Let's face it; you want to keep playing pickleball! You love it, it's addicting and great exercise. So if are dealing with an injury, stiffness or mobility problem, it keeps you from participating in the game of pickleball, and THAT is a PROBLEM. But there is a way to help you solve this problem and the best first step is working with a physical therapist who is an expert when working with athletes and clients who spend a lot of time on the pickleball court!
The question is this: how do you choose the best physical therapist for you to help solve your problem and keep you playing pickleball? Here are 3 things you should look for in your search.
ONE: Find a physical therapist who understands the sport or activity that is important to you! This can be a game changer when your doctor of physical therapy understands exactly what your body needs to go through in order to participate in your sport at a high level. Consider this analogy: If I am craving some good Thai soup, I'm likely not going to stop at an authentic Mexican restaurant and ask them to make me this soup. The chef there may be amazing, but he is likely not an expert at making Thai soup. Same goes for choosing your physical therapist.
TWO: Call the clinic and see if they have experience with treating pickleball related injuries on clients that fit your specific avatar. A lot of times an office manager can answer your questions. But it's well within your right to ask to speak to the Doctor of physical therapy to have your questions answered to see if they are a good fit for you.
THREE: Find a clinic that is able to provide one-on-one treatments between you and your therapist. Many outpatient clinics are too busy to provide 1-on-1 client care every visit. Many times better outcomes in less visits can be reached when your therapist has the time to develop rapport with you. THIS MEANS, BACK TO PLAYING PICKLEBALL SOONER!
*One extra pro tip for you*: DON'T WAIT! the research is clear that the quickest and best overall outcomes are reached when physical therapy interventions are started soon after injury or onset of pain/symptoms. So select the best physical therapist for your pickleball injury ASAP!
At AJ Physical Therapy and Performance, we would love to be a part of keeping you healthy and fit to continue playing pickleball for a long time. Give us a call to see if we are a good fit for you. In the mean time, check out this video to learn a quick warm up session that we recommend you perform BEFORE starting your pickleball play for the day.
If you are dealing with knee pain, click on this link to start fixing it!
As always feel free to reach out to us at AJ Physical Therapy with any questions or concerns.
Andy Johnson PT, DPT, OCS