Injury Risks in Pickleball: Expert Insights on Player Safety

Understanding the Risks of Pickleball

As pickleball gains traction, players may face increased injury risks if they exceed their physical limits, warns professional sports massage therapist Mohd Azlan Othman. He emphasizes that the sport's swift growth could negatively impact the musculoskeletal health of those who do not align their enthusiasm with their physical capabilities.

In an interview, Azlan highlighted how advancements in pickleball gear have escalated the game's intensity. He noted, “The evolution of equipment has led to faster rallies and more aggressive footwork. According to rehabilitation science, injuries arise when the physical load surpasses our muscle capacity.”

He pointed out that the introduction of advanced paddles and the quicker pace of play heighten the risk of overuse injuries, especially among casual players. “The shift from a relaxed to a more intense style often occurs without adequate strength training and conditioning,” he explained.

Azlan also mentioned that the sport's rapid movements exert significant pressure on the lower body. “Lateral shifts and abrupt stops put considerable stress on knee joints, including the ACL and MCL, as well as the ankles and hips, due to the strain on ligaments and stabilizing muscles while pursuing fast balls,” he added. He noted a rising trend of injuries related to pickleball in physiotherapy clinics.

Moreover, he cautioned that many recreational players neglect essential warm-up exercises before engaging in the game. “Players often attempt to reach every ball, even when off balance. Many social players jump straight into the game, executing smash shots without proper stretching,” he remarked.