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Pickleball: A Modern Sport Sensation. How a sports chiropractor can help keep you playing pickleball in Sacramento
Recently, a new sports sensation has been sweeping across Sacramento: Pickleball. Combining elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, Pickleball offers an invigorating, community-oriented, and enjoyable activity that appeals to adults of all ages. As such, it has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing sports in our city's adult demographic.
The Dark Side of Pickleball's Rise;
However, the surge in Pickleball's popularity in Sacramento brings with it an unfortunate side effect. The sport is increasingly linked to a rise in sports-related injuries, particularly among older adults. The game's fast pace and abrupt movements can place significant strain on the body, leading to injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, and even serious musculoskeletal issues.
Injuries frequently associated with Pickleball include "pickleball elbow," an overuse injury affecting the tendons in the elbow. Knee injuries due to quick lateral movements and sudden stops are also commonplace. Shoulder injuries, often resulting from incorrect serving or hitting techniques, can also pose a risk.
Mitigating Pickleball Injuries; get advice from sports chiropractor
The associated risk of injury should not deter enthusiasts from participating in this popular sport. Instead, awareness of potential hazards should motivate players to adopt injury-preventative measures. Here are several tips to enjoy a safer Pickleball experience:
Warm-up and Cool-down: Incorporate dynamic stretching to prepare your body pre-game, and cool-down exercises post-match for muscle recovery and injury prevention.
Proper Technique: Adhere to correct serving and hitting techniques, which can not only enhance your performance but significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Regular Breaks: Given the game's demanding nature, frequent breaks can lower stress on joints and muscles, and subsequently, the likelihood of overuse injuries.
Protective Gear: Invest in high-quality athletic shoes designed for court surfaces, use protective pads for your knees and elbows, and consider a brace if you have a prior injury.
Hydration: Maintain a high intake of fluids before, during, and after the game to avoid dehydration, which can detrimentally impact strength, energy, and coordination.
Ease Into It: if this is your first time being active in a long time, it's important that you slowly increase the frequency and intensity of playing. Give your body the chance to adapt to this new level of activity. This may be especially difficult because pickle ball can be SO MUCH DARN FUN!! Your body will thank you for easing into it and playing more over the long term than a ton of pickleball for only a few weeks until you get injured.
Sacramento Chiropractor: A Solution to Sports Injuries
When injuries do occur, turning to a Sacramento sports chiropractor can provide valuable relief and recovery. Specializing in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, particularly the spine, sports chiropractors offer hands-on treatment to alleviate pain, enhance function, and promote natural healing. This form of care can be particularly beneficial for managing Pickleball-related injuries, such as joint sprains and muscle strains.
The Role of a Sports Chiropractor in Injury Prevention
However, the role of a sports chiropractor extends far beyond injury treatment. Regular visits to a Sacramento chiropractor can help ensure optimal spinal alignment and overall body balance, facilitating proper movement mechanics. They can also offer guidance on exercises to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance balance, which are crucial for preventing sports-related injuries.
Moreover, a sports chiropractor educates athletes about their bodies, informing them about proper movement techniques, and the significance of rest and recovery. By improving biomechanics and body awareness, the risk of overuse and traumatic injuries can be substantially reduced. This allows Pickleball enthusiasts to safely engage in their favorite sport.
In Conclusion
The rise of Pickleball in Sacramento presents a fantastic opportunity for adults to participate in a dynamic sport, enjoy community camaraderie, and maintain physical fitness. However, it's vital to acknowledge the associated risk of injuries and the preventative measures needed to mitigate them. In this light, the role of a Sacramento sports chiropractor becomes indispensable, offering treatment for existing injuries and guidance for prevention. Whether you're a seasoned player or a Pickleball beginner, consulting a sports chiropractor in Sacramento could be your key to enjoying this popular sport safely and effectively.
Do you avoid going to your regular doctor to get an injury looked at because you're afraid they'll tell you to stop doing what you love? Here at Oliveira Chiropractic, the last thing we want is for you to stop the things that bring you joy. Instead, we work with you to identify what's causing your pain and creating a plan that helps you to strengthen the dysfunctional movement patterns that are keeping you injured. Our plan is comprehensive and identifies:
Positive Things to add: exercises, stretches, and drills that will make you stronger, more mobile, and robust for sport and activity
Negative things to take away: we help to identify the things that are actively making your condition more pronounced and help you find ways to eliminate those negative stressors from your daily routine
Treatment: we conduct a comprehensive movement and orthopedic exam to identify exactly what you need when you're on the treatment table. This is blended into longer treatment times (20-30 minutes) to deliver long lasting effects.
Interested in scheduling an appointment? Check out the online booking link HERE to schedule something today!