Dr. Hubs and Tami of Spring Valley offer advice on how to prevent pickleball injuries.
SPRING VALLEY, Calif. — Pickleball remains America's fastest growing sport, but injuries are on the rise for people moving from the couch to the court.
Here at Zebree Zone, we visited The Hub in Spring Valley for tips on staying healthy.
I'd like to start this article by tipping my “pickleball hat” to The Hub for being so willing to talk about his injury. This questionable data is certainly not good advertising, but San Diego County's largest pickleball facility wants to be proactive in sharing information to prevent injuries by teaching proper technique and pickleball habits. Told.
There's a lot of laughter on the pickleball court, but getting hurt is no joke. “We see hundreds of pickleball injuries throughout the year,” said Dr. Tami of La Mesa Rehabilitation. Physical therapist doctors implement pickleball injury recovery programs.
I asked her if she was surprised by Bloomberg's report that 68,000 people were rushed to the hospital for pickleball injuries last year. “That's not a surprise,” Dr. Tami said. She said the sport seems so fun and glamorous that many people forget to stretch and warm up properly.
Pickleball player Michelle Affont is suffering from a lingering rotator cuff injury, but tape can help. I saw Dr. Tami tape Michelle's shoulders before we played. “It's amazing. I can already feel a big difference just in that aspect,” Michelle said.
It was a good thing because Michelle happened to be my partner on court that day. “Nice partner, nice partner,” I exclaimed as she flew all over the court to cover my weak game.
The hub offers new players a new program that provides advice to prevent unnecessary injuries. “I love the idea of helping people start their best habits,” said Teresa Howes, Director of Membership and Social Events at The Hub. “For pickleball beginners, it's a really good idea to start with a coach. I mean, it's tempting to grab a paddle and a very innocent wiffle ball, but it's really good to start with a coach. It’s a thought,” Teresa said.
She says proper stretching and technique can prevent strains, sprains and fractures, as can wearing the right footwear.
While playing, I was wearing shoes that I was told were wrong and slightly twisted my ankle. “That's right,” Austin Sveom said. He was the head pro at the Hub and taught me that pickleballers should wear shoes made for courts that don't run long distances. “If you side step on it, your foot will probably roll out of the foam, but this shoe has the stability so that doesn't happen,” Austin said.
Dr. Tami also suggests incorporating what's called a “body reset” between points. “You need to reset and bring the racket back,” Dr. Tami said, showing us the reset movements, such as simple stretches, that she says will prevent rotator cuff injuries. She says players need to “reset” their shoulders back if they bend forward too often. “Really, this is a reminder to us. We say 'reset' a good point to loosen up the rotators and strengthen the rhomboids, so we're ready for the next shot.” ” said Dr. Tami.
RELATED: Brainstorm Pickleball at The Hub San Diego
Small adjustments can prevent major injuries and keep you out of the exam room or in the medical field. Click here to learn more about The Hub and our $15 beginner pickleball classes. If you would like to contact Dr. Tami about physical therapy at La Mesa Rehabilitation, please click here.
