How many times have your heard people say “you can’t get hurt playing pickleball”? We hear it hundreds of times every year. In the past 10 years, we’ve heard it thousands of times.
Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. As with any athletic activity, injuries are common in pickleball. If fact, we are willing to predict that more than half of new players entering pickleball will suffer an injury at some point during their first year.
We say this because we see hundreds of new players entering the sport every year. Most are older, not very athletic and in average to poor physical condition. Most importantly, though, they enter the sport and begin playing it without getting proper instruction from certified coaches and they wear clothing and/or footwear that is not at all suitable for the activity they are engaging in.
Given these facts, it should surprise nobody that pickleball players suffer exactly the same kinds of injuries that athletes suffer in other racquet sports. Most commonly, they suffer from minor injuries to their elbows, knees, shoulders, backs and wrists. Less commonly, but still frequently, pickleball players suffer major injuries during falls. And occasionally, as in all racquet sports, they experience eye injuries, too.
As with any injury — major or minor — it is important to see a doctor and follow his/her advice. If the doctor refers you to a physiotherapist, you should follow their advice, too. In most cases, though, minor injuries are treated with a combination of rest, ice and painkillers and players are back on the court in a matter of days or weeks.
The worst thing pickleball players can when an injury appears is ignore it. Left untreated, small injuries can become major problems and weeks can turn into months. Step One in dealing with pickleball injuries is to understand that they are common. Step Two is to take steps to prevent them from happening. Step Three is to seek treatment when treatment becomes necessary.
Shame should not be part of the equation for anybody who chooses to play pickleball. The myth that you can’t get hurt playing pickleball is just that — a myth. You can get hurt. You can get seriously hurt. So if it happens, there is no need to be ashamed. Just get some help, get well soon and get back in game as soon as you can.
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