Pickleball has taken New Jersey by storm—but with its rise comes a spike in injuries, especially to the elbow. If you’re struggling with forearm pain, difficulty gripping your paddle, or elbow soreness that lingers after games, you may be dealing with pickleball elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis or “tennis elbow”).
The good news? You don’t have to live with it—or give up your favorite sport. At Total Recovery PT in Little Falls, NJ, our occupational therapists specialize in treating pickleball elbow and helping athletes return to pain-free performance.
What Is Pickleball Elbow?
Pickleball elbow is an overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outside of your elbow. It’s caused by repetitive wrist extension and gripping motions—exactly what happens every time you serve, volley, or swing.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Forearm stiffness or tightness
- Difficulty lifting or holding objects, even off the court
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Occupational therapy doesn’t just help people recover from injuries—it helps them return to the activities they love with strength, function, and confidence. For pickleball elbow, OT provides a personalized plan to reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent recurrence.
Here’s what pickleball elbow treatment with OT at Total Recovery PT might include:
- Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction
- Manual therapy techniques to release tension in the forearm
- Ultrasound or soft tissue tools to target inflammation
- Activity modifications to reduce stress on the tendons
2. Targeted Strengthening
We focus on the muscles most involved in your game:
- Wrist extensors and flexors
- Grip strength and thumb stability
- Shoulder and upper back support for better mechanics
3. Neuromuscular Re-Education
Using tools like the Neubie (NEUro-Bio-Electric Stimulator), we retrain your muscles to move more efficiently and rebuild proper firing patterns, speeding up recovery.
4. Custom Home Exercise Program
We provide exercises you can do between games to maintain your progress and avoid flare-ups, including stretching, isometrics, and eccentric strengthening.
5. Ergonomic & Equipment Guidance
We’ll assess your paddle grip, technique, and even off-court activities (like typing or lifting) that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Why Choose Occupational Therapy for Pickleball Elbow?
Unlike general rest or basic stretching, occupational therapy addresses the root of your pain—and creates a plan to return you to your sport stronger than before. At Total Recovery PT, our OTs work one-on-one with each patient to build long-lasting recovery and help you perform your best.
Don’t Let Elbow Pain Keep You Off the Court
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or competitive pickleballer, our occupational therapists in Little Falls, NJ are here to help.
Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward pain-free play.
Call us at 973-857-1616 or DM us “PICKLEBALL” on Instagram (@totalrecoverypt).
