantly, you MUST determine which of the 3 types of Pickleball Elbow you are suffering with in order to treat it effectively. Too commonly, we see clients who have suffered for months (and yes, even years), using injections and medications without success, due to misdiagnosis.
Schedule a Painfree Pickleball Jumpstart Call
We offer a free Painfree Pickleball Jumpstart Call. Scheduling this video or phone call is your chance to speak to one of our experts, tell them about your elbow problem and how it affects you, and get your questions answered.
To claim your Painfree Pickleball Jumpstart Call with one of our team of pickleball injury experts, just click here.
We love to keep people in Wichita, Andover, Derby, and Maize (and we saw clients from 9 different states last year) mobile, active, and off pain pills – let our expertise go to work for you to help you return to the activities you love.
Don’t forget, you can schedule a no-obligation (and free!) Painfree Pickleball Jumpstart Call or visit us at our Wichita clinic as part of your free discovery visit. Or just give us a call at 316.558.8808.
Until next time,
Cody Barnett PT
Other Free Resources To Help Reduce Injury when Playing Pickleball
Read Our Blog – Choosing the Right Shoes for Pickleball to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis
More About Pickleball – Places to Play Pickleball in Wichita KS and How to Get Started Playing Pickleball for the First Time
Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel – Bodyworx Physical Therapy YouTube Channel
Follow Us On Social Media – Bodyworx Physical Therapy Facebook
