TELLICO VILLAGE, Tenn. — The game of pickleball has a mass following in Tellico Village.

Like any sport, there is an injury risk that those who play should be aware of.

COMMON INJURIES IN PICKLEBALL


Advanced Physiotherapy and Wellness Center Physical Therapist Mag Abdu spoke at the Tellico Village Public Library as well as with The Connection about the injuries that can be seen in this sport.

“It is very fast and there are a lot of common injuries,” Abdu said. “There are things like injuries to the achilles and shoulder that immediately come to mind.”

The Lenoir City physical therapist mentioned that the achilles is a careful tendon to monitor while playing. It is susceptible to ruptures and strains if a pickleball player isn’t moving in a controlled and correct manner.

Abdu also talked about how the ankle and knees are two joints to watch out for, as well.

“Pickleball is a lot of short-span running,” Abdu stated. “So when you stop and turn quickly, you can crush the meniscus more than you need to.”

PREPARATION NEEDED BEFORE PLAYING PICKLEBALL

Abdu gave a game plan for ways to avoid injuries before you engage in playing pickleball.

The main component to this is stretching.

“Before you play, you have to stretch, tape any weakened joints with issues, and back and neck movements as well,” the physical therapist said.

According to Abdu, the back and neck are a key origin for pickleball injuries that can begin to appear in susceptible joints.

TREATMENT FOR AFTER YOU ARE DONE PLAYING PICKLEBALL

Abdu also has advice for what pickleball players should do after they get done playing.

“After you are done, you want to do some small stretches because of the tenderness you can have from moving around and playing,” Abdu said. “Other things you can do include hot showers with moist heat.”

Massaging and cupping your muscles were also some other methods Abdu mentioned for relaxing muscles.

The physical therapist added: “Heat is good for general muscle relaxation.”

HYDRATE!

Just like with any sport, hydration is key in keeping yourself energized and out of harm’s way. … Abdu made a point of mentioning this as well.

“Our body is already made of liquid,” Abdu said. “It helps with brain function and all joints have water within them.

So it is vital to hydrate.”

Abdu’s office is located at 601 W. Broadway Street in Lenoir City, Tenn.