Pickleball Tendonitis Treatment in Bainbridge Island, WA
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is irritation or inflammation of a tendon—the tissue that connects muscle to bone.
In pickleball, it usually develops from:
- Repetitive swings
- Quick directional changes
- Overuse without proper recovery
Over time, this creates micro-stress on the tendon, leading to pain, tightness, and reduced performance.
Common Pickleball Tendonitis Injuries
Shoulder Tendonitis (Rotator Cuff)
Pain in the shoulder often comes from repeated overhead shots, serves, and smashes.
Common symptoms:
- Pain when reaching overhead
- Weakness or fatigue in the shoulder
- Pain when sleeping on that side
- Reduced power in your swing
Elbow Tendonitis (Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow)
Very common in pickleball due to repetitive paddle use.
Common symptoms:
- Pain on the outside (tennis elbow) or inside (golfer’s elbow) of the elbow
- Pain with gripping or lifting
- Stiffness after playing
- Decreased control or accuracy
Knee Tendonitis (Patellar Tendon)
Pickleball’s quick stops and starts can irritate the knee tendon.
Common symptoms:
- Pain just below the kneecap
- Stiffness when standing up or after playing
- Pain with squatting, lunging, or stairs
- Tenderness to touch
Why Tendonitis Keeps Coming Back
Most players try to “play through it” or just rest—but the pain returns.
That’s because the underlying issues aren’t addressed, such as:
- Poor joint mechanics
- Muscle imbalances
- Reduced mobility
- Repetitive overload without recovery
To truly fix tendonitis, you have to treat the cause—not just the symptoms.
How We Help Pickleball Players Recover
At Living Well Bainbridge, we take a movement-based, non-surgical approach to get you back on the court safely.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is one of the most effective treatments for tendonitis.
It helps:
- Reduce inflammation
- Increase circulation
- Speed up tissue healing
- Decrease pain quickly
Chiropractic Care
We improve joint motion and reduce stress on the affected area by:
- Restoring proper movement in the spine and extremities
- Reducing compensations that overload tendons
- Improving overall biomechanics
Soft Tissue Therapy (Rapid Release
Targets tight muscles and irritated tissue to:
- Reduce tension
- Improve flexibility
- Decrease stress on the tendon
Corrective Exercise
We guide you through simple, effective exercises to:
- Strengthen supporting muscles
- Improve stability and control
- Prevent re-injury
Can You Keep Playing Pickleball?
In many cases—yes.
We often help patients:
- Modify activity temporarily
- Improve mechanics
- Build strength while staying active
The goal is not just pain relief—it’s better performance and durability.
When Should You Get It Checked?
Don’t wait until it sidelines you.
If you notice:
- Pain that lingers after playing
- Decreasing performance or strength
- Pain that returns every time you play
…it’s time to address it early.
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 on the Court
You don’t have to give up pickleball because of pain.
At Living Well Bainbridge, we’ll help you recover, move better, and stay in the game.
Call today or schedule your visit online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes tendonitis in pickleball players?
Tendonitis in pickleball is usually caused by repetitive movements like swinging the paddle, serving, and quick stops and starts. Overuse without proper recovery can irritate the tendons in the shoulder, elbow, and knee.
Why does my elbow hurt after playing pickleball?
Elbow pain is often due to tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, caused by repeated gripping and swinging. Poor paddle technique, grip size, or overuse can make it worse.
Is shoulder pain from pickleball common?
Yes, shoulder tendonitis is very common in pickleball players, especially from overhead shots and serves. It can lead to pain, weakness, and reduced power if not treated early.
Can pickleball cause knee tendonitis?
Yes. The quick movements, lunging, and sudden stops in pickleball can irritate the patellar tendon, leading to pain just below the kneecap.
How do I know if I have tendonitis or something more serious?
Tendonitis typically causes localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. If you have severe pain, swelling, or loss of strength, it’s important to get evaluated to rule out a tear.
What is the fastest way to heal tendonitis from pickleball?
The most effective approach combines reducing inflammation, improving movement, and strengthening the area. Treatments like laser therapy, chiropractic care, and guided exercises can speed recovery.
Should I stop playing pickleball if I have tendonitis?
Not always. Many players can continue playing with modifications while treating the injury. The key is addressing the cause so it doesn’t worsen.
How long does pickleball tendonitis 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.
Can tendonitis come back after it heals?
Yes, if the underlying issues like poor mechanics or muscle imbalances aren’t corrected. That’s why a full treatment and prevention plan is important.
What treatments help pickleball tendonitis the most?
Effective treatments include Class IV laser therapy, chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises to reduce strain and improve function.
What type of paddle or equipment can help prevent tendonitis?
Using the correct grip size, a paddle with proper weight and vibration control, and wearing supportive shoes can reduce stress on your joints and tendons.
When should I see a provider for pickleball tendonitis?
If your pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or starts affecting your performance, it’s a good idea to get it evaluated early.