Outpatient Physical Therapy for Pickleball Injuries

March 26, 2025|physical therapy

Pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular recreational sports, attracting people of all ages, especially seniors. With its blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, pickleball provides a low-impact, fun way to stay active and socialize. However, like any sport, pickleball comes with its share of injuries, especially for those who are new to the game or pushing their limits on the court. Thankfully, outpatient physical therapy is a highly effective solution for treating and recovering from pickleball injuries, helping players get back on their feet and back into the game faster.

At Virginia’s Physical Therapy, located in Herndon and Fairfax, VA, we specialize in treating sports injuries, including those related to pickleball. Our team of expert physical therapists works with patients to develop personalized recovery plans tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with a sprained ankle, shoulder strain, or tennis elbow, outpatient physical therapy can help restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve strength so you can continue to enjoy the sport you love.

Common Pickleball Injuries and How Physical Therapy Can Help

While pickleball is generally considered a low-impact sport, it still involves quick movements, sudden direction changes, and repetitive actions that can lead to injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with pickleball and how outpatient physical therapy can help:

1. Ankle Sprains and Strains: Quick lateral movements and pivoting on the court often lead to ankle sprains or strains. These injuries can range from mild to severe, but they all require proper rehabilitation to avoid long-term issues. Physical therapy can help strengthen the ankle, improve flexibility, and restore balance, reducing the risk of re-injury.
    
2. Shoulder Injuries: The overhead motions involved in serving and smashing the ball can cause shoulder injuries like rotator cuff strains or tendinitis. If left untreated, these injuries can significantly affect your range of motion and pain tolerance. Through targeted exercises and manual therapy, physical therapists at Virginia’s Physical Therapy help restore shoulder function, reduce inflammation, and improve strength and flexibility.
    
3. Elbow Tendonitis (Tennis Elbow)Repetitive motions from gripping and swinging the paddle can lead to tennis elbow, characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow. Outpatient physical therapy can address this condition by using techniques such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy to relieve tension, promote healing, and prevent recurrence.
    
4. Knee Pain: Running, stopping, and sudden changes in direction can put strain on the knees, leading to conditions like patellar tendinitis or general knee pain. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, improving flexibility, and reducing pain, allowing players to return to the court with better knee support.
    
5. Back Pain: With frequent bending, twisting, and reaching involved in pickleball, lower back pain is common. Outpatient physical therapy helps improve posture, strengthens core muscles, and provides pain management strategies to alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of chronic issues.
    

How Outpatient Physical Therapy Helps You Recover Faster

Physical therapy is a proven method for accelerating recovery after pickleball injuries. At Virginia’s Physical Therapy, we understand the importance of getting back to the game quickly and safely. Our outpatient services are specifically designed to help individuals recover efficiently, regain strength, and reduce the risk of future injuries. Here’s how we can help:

1. Personalized Treatment Plans: Every patient is different, and so is every injury. After a thorough evaluation, our physical therapists will create a customized treatment plan that targets your specific injury and recovery goals. Whether it’s strengthening a muscle, improving flexibility, or restoring balance, your therapy will be tailored to your needs.
    
2. Manual Therapy: Our skilled therapists use hands-on techniques to manipulate soft tissues and joints to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. This is particularly effective for treating soft tissue injuries like strains and sprains, common in pickleball players.
    
3. Therapeutic Exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises are a core component of physical therapy. We use these exercises to improve the range of motion, restore joint function, and build strength to support your recovery. Whether it’s ankle strengthening or shoulder stability, we focus on exercises that target the root cause of your injury.
    
4. Modalities for Pain Relief: Physical therapy often incorporates modalities like heat, cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. These treatments are especially useful in the acute phase of recovery and can help accelerate the healing process.
    
5. Injury Prevention : A significant part of physical therapy is not just treating injuries but preventing them from recurring. Through proper education, posture correction, and ergonomic adjustments, we can help you play pickleball safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of future injuries.
    

Why Choose Virginia’s Physical Therapy for Your Pickleball Injury Recovery?

At Virginia’s Physical Therapy, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, patient-centered care. Our team of licensed physical therapists has extensive experience treating sports injuries, including those specific to pickleball. Here’s why you should choose us for your recovery:

1. Expert Care
   Our physical therapists are highly trained in sports rehabilitation and are well-versed in treating common pickleball injuries. We stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and treatments to ensure optimal recovery.
    
2. Convenient Locations
   We have two convenient locations in Herndon and Fairfax, VA, making it easy for you to access the care you need close to home. Whether you’re recovering from a pickleball injury or want to improve your athletic performance, we’re here to help.
   
   • Virginia’s Physical Therapy – Herndon
     171 Elden Street, Suite 140
     Herndon, VA 20170
   • Virginia’s Physical Therapy – Fairfax
     10721 Main Street, Ste 105
     Fairfax, VA 22030
      

1. Comprehensive Services
   From injury rehabilitation to preventative care and performance optimization, we offer a full range of physical therapy services. Our approach is holistic and focuses on your overall well-being, ensuring a quicker and safer return to pickleball.
    
2. Individualized Treatment Plans
   We understand that every injury is unique, and so is your recovery. Our therapists work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your specific needs and goals, ensuring the best possible outcome.
    

Get Back on the Court with Virginia’s Physical Therapy

Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport, but injuries can slow you down if not treated properly. With outpatient physical therapy, you can recover faster, reduce the risk of re-injury, and get back to enjoying the game. Whether you’re recovering from an ankle sprain, shoulder injury, or any other pickleball-related condition, Virginia’s Physical Therapy is here to help.

Don’t let an injury keep you from doing what you love. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Herndon or Fairfax location. Our team of expert physical therapists is ready to help you get back on the court stronger and safer than ever!

Contact Information:

• Phone: (703) 866-6323
• Fax: (703) 828-0021
   

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit Virginia’s Physical Therapy.