Pickleball Injuries in Victoria: How Physiotherapy Keeps You in the Game (including Tennis, Badminton & More)
Pickleball isn’t just Victoria’s fastest-growing sport—it’s a gateway to fun, fitness, and the occasional overzealous backswing. At Pursuit Physiotherapy, nestled in the heart of Hillside’s Andrew Sheret Building, we’re seeing a surge in paddle-related injuries. But whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast, a tennis regular at Cedar Hill Rec, or a badminton player at Oak Bay Rec, the good news is: physiotherapy can keep you swinging pain-free.
Common Pickleball Injuries (And Their Racquet Sport Cousins)
“Pickleball Shoulder” – Rotator Cuff Strains
Why it happens: Repetitive overhead serves/smashes in pickleball, tennis, or badminton.
How we help: Dry needling to relieve tension + strength drills to stabilize the shoulder and build power back into your swing.
Tennis Elbow (Yes, Pickleball Players Get It Too!)
Why it happens: Getting into the sport too quickly for the body to adapt, gripping paddles/racquets too tightly, or improper technique.
How we help: Manual therapy and dry needling to ease forearm muscles tension + ergonomic adjustments to your grip + tailored exercises to build your tendon strength.
Ankle Sprains & Knee Pain
Why it happens: Quick lateral movements on the court (common in pickleball and squash).
How we help:* Balance training + tailored exercises to strengthen quads and calves.
Lower Back Strain
Why it happens: Twisting during serves or lunging for drop shots.
How we help:* Core stabilization plans + flexibility work for hips and hamstrings.
Pickleball, Victoria BC
Advanced Treatments for Racquet Sport Injuries at Pursuit Physiotherapy
At Pursuit Physiotherapy, we combine evidence-based techniques with hands-on expertise to address the unique demands of pickleball, tennis, and badminton. Here’s how we tackle common court injuries:
Dry Needling for Fast Pain Relief
Perfect for: Tennis elbow, shoulder strains, or tight calves from sudden lunges.
How it works: Precise needle placement releases muscle trigger points, improving mobility and muscle activation.
Manual Therapy for Joint & Muscle Recovery
Perfect for: Stiff ankles after ankle sprains, back or neck tightness, or restricted shoulder rotation from repetitive serves.
How it works: Gentle joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage restore range of motion.
Sport-Specific Exercise Plans
Perfect for: Preventing reinjury and boosting performance.
Example: Eccentric wrist strengthening for pickleball players to reduce elbow strain.
Biomechanical Assessments
Perfect for: Identifying flawed movement patterns (e.g., poor footwork during lateral shuffles).
Bonus: Tips to adjust your stance or grip based on Victoria’s court surfaces (indoor vs. outdoor).
Playing racquet sports in Victoria such as Tennis, Badminton and Pickleball can cause similar injuries.
Rehab Tips for Victoria’s Racquet Sport Lovers
Warm Up Smartly:
Dynamic stretches (arm circles, lunges) > static stretches before play.
Footwear Matters:
Pick shoes with lateral support for Victoria’s outdoor courts (e.g., pickleball at Commonwealth Place).
Listen to Your Body:
“If you feel shoulder pain building during a match, stop. Reassess the following day to mitigate a potential repetitive strain,” advises our chiropractor Dr. Rob.
📍 Find Us: Andrew Sheret Building, Hillside Ave (near 2% Jazz Coffee).
⏰ Hours: Mon-Thu 8 AM–8 PM | Fri 8 AM–4 PM
📞 Book Online or call 250-3639707.