Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country—and for good reason. It’s social, competitive, and accessible for all ages. But with the rapid increase in play, we’re also seeing a significant rise in pickleball-related injuries—especially among active adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.

At Sampsell Physical Therapy & Functional Wellness, we’re seeing more players sidelined by pain that didn’t start with a single injury—but rather built up over time. The truth is, most pickleball injuries are not random. They are the result of underlying movement limitations, strength imbalances, and poor mechanics that eventually catch up with you.

Let’s break down two of the most common injuries we treat in pickleball players: shoulder pain and knee pain.

Shoulder Pain: It’s Not Just Your Swing

Shoulder pain in pickleball is often blamed on overuse—but that’s only part of the story.

Most players don’t realize that shoulder issues are frequently driven by limitations elsewhere in the body—especially the thoracic spine (mid-back) and hips. If your body lacks proper rotation or mobility, your shoulder is forced to compensate during serves, overheads, and repetitive swings.

Over time, this leads to irritation of the rotator cuff, tendon inflammation, or even impingement.

The key isn’t just resting your shoulder—it’s identifying why your shoulder is being overloaded in the first place.

Knee Pain: More Than Just Wear and Tear

Knee pain is another common complaint, especially with the quick starts, stops, and lateral movements required in pickleball.

Many players assume this is simply “arthritis” or aging—but in reality, the knee is often a victim of poor mechanics above and below it.

Limited hip mobility, weak glutes, and restricted ankle motion can all place excessive stress on the knee joint. When the knee is forced to absorb more load than it’s designed for, pain and inflammation follow.

Whether it’s patellar tendon irritation, meniscus issues, or general joint pain, the solution isn’t just bracing or icing—it’s restoring proper movement patterns throughout the entire body.

The Real Solution: A Whole-Body Approach

At Sampsell Physical Therapy & Functional Wellness, we don’t chase symptoms—we identify the root cause.

Every session is one-on-one for a full hour with Eric Sampsell, PT, ATC, CMP, Cert. MDT. We perform a comprehensive, whole-body assessment to uncover the true drivers of your pain—whether it’s coming from your spine, hips, shoulders, or movement habits.

Using a combination of hands-on treatment, targeted exercise, and advanced recovery tools like laser therapy and cryotherapy, we help you get back on the court—stronger, more mobile, and more resilient than before.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Forced to Stop Playing

If you’re starting to feel shoulder or knee pain during or after pickleball, your body is sending you a message.

Ignoring it now often leads to longer downtime later.

Let’s address it early—and fix it the right way.

👉 Schedule your one-on-one evaluation today at Sampsell Physical Therapy & Functional Wellness and get back to playing pickleball pain-free.