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.
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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).
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Rehab Tips for Victoria’s Racquet Sport Lovers
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Warm Up Smartly:
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Dynamic stretches (arm circles, lunges) > static stretches before play.
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Footwear Matters:
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Pick shoes with lateral support for Victoria’s outdoor courts (e.g., pickleball at Commonwealth Place).
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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.