Nicola of PRO Massage can help you with your injuries

Attention Pickleball Players in Santa Barbara and Goleta, California!

If you’re dealing with sports injuries from your pickleball games and are in need of professional massage therapy, look no further than Nicola, LMT of Riktr PRO Massage. With expertise in treating sports-related injuries, Nicola can provide the relief and healing you require to get back on the court.

Riktr PRO Massage is conveniently located at 827 State St., Suite 20, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Don’t let your injuries hold you back any longer. Reach out to Nicola today and take advantage of the services offered to enhance your recovery.

To schedule an appointment or inquire further, please TEXT ONLY at 805-637-7482. Nicola will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the necessary information to begin your healing journey.

Don’t let injuries interrupt your passion for pickleball. Trust Nicola, LMT of Riktr PRO Massage to provide the expert care you need. Book your appointment today and get back in the game stronger than ever!

TIP: To avoid these and other injuries get a regular sports massage weekly or whatever you can afford.

Ask Nicola of PRO Massage if you require financial discounts for massage treatments. See my 5 & 10 pack 1 1/2 hr package deals.

Sports massage helps to flush lactic acid out of your muscles and alleviate muscle soreness, which can help you feel less fatigued during long pickleball matches. Massage also helps increase blood flow to the muscle, which can help you recover quickly and get back on the court for more dinks!

 

 

HERE”S THE MOST COMMON PICKLEBALL INJURIES

 LOW BACK EXTENSOR MUSCLE STRAIN

Injury: Good drinking form requires a low center of gravity, with the player reaching in and volleying the deeper balls to take away time from the opponent. This ‘reaching in’ move requires the player’s body to squat while the paddle dips into the kitchen. This body position asks a lot of the back extensor muscles and can cause a lot of fatigue, and strain. Massage can help you a lot.

To Help Do: Squats strengthen the gluteus maximus muscles. The glute muscles are designed to get our bodies low, but if not strong, the back extensors tend to do all the work. When your glutes work well, the back extensors function as the passenger instead of being the main driver for these moves and can help you minimize injuries. Squat while holding a light medicine ball to make this more specific to Pickleball.

Injury	Description	Prevention	Treatment
Ankle Sprain	A ligament injury occurs when the ankle is twisted or rolled during a sudden change of direction or a fall.	RICE, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, bracing, or taping. Practice balancing on one foot. Take 10 minutes 2-3 times a week to practice standing one-legged on an AIREX pillow or BOSU ball. The unstable surface will challenge and strengthen the protective muscles in the foot and ankle. Also, invest in good court shoes that offer lateral stability with a large toe box. Unfortunately, many shoe companies are guilty of making great-looking shoes with narrow-toe boxes. Our feet need plenty of room in shoe length and toe box width to splay and stabilize while we run down those winners.	Massage: Warm up before playing, stretch the calf muscles, and avoid sudden increases in intensity or duration of play.
Achilles Tendonitis or Rupture	An inflammation or tear of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It can occur when the tendon is overstretched or overused during running or jumping activities.	Immobilization with a cast or splint, pain medication, and surgery (for displaced fractures).	Massage: RICE, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, gentle stretching, and strengthening exercises.
Hamstring or Quadriceps Muscle Strain	A partial or complete tear of the muscle fibers in the back or front of the thigh. It can occur when the muscle is overstretched or contracted too forcefully during sprinting or changing direction.	RICE, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, gentle stretching, and strengthening exercises.	Massage. Immobilization with a cast or splint, pain medication, and surgery (for displaced fractures).
Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff Tear	A compression or tear of the tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint and help it rotate. It can occur when the shoulder is overstretched or torn by a sudden or forceful movement of the arm.	Warm up before playing, use proper technique, avoid overhead strokes if possible, and strengthen the shoulder muscles.	Massage: RICE, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgery (for severe tears).
Pickleball Elbow	A type of tendinitis that affects the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. It can occur when the elbow is repeatedly bent and straightened during a forehand or a backhand stroke.	Wear protective gear such as wrist guards or gloves, and avoid falling on an outstretched hand. Start with a kettlebell by your side. SLOWLY bend the elbow bringing the kettlebell to the shoulder. Now lift the kettlebell to the ceiling, pausing at the top and then slowly lower in 2 steps to the shoulder and then back to the starting position. Remember, the top-heavy kettlebell forces the stabilizing muscles to control the kettlebell. It’s best to focus on the lowering action of the kettlebell exercise because it’s been shown that the eccentric phase helps with injury prevention.	Massage: RICE, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, elbow brace or strap, corticosteroid injections.
Wrist Fracture	A break in one of the bones of the wrist, usually the radius or the ulna. It can occur when the wrist is bent backward or forward during a fall or a collision.	Immobilization with a cast or splint, pain medication, and surgery (for displaced fractures).	Immobilization with a cast or splint, pain medication, and surgery (for displaced fractures). Then get a Massage.
Heel Bruising	Wear proper footwear with adequate cushioning and arch support, and avoid playing on hard surfaces if possible.	Wear proper footwear with adequate cushioning and arch support, and avoid playing on hard surfaces if possible.	RICE, anti-inflammatory medication, heel pads or cups, orthotics. Massage

https://www.physio.co.uk/treatments/massage/physiological-effects-of-massage/circulatory-effects/increased-capillarisation.php

 

 

 

Tips to Minimize Pickleball Injuries

Pickleball is a sport that can cause injuries, especially for seniors. Some of the most common pickleball injuries are Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff and shoulder sprains, pickleball elbow, impact injuries, and heel bruising. These injuries can be caused by overuse, poor technique, improper equipment, or accidents.

Firstly, to minimize pickleball injuries, you should follow some simple tips and precautions, such as:

1. Recognize Physical Limitations

You should be aware of your physical abilities and limitations and play accordingly. Avoid competing with players younger or more skilled than yourself or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. You should also avoid playing when tired, sick, or injured, as this can increase your risk of injury.

2. Invest Time in Warm-Ups

Before starting a game, you should warm up your body by doing light cardio exercises, such as jogging, skipping, or jumping jacks. It can increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to your muscles and prepare them for the activity. You should also practice gentle strokes with your paddle to get used to the motion and the ball.

3. Use the Right Equipment

Choose a paddle that suits your skill level, grip size, and weight preference. A paddle that is too heavy or too light can cause stress on your arm and elbow. You should also wear proper footwear that provides adequate cushioning, arch support, and traction. Avoid playing on hard or uneven surfaces that can cause impact injuries or falls.

4. Don’t Ignore Your Form

You should learn the correct technique for each stroke, such as the serve, forehand, backhand, volley, and overhead. Avoid excessive wrist motion or overhead strokes that can cause pickleball elbow or shoulder impingement. Also, you should maintain a balanced stance and avoid twisting or bending your back too much.

5. Know the Role Exercise Recovery

You should drink plenty of water before, during, and after playing pickleball to prevent dehydration and heatstroke. Furthermore, make sure that you take breaks between games and that you do not play for too long or too intensely.

You should listen to your body and stop playing if you feel pain or discomfort. Further, you should also allow yourself to heal properly if you have any injury and consult a doctor if needed.

 

 

FAQs

more info at:

The Problem with Pickleball: This Popular Sport Serves Up Injuries

https://www.wsj.com/story/pickleball-diehards-are-choosing-vacations-based-on-where-they-can-play-46dedff1?mod=Searchresults_pos5&page=1

https://www.wsj.com/articles/pickleball-travel-find-courts-resorts-91b6ec18?mod=Searchresults_pos7&page=1

BONUS

John McEnroe Is Playing Pickleball for $1 Million? You Cannot Be Serious

The irascible tennis legend joins Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Michael Chang on the pickleball court Sunday with seven figures on the line. But the soul of this sport is its grassroots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/mcenroe-agassi-roddick-chang-million-dollar-pickleball-match-fd4a0a6b?mod=Searchresults_pos8&page=1

https://www.wsj.com/search?query=pickleball