Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is a very common injury seen in pickleball. Causes can include poor form or mechanics, gripping the paddle too tight, use of a paddle that creates too much vibration and overuse.

Physical therapy can help by prescribing specific exercises to gain strength and mobility. We can help make further gains by utilizing manual therapy techniques, cupping, dry needling, taping, tennis elbow strap/cuff and tissue scraping.

When I personally sustained this injury I was able to reduce symptoms with the abovementioned strategies. I found the Band It tennis elbow brace to work well while playing. However, I continued to play too often and was using a paddle that perpetuated symptoms. I severely aggravated my symptoms when playing a particular game involving hard drives. I recall the moment that is when I likely tore the tendon. My MRI showed a 30% tendon tear and at that point treatment strategies were no longer working. I decided to try a PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection and changed to the ProKennex Black Ace paddle. I took 3 weeks off from playing and slowly returned to activity. My condition improved dramatically. Here we are 1 ½ years later and I am 95-100% better. I rarely experience pain which is mild and quickly resolves. I play as often as I like and have no issues with drives. Now I am back to performing rehab exercises that keep me strong and support the game. Often we can resolve tennis elbow with physical therapy.