Pickleball Injuries: Why They’re Increasing — and How to Stay in the Game

Pickleball Injuries: Why They’re Increasing — and How to Stay in the Game

by | Dec 24, 2025 | Chiropractic, Exercise

An Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Ptak, DC
Ptak Family Chiropractic | Santa Monica

Pickleball has exploded in popularity, especially among older adults, but this surge has come with a noticeable rise in injuries. We spoke with Dr. Jeffrey Ptak about what’s driving this trend, what kinds of injuries are most common, and how players can protect their bodies for the long run.

Why are so many people getting injured these days from pickleball?

Pickleball looks easy — but it isn’t.

The sport is fast-paced, requiring quick starts and stops, rapid lateral movements, and frequent changes in direction. These demands can place significant stress on joints and connective tissues, especially when the body isn’t conditioned for sudden explosive activity.

Another reason many people get injured? A large number of players come from a tennis background.Tennis involves long rallies and larger court spaces, whereas pickleball compresses high-intensity movement into a much smaller area — often catching players by surprise and exposing movement weaknesses.

This trend of increasing injuries parallels the rapid growth in pickleball participation. Studies using national emergency department data show that as pickleball participation has increased, so have the number of injuries presenting for treatment. PubMed+1

What are the most common pickleball injuries you’re treating right now?

Clinical research and emergency department reports identify several common injury types in pickleball players:

  • Sprains and strains — especially in lower extremities (ankle, knee) and the upper body
  • Fractures — particularly from falls
  • Joint and soft tissue injuries — shoulders, wrists, and elbows
  • Achilles tendon injuries — increasingly noted in older players

One epidemiologic analysis found that the most frequent diagnoses among pickleball-related emergency visits were sprains, strains, and fractures. cme.lww.com

Another study focusing on specific injury types (e.g., Achilles tendon ruptures) documented a rise in these serious injuries concurrent with greater pickleball participation over the past decade. PubMed

Research also shows that the knee, shoulder, back, and elbow are among the commonly reported injury sites across players. Springer

pickleball raquets bright

What’s happening during pickleball games that leads to these injuries?

Pickleball demands unique movements:

  • Explosive lunges forward and sideways
  • Rapid changes in direction
  • Twisting while reaching or swinging
  • Sprints that stop abruptly

When the spine and core aren’t stable or prepared, these forces don’t distribute evenly, and stress accumulates in joints and connective tissues. Over time — especially without sufficient rest — micro-traumas can become significant injuries.

Epidemiologic research shows that older adults account for a majority of serious pickleball injuries treated in emergency rooms, and that falls represent a common mechanism — consistent with these rapid, reactive movements. PubMed

What is a typical time frame for healing from pickleball injuries?

Healing timelines depend on which tissues are involved:

  • Muscle strains may improve within weeks.
  • Ligament sprains and disc or joint injuries often take months, and deep connective tissue healing can take 12–24 months.
  • Tendon ruptures and fractures may require even longer recovery, sometimes including surgery and rehabilitation.

Importantly, symptom reduction often precedes true healing. Returning to play too soon — thinking “pain-free equals healed” — can put players at risk for reinjury or chronic issues.

What preventative measures can players take to reduce injury risk?

Research underscores the need for tailored injury prevention as pickleball grows in popularity. SpringerLink

Here are practical, evidence-based strategies:

1. Dynamic Warm-Up First
Activate muscles and prepare the nervous system before playing.

2. Strength and Stability Training
Focus especially on core, hips, glutes, and shoulder stabilizers.

3. Balance and Proprioceptive Work
Can significantly reduce fall risk — a common mechanism of injury. PubMed

4. Respect Recovery
Too much play without rest leads to accumulated stress.

5. Early Response to Pain
Address minor aches before they become major injuries.

6. Gradual Transition for Tennis Players
Players shifting from tennis to pickleball should retrain movement patterns, not assume they’re interchangeable.

Final Thoughts

Pickleball is a fantastic sport for fitness, social engagement, and longevity — but it demands respect for how the body moves and heals. Understanding the biomechanics, common injury trends, and prevention strategies can keep players active and injury-free for years.

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📚 References (Select Studies)

  1. McMillan P. The epidemiology of pickleball injuries presenting to US emergency departments. National Injury Surveillance analysis, 2014–2023; annual injuries rose significantly with rising participation. PubMed+1
  2. Forrester MB. Pickleball-related injuries treated in US emergency departments. NEISS analysis showed strains/sprains and fractures are leading diagnoses; most patients were age 50+. PubMed
  3. Azar FM. Pickleball injury prevalence and prevention review. Emergency department data: common injuries include strains, sprains, and fractures; calls for preventive focus. cme.lww.com
  4. Owoeye OBA. Understanding injury patterns and predictors in pickleball players. About 69% reported injury in one year, highlighting injury prevention’s importance. SpringerLink
  5. Achilles tendon retrospective case series: pickleball-associated ruptures have increased with participation, especially in older adults. PubMed
  6. Injury site prevalence: knee, leg/foot, shoulder, back, and elbow are common injury locations across age groups. Springer
Understanding Dysautonomia — How Chiropractic Care Can Help Your Nervous System Find Balance

Understanding Dysautonomia — How Chiropractic Care Can Help Your Nervous System Find Balance

by | Nov 13, 2025 | Chiropractic

What Is Dysautonomia?

Your body has an autonomic nervous system (ANS) — the part that runs everything automatically: heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature, and more.
When the ANS isn’t working the way it should, your body has trouble keeping balance, a condition called dysautonomia.

People living with dysautonomia often experience a confusing mix of symptoms like:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fatigue or brain fog
  • Heart palpitations
  • Digestive problems (bloating, nausea, constipation)
  • Feeling anxious, overheated, or chilled for no clear reason

Because these symptoms can come and go, many patients spend months or years searching for answers — sometimes being told it’s just “stress” or “anxiety.” But dysautonomia is a real, body-based imbalance that can improve with proper care and support.

Why Chiropractic Care Matters

Your chiropractor works directly with your nervous system, helping it function at its best.
When your spine and nervous system are in better alignment, your body can regulate itself more easily.

Chiropractic adjustments don’t cure dysautonomia, but they can:

  • Calm an overactive “fight or flight” response
  • Support your body’s ability to rest, digest, and recover
  • Improve blood flow, breathing, and digestion by balancing nerve signals
  • Help you adapt better to physical and emotional stress

Gentle, precise techniques — especially around the neck, upper back, and pelvis — can help the body’s automatic systems communicate more clearly.

What You Might Notice in Care

Everyone’s journey is different, but patients often report:

  • Fewer dizzy spells or “rushes”
  • More stable energy throughout the day
  • Clearer thinking and calmer mood
  • Better sleep and digestion

Your chiropractor will tailor care to your body’s sensitivity, sometimes using light-force or instrument-assisted techniques. Progress may be gradual — the goal is better regulation and resilience, not just symptom relief.

Simple Ways to Support Your Recovery at Home

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and get enough salt (unless told otherwise by your doctor).
  • Move gently: Start with seated or lying exercises, increasing slowly over time.
  • Breathe fully: Deep belly breathing helps calm the nervous system.
  • Use compression garments: These can help prevent blood from pooling in your legs.
  • Rest smart: Elevate your head slightly during sleep and avoid standing up too quickly.
  • Fuel your body: Magnesium, B-vitamins, and omega-3s can nourish your nerves.
  • Lower stress: Try gentle yoga, grounding, or short mindfulness practices daily.

Working Together for Your Health

Your chiropractor may recommend collaborating with other professionals such as:

  • A neurologist or cardiologist for specific testing (like tilt-table or heart-rate variability)
  • A nutrition-oriented doctor or practitioner
  • A physical therapist familiar with graded exercise

This team approach ensures you get well-rounded, supportive care.

The Bottom Line

Dysautonomia is more common than many realize — especially after long periods of stress, illness, or injury. Chiropractic care can be an important part of helping your body reconnect, rebalance, and heal from within.

 

If you recognize these symptoms or have been told “nothing’s wrong,” it may be time to have your nervous system checked.

A balanced spine means a more balanced life — and that’s where healing truly begins.

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The Connections of Health

The Connections of Health

by | Jul 14, 2025 | Chiropractic

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

To be healthy you must be connected… The goal of Chiropractic is to help you reconnect…

You are born to express radiant physical, mental, and spiritual health; to radiate vitality, harmony, peace, joy, optimism, strength, love and healing at any age. It is your natural state.

But it rarely seems that way. Disharmony, illness, disease, depression, fatigue, emotional and spiritual disconnection and isolation touch so many lives. Too many of us walk this earth with our bodies, hearts and souls in pain.

Yet no baby is born depressed. Infants are full of wonder and awe. They breathe deeply, relax completely, radiate energy, and sparkle with light of life in their eyes. They are closer to their natural state, more connected to it, with a clearer conduit to the wisdom, intelligence and energies that percolate up from their source.

Chiropractic and many other natural health disciplines recognize that to be truly healthy and alive you must be a clear conduit to your inner wisdom (also referred to as your “source,” the “wisdom of the body,” your “inner doctor,” your “innate (inborn) intelligence” and other terms).

The goal of Chiropractic is to help you better connect to your source so your inner doctor may work its miracles. A complete disconnection from your source results in death; a partial disconnection results in dis-ease or disharmony. Many people are in this state; with less than 100% connection they are less fully alive.

Our very word “health” derives from the Old English word “hale” meaning “whole.” You are healthy when you are whole, unified, integrated, and complete – not fragmented, disintegrated, disconnected, or incomplete. Let’s explore health from this perspective.

THE CONNECTIONS OF PHYSICAL HEALTH 

“When a living system is suffering from ill-health, the remedy is to connect it with more of itself.” – Francisco Varella

When you are physically healthy all your body parts are in their proper places, fitting precisely, so they communicate with one another and are not interfering with the function of other body parts or the flow of energy that bubbles up from your source to direct your body. Your body is in a state of exquisite coordination and balance.

In this state you have abundant vitality, strength and joy. You have a flexible, balanced body, breathe deeply and sleep deeply – refreshed and invigorated. You have a high resistance to disease and the energy to adapt to life’s stresses and challenges.

A physically disconnected person’s parts are not fitting exactly right. The result is lack of balance, interruption of the energies that flow through you under the directives of your innate intelligence and weakened connection to your source. This results in dis-ease – a lack of wholeness, coordination, and harmony. When you are dis-eased stress can overwhelm you and disease, illness, exhaustion, accelerated aging and shortened life results.

Interestingly, a person with dis-ease who feels fatigue may have tremendous energy, but it’s often trapped in their muscles, joints and other body tissues and is not flowing freely. That’s why people often have sensitive spots in their muscles or tendons called, “trigger points,” and may jump when these points are even lightly touched.

THE CONNECTIONS OF EMOTIONAL HEALTH

“Dwell as near as possible to the channel in which your life flows.” – Henry David Thoreau

Emotional health is also dependent on being connected – to yourself and others. The more connected you are to yourself the more you can connect with others and the more fulfilling your connections (relationships). The more relationships in your life the more happiness, joy, hope, optimism and vitality you will have; the healthier and longer you will live and the quicker you will recover from physical and emotional traumas and illness.

An emotionally disconnected person holds pockets of unresolved anger, fear, resentment, pain or other emotions locked up within their body and mind. Whatever the cause (abuse, conflict etc.), trapped emotional energies prevents us from living fully in the present because some of our energies are still living in the past. Past traumas and fears cause chronic physical tension and emotional stress that disconnects us from our deeper selves. This can lead to disease. In this state intuition is clouded; life’s purpose is confused, and there are difficulties forming healthy relationships.

THE CONNECTIONS OF SPIRITUAL HEALTH

“If the body is sick, the mind worries and the spirit grieves; if the mind is sick, the body and spirit will suffer from its confusion; if the spirit is sick, there will be no will to care for the body or mind.” – J.R. Worsley

The more spiritually connected you are, the closer you are to love, energy, joy, vitality and wisdom of your source. The goal of all spiritual/religious practices is to teach you to commune with, be in the presence of, or get connected to your soul, the universe, the great spirit, the mystic law, God, or whatever term you wish to use. When you are spiritually healthy you are connected to the depths within you and the universe without.

A spiritually connected person is in harmony with their life’s purpose and meaning. They are following their heart, trusting their instincts and are sensitive to the laws and powers that create and recreate reality at every moment. There is more sensitivity, inspiration, empathy, compassion and intuition. There is more intuition, synchronicity (meaningful coincidences) and meaningful unfolding in your life. Such people speak of having “peak experiences,” of feeling connected, or of communing with those around them, humanity, a loving nature, or a loving presence. They feel joy, happiness and peace in these states.

The spiritually disconnected person is separated from the love, energy, joy and vitality of their source. Out of touch with their deepest needs and desires a sense of isolation, loneliness, confusion and fear permeate and harm both mind and body. One’s will to live is weakened and life lacks vision and meaning. One’s purpose in life is clouded.

DISCONNECTION

Chiropractic has discovered a powerful “disconnection” in your body called the vertebral subluxation complex (subluxation). This is a physical condition that interferes with the flow of energy and information from your source and can affect physical, emotional, and spiritual health. The result is dis-ease, a communication disease, where you are less than whole, slightly dis-integrated, slightly fragmented. Chiropractors are especially trained to locate and correct or remove subluxations.

RECONNECTION

“In addition to the older goal of helping patients to solve their particular psychological problems and overcome their pain, of “curing” them, we have the added goal of helping them sing their own unique song in life, to beat out their special music in being, relating, creating. This is the goal of “healing.” – Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D.

Reconnecting to your inner healer is Chiropractic’s goal. Chiropractic care permits your body/mind to gently release old stress so your powerful natural healing ability may flow from source and begin a process of reconnection. The process of reconnecting and healing is a fascinating adventure. Sometimes this process appears effortless; sometimes it seems difficult and painful. Often it is both. As we reconnect, locked energies may be released, painful memories revived, stored toxins stirred, hurtful experiences re-experienced. This process of reawakening is called retracing.

As old energies dissipate you become sensitive to the deeper layers of your being. As your spine and nervous system release stress you begin to tune into deeper laws of life that guide you and you become more sensitive to the unseen hand that is always directing you to greater wholeness, awareness, growth and wisdom.

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The Bigness of Vitalism, The Nervous System And Chiropractic

The Bigness of Vitalism, The Nervous System And Chiropractic

by | Jun 3, 2025 | Chiropractic, Health

The nervous system sits at the magnificent interface between spirit and matter. It is the physical manifestation of consciousness, providing the order and coordination that allow us to self-maintain, self-heal, and adapt to an ever-changing world.

This view — that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts — is called vitalism. Vitalism holds that the body is more than just tissues and chemicals; it is a living, self-organizing system, intimately connected within itself and animated by something greater.

Every part of the body matters, but none functions in isolation. What connects the parts, orchestrates their functions, and links them to the field of consciousness is the nervous system. In chiropractic philosophy, which is grounded in vitalism, this is foundational:

“There exists a Universal Intelligence, present in all matter, continuously giving it all of its animating properties.” — Chiropractic Principle #1, Ralph W. Stephenson

This Universal Intelligence animates all life — whether in rocks, bacteria, or humans — but it is through the human nervous system that this consciousness finds its most refined expression. Unlike a rock, we can move, feel, speak, create, love, and imagine — all because of the differentiated, complex systems working harmoniously inside us. At the helm of this coordination is the nervous system.

The simplicity behind the body’s complexity is this: the nervous system connects it all. It enables cellular healing, organ communication, and adaptation to the environment. But beyond the physical, it connects the human body to consciousness itself, a force far greater than we can fully comprehend.

This is why chiropractic adjustments are so profound. By introducing a corrective force, chiropractors facilitate increased expression of consciousness in the body. The intention and love behind this force are essential, guiding the nervous system to realign, balance, and heal.

Neuroscience explains part of this through neuroplasticity — the nervous system’s ability to rewire itself, form new connections, and dissolve old patterns. When nerve pathways are stimulated, processes like synaptogenesis (the creation of new synaptic connections) take place. This means that through intentional stimulation, we can help the body become more adaptable, resilient, and integrated.

Chiropractic adjustments are one powerful way to support nervous system health, but they aren’t the only way. There are many practices you can incorporate into daily life to cultivate coherence and integrity within your system:

  • Breathwork: Reset the nervous system.

    • Belly Breathing: Place your hands over your belly and take deep, slow breaths, letting the belly expand on the inhale and contract on the exhale.

  • Meditation: Create coherence within the mind-body system.

    • Mercy Meditation: Visualize white light rising from the lower energy centers, descending from the upper centers, and merging at the heart.

  • Functional Stretching: Improve neuromuscular communication.

    • Cervical Resistance Stretches: Gently guide your head and neck with your hand to stretch specific muscles.

  • Functional Movement: Engage the body’s larger systems.

    • Uphill Hiking: Walk a route with elevation, maintaining a neutral spine and engaged core.

  • Core Activation: Build core stability and spinal balance.

    • Pelvic Tilt: Lying on your back, pull your belly button toward your spine and press your lower back into the floor, holding briefly and repeating.

  • Emotional Processing: Create safe spaces for authentic expression.

    • Community Groups: Join or form a group focused on meaningful conversations and shared growth.

  • Mindfulness: Release limiting beliefs and cultivate presence.

    • The Clarity Strategy: Remind yourself that no matter the circumstance, you are never truly alone; consciousness is always available.

When we tend to the health of our nervous system, we amplify our ability to perceive, express, and experience consciousness. We open the door to a fuller, richer life. And when we extend this coherence outward — into our families, communities, and the wider world — we magnify collective healing.

This is the heart of chiropractic philosophy. This is the bigness of vitalism: the understanding that healing moves from the inside out, and as we realign ourselves, we help realign the world.

 

If this resonates with you, don’t wait — take a step today.

Whether it’s booking your next chiropractic adjustment, beginning a daily breathwork practice, or simply sitting in stillness to listen within, know that every small act of care strengthens the coherence of your system. When you invest in your own healing, you also contribute to the healing of the world. Let’s expand our individual and collective vitality — starting now.

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Traditional Chiropractic Methods

Traditional Chiropractic Methods

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Chiropractic

Palmer College of Chiropractic, located in Davenport, Iowa, is renowned as the birthplace of chiropractic, having taught established techniques since its founding in 1895. The foundational techniques known as the Palmer Technique Package remain integral to contemporary chiropractic practice, including our team’s regular use of them.

Traditional chiropractic methods include:

Diversified: involves applying a manual thrust to correct spinal misalignments, based on a thorough spine analysis.

The Diversified Technique is a widely practiced chiropractic method that focuses on the manual adjustment of the spine and other joints to restore proper alignment and function. Developed by Dr. D.D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, and refined by subsequent practitioners, the Diversified Technique is characterized by several key features:

1. Hands-On Adjustments: Chiropractors use their hands to apply a quick, precise thrust to specific vertebrae or joints that are identified as misaligned (subluxated).

2. Patient Positioning: Patients are typically positioned lying face down or seated, depending on the area of the spine or joint being adjusted. The chiropractor carefully positions the patient to optimize the effectiveness of the adjustment.

3. Feedback and Sensitivity: Practitioners rely on their tactile sensitivity and feedback from the patient to determine the location and degree of misalignment and to ensure the adjustment is delivered accurately.

4. Individualized Care: Each adjustment is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and condition, based on a thorough assessment of their spine and musculoskeletal system.

The Diversified Technique is known for its versatility and effectiveness in addressing a wide range of spinal and joint issues, aiming to relieve pain, improve function, and promote overall health and well-being through manual manipulation. It is one of the most commonly used chiropractic techniques worldwide.

The Pettibon Technique is a chiropractic approach developed by Dr. Burl Pettibon, focusing on spinal rehabilitation and postural correction. It employs a combination of spinal adjustments, exercises, and rehabilitation techniques to restore proper spinal alignment, improve posture, and enhance overall musculoskeletal function. Central to the Pettibon Technique are specialized devices and equipment designed to assist in spinal adjustments and to aid patients in performing corrective exercises. The goal is to address underlying spinal issues, improve biomechanics, and promote long-term spinal health and stability.

The Gonstead Technique is a specific chiropractic method developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead in the early 20th century. It focuses on a thorough analysis and precise adjustment of the spine to correct misalignments and improve spinal function. Key aspects of the Gonstead Technique include:

1. Detailed Analysis: The chiropractor performs a comprehensive evaluation of the spine using tools like X-rays, palpation (feeling for abnormalities), and possibly other diagnostic methods to identify specific areas of subluxation (misalignment).

2. Specific Adjustments: Adjustments are made using manual techniques that are precise and targeted to the identified subluxations. Dr. Gonstead emphasized using the hands to deliver adjustments with minimal force, yet with a high degree of accuracy.

3. Patient Positioning: Patients are often placed in specific positions on a specialized table to stabilize and isolate the area of concern, allowing for a more effective adjustment.

4. Post-Adjustment Assessment: After the adjustment, the chiropractor may reassess the patient to ensure proper alignment and function of the spine.

Functional Neurology Chiropractic, also known as chiropractic neurology or functional neurology, is an approach within chiropractic care that focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and overall body function. It integrates principles of neurology, chiropractic, and functional medicine to assess and treat neurological conditions and dysfunctions.

Key aspects of functional neurology chiropractic include:

1. Neurological Assessment: Practitioners conduct detailed neurological examinations to assess brain function, sensory processing, motor control, and other aspects of nervous system function. This may involve specialized tests to evaluate reflexes, coordination, balance, and cognitive function.

2. Chiropractic Adjustments: Similar to traditional chiropractic care, adjustments are used to correct spinal misalignments (subluxations) that may affect nervous system function. These adjustments are believed to optimize nerve communication and promote overall health.

3. Functional Rehabilitation: Treatment plans often include therapeutic exercises, sensory stimulation, and rehabilitation techniques aimed at improving neurological function and restoring normal movement patterns.

4. Individualized Care: Each patient receives a customized treatment plan based on their specific neurological findings and health goals. Functional neurology chiropractors may use a variety of techniques and therapies tailored to address the patient’s unique needs.

Functional neurology chiropractic aims to enhance brain function and nervous system performance, potentially benefiting conditions such as chronic pain, movement disorders, concussion recovery, and neurodegenerative diseases. It emphasizes a holistic approach to health, focusing on improving neurological function to optimize overall well-being

Why should you consider a chiropractic adjustment when experiencing a fever?

Why should you consider a chiropractic adjustment when experiencing a fever?

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Chiropractic, Health

Why should you consider a chiropractic adjustment when experiencing a fever?

Many holistic-minded parents at Ptak Family Chiropractic in Santa Monica, CA bring their children for chiropractic adjustments when they have a fever. It’s important to note that chiropractors do not treat the fever itself or its symptoms.

A fever is not a disease but rather a natural response of the body to combat infection by raising its temperature. When a healthy body encounters an infection, it initiates a fever to help eliminate the infection. Once the infection is cleared, the fever naturally subsides. Experiencing colds, runny noses, and fevers actually contributes to developing a robust immune system that promotes overall health.

Parents choose chiropractic adjustments for their children with fevers because health relies on the body’s ability to adapt to its environment. The brain, spinal cord, and nerves play a crucial role in this system by detecting infection and signaling the body to initiate and eventually cease the fever. If there is misalignment in the spine or vertebrae, this communication may be disrupted, affecting the body’s ability to regulate the fever effectively. By seeking adjustments, parents aim to optimize communication between the brain and body cells, facilitating the body’s natural healing process.

Chiropractic care does not treat symptoms like fever but focuses on correcting misalignments (subluxations) that may interfere with the body’s innate intelligence and communication pathways. Chiropractors are therefore referred to as “cause adjustors,” aiming to ensure there is no interference between the body’s innate intelligence and its cellular functions.