Pickleball Elbow Pain Relief
What Causes Elbow Pain in Pickleball?
Pickleball involves repetitive arm and wrist movements that can overload the tendons around the elbow.
Over time, this leads to small micro-tears and irritation, especially if recovery is limited.
Common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive paddle swings
- Poor technique or grip mechanics
- Incorrect paddle grip size
- Playing too frequently without recovery
- Muscle imbalances in the forearm and shoulder
Types of Pickleball Elbow Injuries
Shoulder Tendonitis (Rotator Cuff)
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
This affects the outside of the elbow and is the most common type.
Symptoms:
- Pain on the outer elbow
- Pain with gripping or lifting
- Weakness in the hand or forearm
- Pain during backhand shots
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
This affects the inside of the elbow.
Symptoms:
- Pain on the inner elbow
- Pain with wrist flexion or gripping
- Tightness in the forearm
- Discomfort during swings
Common Symptoms
You may be dealing with pickleball-related elbow pain if you notice:
- Pain during or after playing
- Stiffness or soreness in the elbow
- Reduced grip strength
- Pain that gradually worsens over time
- Difficulty with everyday tasks like lifting or opening jars
Many players say:
“It started as a small annoyance… and now it’s affecting my game.”
Why Elbow Pain Keeps Coming Back
Rest alone often isn’t enough.
Elbow pain tends to return when underlying issues aren’t addressed, such as:
- Poor movement patterns
- Overuse without proper recovery
- Weakness in supporting muscles
- Compensation from the shoulder or wrist
To truly fix the problem, you have to treat the cause—not just the symptoms.
How We Help at Living Well Bainbridge
Our approach is designed to reduce pain, restore function, and get you back on the court safely.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is highly effective for tendon-related elbow pain.
It helps:
- Reduce inflammation
- Increase circulation
- Speed tissue healing
- Decrease pain quickly
Chiropractic Care
We address joint mechanics in the elbow and beyond to:
- Improve movement
- Reduce stress on the tendons
- Correct contributing issues from the shoulder and spine
Soft Tissue Therapy (Rapid Release)
Targets tight muscles and irritated tissue to:
- Reduce tension in the forearm
- Improve flexibility
- Decrease strain on the elbow
Corrective Exercise
We guide you through simple exercises to:
- Strengthen the forearm and supporting muscles
- Improve stability and control
- Prevent recurrence
Can You Keep Playing Pickleball?
In many cases—yes.
We help you:
- Modify activity temporarily
- Improve mechanics
- Stay active while healing
The goal is to keep you playing—not sideline you.
When Should You Get It Checked?
Don’t ignore elbow pain—it tends to worsen over time.
You should get evaluated if:
- Pain lasts more than a few days
- It keeps coming back after playing
- Your performance is declining
- Grip strength is decreasing
Early care can prevent more serious injury.
Why Pickleball Players Choose Living Well Bainbridge
- Experience treating pickleball-specific injuries
- Non-surgical, drug-free care
- Focus on getting you back to play quickly
- Personalized treatment plans
- Convenient Bainbridge Island location
Get Back to Playing Pain-Free
You don’t have to let elbow pain take you off the court.
At Living Well Bainbridge, we’ll help you find the cause, treat it effectively, and keep you playing strong.
Call today or schedule your visit online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my elbow hurt after playing pickleball?
Elbow pain after pickleball is usually caused by repetitive strain on the tendons from gripping and swinging the paddle. Over time, this can lead to irritation known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
What is pickleball elbow?
“Pickleball elbow” is a common term for tendon irritation around the elbow caused by repetitive paddle use. It most often refers to tennis elbow (outside of the elbow) but can also include golfer’s elbow (inside of the elbow).
Is pickleball elbow the same as tennis elbow?
Yes, in most cases. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is the most common form of elbow pain seen in pickleball players due to repetitive wrist and arm movements.
How do I know if I have tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside. Both can cause pain with gripping, lifting, or swinging a paddle.
How long does pickleball elbow take to heal?
Mild cases may improve in a few weeks, while more chronic cases can take longer. Early treatment usually leads to faster recovery.
What is the fastest way to heal elbow pain from pickleball?
The best approach includes reducing inflammation, improving movement, and strengthening the forearm. Treatments like laser therapy, soft tissue work, and corrective exercises can speed healing.
Should I stop playing pickleball if my elbow hurts?
Not always. Many players can continue playing with modifications while addressing the underlying issue. Ignoring the pain, however, can make it worse.
Can paddle type or grip size affect elbow pain?
Yes. A grip that is too small or too large, or a paddle with more vibration, can increase stress on the elbow and contribute to pain.
Can pickleball elbow go away on its own?
It may improve with rest, but many cases return if the root cause isn’t addressed. Proper treatment helps prevent it from becoming chronic.
When should I see a provider for elbow pain?
If your pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or affects your performance or grip strength, it’s a good idea to get evaluated.
Can chiropractic care help pickleball elbow?
Yes. Improving joint mechanics and reducing stress on the elbow, shoulder, and wrist can help relieve pain and support long-term healing.
How can I prevent elbow pain from pickleball?
Proper warm-ups, strengthening exercises, good paddle mechanics, and using the correct equipment can all help reduce your risk.