Pickleball Can Help You Live Better and Longer! Minimizing the Risks and Basking in the Rewards

As a Pickleball injury expert and also a Metabolic Health and Successful Aging Coach, I caution you as a pickleball player but encourage and celebrate you at the same time! 

When you look around your pickleball facility or community you see players wearing knee sleeves, ankle wraps, tennis elbow straps and perhaps some KT Tape or other reassuring support of sorts. Injuries are prevalent in pickleball. But what you also see are smiles and laughs and happy people embracing in celebration of another great game! 

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US and it just may be the game that helps you prevent chronic disease and live longer. 

If you dedicate time to preparing your body (think strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance) listen to your body’s early warning signals (ie. pain), and place emphasis on proper recovery (think days off, re-hydration, whole-nutrient dense foods, and a good night’s sleep) you will open the door to all the amazing benefits of consistent pickleball play.

You see, the rewards reach far and wide. Pickleball is considered an excellent cardiovascular workout and is known to improve cognition, reduce anxiety and depression, help maintain a healthy body weight, reduce cardiovascular and diabetes risks, strengthen bones, and build up muscles and endurance¹

The escalation of endorphins and “feel good” emotions associated with meeting new friends and forming endearing relationships is a big part of the “addiction” to pickleball. I see injured pickleball players all the time and while resuming play is important, most people are quick to mention their disappointment in not being with their “pickleball friends.” 

As we age, we slow down and lose the pep in our step, but playing pickleball keeps you quick on your feet, challenges your balance, and exposes all of your muscles and joints that need to move!!! So, great job! You picked a sport that can slow down the aging process and give you the happiness and quality of life you deserve. Keep going! 

Prepare better. Recover Smarter. Play Forever!

Sincerely,

Dr. PickleDink^TM

References:

1.) Pergolizzi J Jr, Matera J, LeQuang JAK. Treating Geriatric Sports Injury Among Pickleball Players: A Narrative Review of an Exercise Craze Among Seniors. Cureus. 2023 Dec 4;15(12):e49909. doi: 10.7759/cureus.49909. PMID: 38174176; PMCID: PMC10763694.