Pickleball Injuries: Why They Happen and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in Singapore. Whether it’s at community clubs, sports halls or condominium courts, you’ll often see players gathering for a few friendly games.

It’s easy to see why the sport is so popular — pickleball is social, fast-paced and relatively easy to pick up.

But over the past year, physiotherapists have also started seeing more pickleball-related injuries.

At Physionique, we increasingly treat players who come in with elbow pain, shoulder tightness or knee discomfort after playing. Most of these injuries are manageable with the right treatment — especially if they are addressed early.

If you play pickleball regularly, here are some of the common injuries we see and how physiotherapy can help.

Why Pickleball Injuries Are Becoming More Common

Pickleball is often described as a “low impact” sport, but that doesn’t mean injuries don’t happen.

The game involves:

• Quick side-to-side movements

• Sudden lunges toward the ball

• Repeated paddle swings

• Fast reactions at the net

  
  

Many players in Singapore are new to racket sports. It’s common to jump straight into several games without much warm-up or conditioning.

Over time, this combination of repetition and sudden movement can put stress on joints and tendons.

We often hear the same thing in clinic:

"It was fine during the game, but the next day my elbow started hurting."

That delayed soreness is usually the body’s way of telling you something needs attention.

1. Elbow Pain (“Pickleball Elbow”)

One of the most common injuries we see is pain on the outside of the elbow, similar to tennis elbow.

This happens because the tendons that control your wrist and grip become overloaded from repeated paddle swings.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain when gripping the paddle

• Discomfort when lifting objects

• Weakness in the forearm

• Pain during backhand shots

  
  

The good news is that most cases improve well with physiotherapy. Treatment often includes specific strengthening exercises for the forearm and adjustments to technique or grip.

2. Shoulder Pain

The shoulder works hard during pickleball, especially during overhead shots or powerful swings.

If the shoulder muscles are not strong enough to support these movements, players may develop:

• Rotator cuff irritation

• Shoulder impingement

• Muscle strain

Often, the issue is not just the shoulder itself. Weakness in the upper back or shoulder stabilisers can also contribute to the problem.

Physiotherapy focuses on improving shoulder strength, mobility and control so that the joint can handle the demands of the sport.

3. Knee Pain

Pickleball involves a lot of quick lunging and stopping, which can place stress on the knees.

Players may notice:

• Pain when going up or down stairs

• Discomfort when squatting

• Knee soreness after a few games

In many cases, knee pain is linked to hip strength and movement patterns.

When the hips are weak, the knees end up taking more load during lunges and direction changes.

Physiotherapy programmes often focus on strengthening the hips and improving how the lower body moves during sport.

4. Ankle Sprains

Because pickleball requires quick side-to-side movements, ankle sprains can sometimes occur.

This may happen when:

• Landing awkwardly after reaching for a ball

• Changing direction suddenly

• Wearing shoes that do not provide enough support

Even mild ankle sprains should be properly rehabilitated. Without rehabilitation, the ankle can become unstable and the risk of future sprains increases.

Physiotherapy helps restore strength, balance and stability so players can return to the court safely.

 

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Many players try to “play through” the pain, especially if it seems mild.

However, ignoring symptoms can allow the injury to worsen.

It’s a good idea to seek physiotherapy if you notice:

• Pain lasting more than a week

• Swelling around a joint

• Reduced range of movement

• Weakness affecting your performance

• Pain that returns every time you play

Addressing the problem early usually means a faster and smoother recovery.

How Physiotherapy Helps Pickleball Players

When a pickleball player comes to Physionique, the goal isn’t just to treat the pain — we also look for the underlying cause.

Your physiotherapist may assess:

• How your joints move

• Muscle strength around key areas

• Balance and stability

• Movement patterns during lunging or reaching

Treatment may include:

• Manual therapy to reduce pain and stiffness

• Targeted strengthening exercises

• Mobility work

• Balance training

• Advice on technique or workload

The aim is to help players return to the court safely and reduce the risk of the injury coming back.

Tips to Stay Injury-Free When Playing Pickleball

If you play pickleball regularly, a few simple habits can make a big difference.

Warm Up Before Playing

Even a short warm-up helps prepare your muscles and joints. Try:

• Light jogging

• Dynamic stretches

• Shoulder activation exercises

  
  

Strengthen Key Muscle Groups

Strong shoulders, hips and core muscles help support the joints during quick movements.

Wear Proper Court Shoes

Shoes with good lateral support reduce the risk of ankle injuries.

Pace Yourself

If you’re new to the sport, avoid playing too many games back-to-back while your body is still adapting.

Staying Active and Pain-Free

Pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active and social, and most injuries can be treated effectively when addressed early.

If you’re experiencing discomfort during or after playing, physiotherapy can help identify the cause and guide your recovery.

At Physionique, we work with many recreational athletes in Singapore, including pickleball players, runners and gym enthusiasts. Our goal is to help you recover well and get back to doing the activities you enjoy.

If you’re dealing with elbow, shoulder or knee pain after playing pickleball, early physiotherapy assessment can help prevent the issue from becoming a long-term problem.