As with any sport, injuries can be a part of playing the game of Pickleball. The sport’s popularity has opened it up to people of all ages. The game is easy to play for beginners and can also meet the requirements of a more competitive player, with the possibility of a fast-paced match for singles or doubles. As the popularity grows, so too does the risk of injury.

The sport requires abrupt changes of direction and stopping and starting movements, all of which have been linked to non-contact injuries like sprains and strains. There is also the potential for falling and repetitive movement type injuries, especially to the upper extremities. Another potential risk of injury stems from the lack of preparation and the age of the deconditioned athletes.

The most common injuries in Pickleball include:

• Ankle sprains
• Achilles tendon injuries and inflammation
• Patella (knee cap) tendinopathies
• Hamstring, adductor (inner thigh), or quadriceps muscle strains
• Shoulder impingements and rotator cuff injuries
• Elbow tendonitis (Tennis elbow)
• Wrist fractures from falls

Exercise of the Month

Isometric Ankle Exercise

Slowly push against an immovable object in 4 directions of ankle movement, such as inward, outward, up, and down. Hold for 5 seconds. This exercise is especially helpful for rebuilding ankle stability after a sprain — one of the most common Pickleball injuries. 3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: immovable object)

Congratulations to everyone who ran the Boston Marathon! Finishing a race like this is a huge accomplishment, but your body may need some extra care in the days and weeks after. At Elliott Physical Therapy, we help runners recover faster, reduce soreness, and prevent lingering injuries. Our team offers targeted stretches, strengthening exercises, and hands-on therapies designed specifically for post-race recovery.

Whether you ran the race yourself or have a friend who did, we’re here to help your body bounce back and stay strong for your next run.

Post-Run Recovery Exercise

Hamstring Supine Stretch

(Hamstrings)

Start by lying on your back with both legs straight out. Loop a towel around your foot on the side you want to stretch. Keeping your leg as straight as possible, pull it up into the air using the ends of the towel. Hold when you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold for 30 seconds. 3 Sets, 1 Rep. (Materials needed: towel)

Garden-Season Back Exercise

Standing Lumbar Self Traction

(Lower Back)

Stand in front of a sturdy counter or bench about waist height. Place your hands firmly on the surface and slowly bend your knees slightly while leaning your weight into your arms. Allow your hips to drop downward, feeling a gentle stretch and decompression in your lower back. Hold the position briefly, then return to standing. 3 Sets, 30-Second Hold. (Materials needed: counter or bench)

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried dill or fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on one side of the pan.
3. Place salmon on the other side. Drizzle with remaining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and asparagus is tender.
5. Serve immediately. Pairs well with brown rice or quinoa.