If you’re dealing with pickleball elbow in Burlington, you’re not alone—this is one of the most common injuries I see, especially working inside a pickleball facility.
Pickleball elbow, also known as tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, can be frustrating, persistent, and limiting if not managed properly. The good news? With the right approach, it’s very treatable.
What Is Pickleball Elbow?
Pickleball elbow is a form of tendonitis affecting the muscles that extend your wrist and fingers. These muscles attach to the outside of your elbow.
When these tissues are overworked, they become irritated, leading to:
-
Pain on the outside of the elbow
-
Weakness with gripping or lifting
-
Stiffness in the forearm
What Causes Pickleball Elbow?
The most common cause is repetitive strain.
This typically happens when:
-
You’re playing frequently (multiple times per week)
-
You’re not getting enough recovery between sessions
-
Your muscles don’t have the capacity to handle the load
Over time, this leads to:
-
Increased wear and tear on the tendon
-
Inflammation (in more acute cases)
-
Scar tissue buildup in chronic cases
A Common Overlooked Cause
One thing I often see is lack of shoulder strength and stability.
If your shoulder isn’t doing its job properly, your elbow and wrist have to compensate—especially on shots like your backhand. Over time, that added stress can lead to injury.
Pickleball Elbow Treatment in Burlington
When it comes to pickleball elbow treatment in Burlington, the key is not just to reduce pain—but to actually fix the root cause.
1. Relative Rest (Not Complete Rest)
You don’t always have to stop playing completely.
Instead:
-
Reduce frequency (e.g., from 6 days/week → 3 days/week)
-
Allow proper recovery between sessions
This keeps you active without continuing to overload the tendon.
2. Stretching the Forearm
Simple mobility work helps reduce tension in the affected muscles.
Focus on:
-
Wrist flexion and extension stretches
-
Straightening the elbow while moving the wrist up and down
3. Strengthening (Most Important)
This is the most critical part of treatment.
Your muscles need to build capacity to handle the demands of pickleball.
If you only rest:
-
Pain may go away temporarily
-
But it often comes back once you return to play
Strengthening helps prevent that cycle.
4. Bracing (Short-Term Support)
A tennis elbow strap can help:
-
Reduce stress on the tendon
-
Allow you to continue playing with less irritation
This is especially useful if you’re not able (or willing) to fully reduce activity.
5. Shockwave Therapy
One of the most effective treatments we use is shockwave therapy.
This treatment:
-
Uses high-pressure waves to stimulate healing
-
Increases blood flow to the tendon
-
Helps reduce chronic inflammation
For many patients, this can significantly speed up recovery.
Learn more about our shockwave therapy services here:
Shockwave Therapy @ The Recovery Room
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
Recovery time depends on how long the issue has been present.
-
New injuries (1–2 months): ~4–6 weeks
-
Chronic cases (6+ months): ~8–12 weeks
The longer it’s been there, the longer it typically takes—but it still responds well to the right treatment.
Why Pickleball Elbow Keeps Coming Back
This is one of the biggest frustrations I hear.
Here’s why it happens:
-
You rest until pain goes away
-
You return to the same level of play
-
The underlying strength hasn’t improved
Result? The pain comes right back.
How to Prevent It Long-Term
To keep pickleball elbow from returning:
-
Stay consistent with strengthening exercises
-
Gradually increase playing volume
-
Prioritize recovery between sessions
A simple rule:
If you don’t use it, you lose it.
Maintaining strength and endurance is key to staying pain-free.
When to See a Chiropractor in Burlington
If you’re dealing with ongoing elbow pain, it’s worth getting assessed.
Working with a chiropractor in Burlington can help:
-
Identify the root cause
-
Build a proper rehab plan
-
Speed up recovery
-
Prevent recurrence
Get Help with Pickleball Elbow in Burlington
If you’re struggling with pickleball elbow treatment in Burlington, we can help you get back on the court—without the constant setbacks.
At The Recovery Room Chiropractic and Wellness, we focus on:
-
Movement-based treatment
-
Strength and rehab programs
-
Shockwave therapy for stubborn cases
Book online or call 289-993-3663 to get started.
Final Thoughts
Pickleball elbow is extremely common—but it doesn’t have to be something you just “play through.”
With the right combination of:
-
load management
-
strengthening
-
and targeted treatment
you can recover fully and keep playing long-term.
