Pickleball and Hand Therapy

Pickleball and Hand Therapy

Pickleball and Hand Therapy

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport in the United States, with new complexes and regular tournaments appearing across the country - including right here in the 901 and surrounding areas. As popularity grows, so does a higher incidence of upper extremity injuries. Pickleball involves repetitive wrist, hand, and forearm motions, which place significant stress on the upper extremities. Hand therapists, who specialize in injuries of the upper extremity, can play a vital role in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating pickleball-related hand and wrist injuries.

Some common conditions treated by hand therapists include:

  1. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis/ pickleball elbow) - Often caused by repeated backhand motions associated with wrist extension and power grip of the paddle.
  2. De Quervain's tenosynovitis - Inflammation of the thumb tendons from repetitive wrist and thumb movement and power grip.
  3. Carpal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the median nerve, exacerbated by gripping and wrist flexion.
  4. Wrist and elbow sprains and strains - Common during falls or sudden stops.
  5. Fractures- Falling onto an elbow, wrist, or hand. Can also happen with "awkward" hits repeatedly (i.e., stress fractures, etc.)

Hand therapy can allow treatment programs and preventive interventions to promote maximum performance and enjoyment of the sport of pickleball. Some include:

  1. Kinesio taping- in order to offload repetitive stresses on tendons/ligaments.
  2. Modalities/Manual therapy - Use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and soft tissue techniques to improve mobility, decrease inflammation, and decrease pain.
  3. Dry needling- Use of needle insertion in an area of inflammation to promote blood flow, healing, and decrease inflammation/pain.
  4. Grip strengthening/mobility programs- Used to improve paddle grip and use of the wrist during game play as well as modifications for optimal hand grip of the paddle.

All sports come with some risk of injury and pickleball is no different. With a tailored plan, OrthoSouth providers and therapists can assist you in getting back on the court.

This article is provided courtesy of Evelyn Daniel, OTR/L, CHT, and Andrew Hamrick, OTR/L, CHT.
To schedule an appointment with an OrthoSouth provider, please book online or call 901.641.3000.