From town rec leagues, college club teams and courts popping up in parks and indoor facilities, it’s fair to say Rhode Islanders love pickleball. And for a host of good reasons. It offers social, physical and cognitive benefits, and it’s accessible to all ages and abilities. Maybe that’s why, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the United States for the last three years.

Yet, despite its convenience and popularity, pickleball still places demands on the body. Quick starts and stops, overhead shots, directional changes and repetitive movements require balance, mobility and strength. Like any sport, pickleball can expose movement limitations and weaknesses that may have been developing long before pain appears.

If soreness does creep in, keep in mind that where the pain is felt isn’t always the source of the problem:

•              Elbows: Limited shoulder mobility, grip strength deficits or repetitive movement patterns increase stress on the tendons.

•              Knees: Quick starts, stops and changes in direction place demand on the knees. Weak hips, poor balance or limited ankle mobility often contribute to pain.

•              Shoulders: The act of serving, reaching for a ball and overhead shots can irritate the shoulder, but posture, upper back mobility and how the body transfers force might play a role.

If aches linger for more than a few days, keep returning or start to change the way a person moves, it’s usually more than “just overdoing it”. A physical therapist can help determine the root cause of the problem and create a plan to keep players moving safely and confidently. Understanding why pain shows up can help prevent small issues from becoming bigger injuries and help pickleball enthusiasts stay on the court for years to come.

Dr. Amanda Zarriello, DPT, is the owner of Restore Physical Therapy, located at 10 Worthington Rd., Ste. J, Cranston, RI. For more information or to arrange for a discovery session, call 401-250-3060 or visit www.RestorePTRI.com.