Common Pickleball Injuries in Calgary and How Active Sports Therapy Treats Them

Written by: Dr. David Westmacott, BKin, DC

Pickleball continues to surge in popularity across Calgary, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. While the sport offers excellent cardiovascular and social benefits, its fast pace, repetitive movements, and quick directional changes can place significant stress on the body, often leading to injury.

At Active Sports Therapy in Calgary, our Unified Team of Chiropractors and Physiotherapists work closely together to assess, treat, and rehabilitate pickleball injuries. 

By combining manual therapy, movement analysis, rehabilitation exercises, and progressive loading strategies, we help pickleball players recover efficiently and return to the court with confidence.

Whether you are dealing with a new injury or lingering pain, our clinics in Willow Park and Westman Village Mahogany provide comprehensive, evidence-based care designed to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve performance.

Why Pickleball Injuries Are So Common

Pickleball involves:

• Repetitive swinging
• Overhead shots
• Sudden stops and starts
• Lateral shuffling
• Lunging and pivoting

These movements place high demand on joints, muscles, tendons, and connective tissue. Without proper mobility, strength, and recovery strategies, overuse injuries and strains can develop over time. Our team-based approach focuses on identifying the underlying causes of injury, not just treating symptoms.

Common Pickleball Injuries Active Sports Therapy Treats

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

One of the most frequent pickleball injuries, tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow and forearm. 

Treatment may include:

• Soft tissue therapy
• Joint mobilization
• Progressive strengthening programs

• Shockwave therapy (when appropriate) LINK WEBPAGE TO SHOCKWVAE
• Education on paddle grip size, equipment, and physical load management

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Pain along the inside of the elbow often related to repetitive gripping and wrist motion, 

Treatment focuses on:

• Reducing tendon irritation
• Restoring mobility
• Strengthening forearm and upper limb muscles
• Gradual return-to-play progression

Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Injuries

Overhead shots and repetitive swinging can overload the shoulder complex.

Treatment may involve:

• Manual therapy to improve mobility
• Rotator cuff and scapular strengthening
• Movement retraining
• Progressive loading and sport-specific exercises

Achilles Tendinopathy

Common in players who perform frequent starts, stops, and quick direction changes. 

Treatment may include:

• Progressive tendon loading exercises
• Calf strengthening
• Ankle mobility work
• Shockwave therapy
• Activity modification strategies

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel and arch pain often feels worse first thing in the morning or after activity. Calgary’s diverse pickleball court surfaces — indoor, outdoor, concrete, and gym flooring, this can all contribute to increased foot strain.

Treatment may involve:

• Soft tissue therapy
• Foot and ankle mobilization
• Strengthening intrinsic foot muscles
• Shockwave therapy
• Footwear and orthotic guidance

Knee Pain

Includes patellofemoral pain, tendon irritation, or meniscal symptoms.

Treatment focuses on:

• Improving hip, knee, and ankle mechanics
• Strengthening quadriceps and glutes
• Balance and stability training
• Movement pattern correction

Low Back Strain

Twisting, bending, and rotational forces during pickleball can strain spinal structures.

Treatment may include:

• Manual therapy
• Core stability exercises
• Mobility work
• Postural and movement education

Calf Strains

Often occur with explosive push-offs and quick acceleration.

Treatment includes:

• Soft tissue therapy
• Gradual strengthening
• Range-of-motion restoration

Pickleball injury assessment at Active Sports Therapy includes:

• Detailed movement and biomechanical evaluation
• Identification of contributing factors
• Individualized treatment plan
• Progressive rehabilitation and strengthening
• Injury prevention strategies

Our Unified Team of Chiropractors and Physiotherapists communicate closely to ensure your care is coordinated and focused on long-term results.

Why Choose Active Sports Therapy in Calgary?

• Integrated Chiropractic and Physiotherapy care
• Evidence-based rehabilitation
• Sports-focused clinicians
• Shockwave Therapy available
• Two convenient Calgary locations

We help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love.

If pain is limiting your pickleball performance, let our team help! 

Book your appointment with Active Sports Therapy in Willow Park or Westman Village Mahogany today. 

This is the first step towards pain-free movement and a stronger return to the court.