Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in New England, and courts across Southeast Massachusetts are packed. It’s social, affordable, and easy to pick up. But at PTU, we’re seeing the flip side of the boom: a steady rise in pickleball injuries, and most of them are preventable.
Why pickleball catches players off guard
The game looks gentle, but it demands quick lateral movement, sudden stops, reaching, twisting, and backpedaling. Many players are also active adults returning to sport after years away, so their enthusiasm gets ahead of their conditioning. That “too much, too soon” gap is where most injuries start.
The pickleball injuries we treat most
Ankle sprains and falls top the list, driven by quick direction changes and backpedaling. Pickleball elbow (similar to tennis elbow) builds gradually from repetitive gripping. Achilles tendon irritation often starts as morning heel stiffness. We also see knee pain from pivoting, rotator cuff strain from overhead serves, and low back pain from all that twisting.
How to prevent them
Warm up dynamically with leg swings, hip circles, a brisk few minutes, instead of static stretching. Build your playing volume gradually. Wear court shoes rather than running shoes for proper lateral support. Strengthen your hips, glutes, core, and shoulders off the court. And respect early warning signs: a lingering ache is your body asking for attention.
When to see a physical therapist
If a nagging ache won’t settle or your pain keeps getting worse, a PT evaluation is a smart first step. We’ll do a thorough movement assessment to find what’s actually driving the problem — not just where it hurts. And many players don’t realize this: in Massachusetts, you don’t need a physician referral to start physical therapy.
PTU serves players across Southeast Massachusetts, including Bridgewater, Buzzards Bay, and Middleboro.
Find your nearest PTU location and book a visit →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common pickleball injury?
Ankle sprains are the most common acute injury; pickleball elbow and Achilles irritation are the most common overuse injuries.
Do I need a referral to see a PT for pickleball in Southeast MA?
No. Massachusetts allows direct access, so you can book an evaluation without a physician referral.
How do I prevent pickleball injuries?
Warm up dynamically, wear court shoes, ramp up gradually, and strengthen your hips, core, and shoulders.
When should I see a PT for pickleball pain?
If pain lingers past a few days of rest, worsens, or limits your play.
