woman playing pickleball

Dedicated to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care for active people, Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery stands as your premier destination for world-class bone, joint, and muscle care tailored specifically for pickleball players.

Engaging in physical activity is vital for maintaining good health, yet it comes with inherent risks. That includes pickleball enthusiasts, who can often encounter injuries on the court. Recognizing that each athlete is unique with distinct needs, it is crucial to collaborate with medical professionals that have the training and expertise required to help you manage a swift return to play.

In the realm of sports medicine, our focus is squarely on athletes. The treatment options provided by our sports medicine doctors are driven by the goals of the athletes themselves. The journey back to the court for pickleball players necessitates the guidance of expert bone, joint, and muscle doctors, and at Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery, our board-certified and fellowship-trained pickleball injury experts are ready to assist. Renowned in sports medicine care, they work with you through every stage, from treatment to rehabilitation, ensuring that your passion remains within reach.

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Our pickleball injury experts at Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery are proud to be Pickleball Doctors. Providing expert tips for injury prevention, performance, and more, Pickleball Doctors is a group of elite doctors dedicated to helping you stay on—and dominate—the pickleball court.

More Pickleball Tips

Prepare for Peak Pickleball Performance & Minimize Injury

Achieving peak performance on the court requires dedicated, active preparation off the court. Injuries can affect players at any level, but proactive steps can minimize the risks. Through regular strength training, targeted stretches, and conditioning, pickleball players can ensure a sustained and enjoyable on-court experience. 

Elevate your game by exploring specialized programs designed by experts, such as the Pickleball 10 to Win from Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery, the regional leaders in treating pickleball injuries. This comprehensive workout program is designed to enhance your game and contribute to injury prevention.

Pickleball 10 to Win

With these 10 targeted exercises, you can improve your flexibility, agility, strength, and endurance to win on the court and stay on the court.

BEAR HUGS

Stand straight or lie on your back and open up your arms, pulling your shoulders back to broaden your chest. Bring your arms back in, wrapping them around your chest, and pat the back of your shoulders. Repeat quickly 20 times

bear hug illustration

For the Win: Do some resistance bear hugs. Hold a resistance band around your back. Then, reach your arms out in front of you like you are hugging someone. Hold for 3 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

POGO HOPS

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly, but keep your posture straight. Keep your feet together and jump up and down in place. Repeat for 30 seconds.

pogo hops guide

For the Win: Do some single-leg hops. Balance on one leg and hop in place for 30 seconds. Repeat while balancing on your other leg. For better agility training, use a line to hop over from left to right.

SIDE-LYING LEG LIFTS

Lie on your side with your legs straight and one leg on top of the other. Bend your knees slightly and move your top leg toward the sky or ceiling. Lift your leg slowly and lower it slowly. Repeat 10 times on each side. 

side-lying leg lifts guide

For the Win: Try resistance leg lifts! While lying on your side, place a resistance band around your legs and above your knees while you complete your leg lifts. For more of a challenge, place the band around your ankles.

SINGLE-LEG BALANCE

Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and lift one foot off the ground. If you need, hold your arms out to help you balance. Hold this position for up to a minute or as long as you can and repeat on the other side.

single leg balance guide

For the Win: Do single-leg extensions. Stand on one foot. Lift your other leg, extending it behind you, in front of you, and off to the side. Center your leg before each extension. Repeat 15 times on each side.

STANDING QUAD STRETCH

Stand on one foot and pull the other behind you, holding the ankle. If you need, hold onto something for balance. Pull your heel toward your buttocks, and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on each side. 

standing quad stretch guide

For the Win: Do kneeling quad stretches. Kneel on one knee with the opposite foot planted flat in front of you. Push your hips forward and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat for 3 sets on each side.

ROWS

Put a resistance band around a stable surface, like a tree or fence, holding the band in each hand. Stand facing the band with your feet hip-width apart. Pull the band toward you, squeezing your shoulder blades. Return to your starting position. Repeat 15 times.

rows guide

For the Win: Do some bodyweight rows. Instead of resistance bands, use your body weight. Find a stable horizontal surface, such as a table or bar, and lie underneath it, grasping the surface firmly with both hands. Pull yourself up then lower yourself back down. Repeat 15 times.

PLANKS

Put your hands and knees on the ground, and then extend your legs behind you. Support your weight on your forearms and toes. Keep your body straight from your head to your heels. Hold this position as long as you can.

planks guide

For the Win: Try side planks with resistance in your arms. Support your weight on one foot and forearm. Hold a resistance band in both hands, and extend your free arm toward the sky or ceiling. Repeat 10 times on each side.

HEEL RAISES

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly lift your heels off the ground, rising up onto the balls of your feet. Pause as you get to your tip-toe position, then lower your heels slowly back down to the ground. Repeat 20 times.

heel raises guide

For the Win: Try single-leg heel raises. Instead of using both feet, lift one foot off the ground while putting your weight on the other foot and lifting that heel up. Repeat 20 times on each side.

SQUATS

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your hips down and back as if you are sitting down in a chair. Keep your weight on your heels. Return to a standing position. Repeat 10 times.

squats guide

For the Win: Try single-leg squats. Instead of two feet down as you squat, lift one foot off the ground and extend it in front of you as you lower your hips and return to a standing position. Repeat 10 times on each side.

LUNGES

Stand with feet hip-width apart. Take a big step forward with one foot. Lower your hips down until your front knee is bent at a 90-degree angle. Keep your weight on your front heel. Push off your front foot to return to a standing position. Repeat 10 times on each side.

lunges guide

For the Win: Do backward and side lunges. For backward lunges, take a big step backward, lower, and push off your back foot to return to standing. For side lunges, take a step out to the side, lower yourself on that side, and push back up from that foot to return to standing.

Recognizing the Need for an Expert

Persisting with training or playing pickleball, or any sport, when injured can jeopardize your health and keep you off the court indefinitely. Seeking consultation with an orthopedic specialist before a problem gets worse is critical.

An effective injury treatment plan starts with a precise diagnosis from an experienced doctor. To consult with one of our pickleball injury care experts, schedule an appointment online or call 1-800-REBOUND if you experience:

  • A popping sound or sensation in your arm, wrist, hip, shoulder, back, or knee heard of felt with a fall
  • Inability to bear weight on your foot, ankle, knee, or leg
  • Muscle or joint pain that persists after conservative home treatments like resting and icing
  • Pain when holding or swinging your pickleball paddle
  • Sudden and persistent pain after playing pickleball, especially if any area is tender and/or warm to the touch

Common pickleball injuries include:

  • Achilles tendon and ankle injuries
  • Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis
  • Herniated or slipped disc
  • Knee cartilage and tendon injuries
  • Pickleball (or tennis) elbow, or lateral epicondylitis
  • Plantar fascia ruptures and plantar fasciitis
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Sprains of the wrist and ankle
  • Strains in the back and hamstring

Who to See

Photo: James C. Chesnutt, M.D.

Jim Chesnutt, M.D. is a Sports Medicine Physician specializing in the evaluation & management of injuries in youth and athletes of all ages. Dr. Chesnutt is board certified in Family Medicine and in the specialty of Sports Medicine since 1997. His practice at Rebound is focused exclusively in Sports Medicine and the non-operative care of fractures and musculoskeletal injuries, including concussions and ultrasound-guided evaluations and injections. Dr. Chesnutt is currently a team physician for the Portland Trail Blazers, and previously for…

Edward H. Coale, Jr., M.D.

Edward H. Coale, Jr., M.D., is an orthopedist with subspecialty training in hand and wrist surgery. His goal for every patient is to provide the highest level of care in order to restore function and relieve pain in the hand and wrist. He has a strong interest in basilar thumb arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. He also enjoys tennis, golf, windsurfing, and blues guitar in his off hours.

Dr. Coale has conducted and presented nationally recognized research on arthritis at the base of the thumb. This research has helped to validate and add to current state-…

Jerod A. Cottrill, D.O.

Jerod A. Cottrill, D.O., is board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation with fellowship training in interventional spine and sports medicine. His specialties include nonoperative sports and musculoskeletal medicine, minimally invasive spine procedures, electrodiagnosis, and musculoskeletal ultrasound (diagnostic and for injection guidance). He offers a comprehensive treatment approach, evaluating the musculoskeletal biomechanics and coordinating rehabilitation medicine, combined with minimally invasive spine or ultrasound-guided joint procedures if…

Jay L. Crary, M.D.

Dr. Jay Crary is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in problems of the foot and ankle including total ankle replacement as well as general orthopedics. He does all aspects of operative and nonoperative care including bunions. His interests include sports medicine and arthroscopy, arthritis, tendonitis, deformity correction, and trauma. His goal is to help patients improve the quality of their lives through education and appropriate interventions. In his free time, Dr. Crary enjoys hiking, skiing, and traveling with his family.

Dr. Crary is available…

Photo: Dhanur Damodar, M.D.

Dr. Dhanur Damodar is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty interest in complex knee and shoulder, hip preservation and arthroscopy, sports medicine, and cartilage repair. Upon completing his fellowship training, he gained advanced experience in performing the most leading-edge and minimally invasive surgical procedures. 

Dr. Damodar has a specific interest in arthroscopic reconstruction of the hip, shoulder, and knee, including ligament repair and reconstruction, cartilage repair and restoration, rotator cuff repair and shoulder…

Jerome J. DaSilva, M.D., F.R.C.S.C.

Dr. DaSilva is an orthopedic surgeon subspecializing in sports injuries and arthritic conditions of the knee and shoulder, including ACL reconstruction and total knee replacement. Dr. DaSilva believes in joint preservation and has expertise in minimally invasive surgery, cartilage repair, cartilage restoration, cartilage and meniscal transplantation, osteotomies, and ligament reconstruction. Dr. DaSilva also has an interest in hip arthroscopy.

Dr. DaSilva grew up in the Pacific Northwest on Vancouver Island. He attended Trinity Western University in…

Photo: Evan D. Ellis, M.D.

Evan D. Ellis, M.D., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty interest in knee, shoulder, sports medicine, cartilage repair, and ACL reconstruction. He routinely performs the most up-to-date surgical procedures. He has specific interest in arthroscopic reconstruction of the shoulder and knee, including ligament repair and reconstruction, cartilage repair and restoration, rotator cuff repair and shoulder stabilization, and joint replacement of the knee and shoulder. Additionally, he is well adept at both conservative and operative treatments of…

Photo: Gregory D. Gramstad, M.D.

Gregory D. Gramstad, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery. He offers minimally invasive treatments for rotator cuff disease including rotator cuff repair, shoulder instability, frozen shoulder, and elbow arthritis. In addition, he specializes in total shoulder replacement and elbow replacement surgery and reconstruction for trauma.

His primary goal will be to treat you as he would treat a friend, with prompt attention, a caring ear, and thoughtful advice. He strives to recognize the unique nature of each…

Benjamin Jacobs, M.D.

Dr. Benjamin Jacobs is an orthopedic surgeon who subspecializes in the hand and upper extremity surgery. He treats disorders involving bones, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels of the upper extremity in addition to general orthopedics. He is trained in fracture management, reconstruction, and microvascular and nerve surgery of the hand, arm, and elbow as well as carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Jacobs also uses the most current treatment option of an injection of an enzyme called collagenase for Dupuytren's contracture. He is a member of the American Academy of…

John P. Kafrouni, M.D.

John P. Kafrouni, M.D., is a board-certified specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He provides comprehensive care of spinal, sports, and neuromuscular disorders and has extensive experience in spinal cord injury. Dr. Kafrouni’s interests include concussions, minimally invasive and techniques to address spinal, joint, and extremity pain, electrodiagnosis, and spasticity management. He is subspecialty board-certified in sports medicine and electrodiagnostic medicine and will consult on functional needs to patients with complex spinal cord…

Karl N. Kaluza, D.O.

Karl N. Kaluza, D.O., is a nonsurgical sports medicine and family medicine physician.  He is the team primary care physician for the Portland Trail Blazers and served the same role for the Portland Timbers for six years starting in their inaugural season in MLS in 2010.  Dr. Kaluza believes in finding and treating the cause of a problem instead of taking medication to relieve the symptoms and that preventing problems is preferable to treating them after they occur.  He uses the latest in medical technology, imaging, and laboratory testing but…

Jesse McCarron, M.D.

Jesse McCarron, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of the entire spectrum of shoulder and elbow problems, including rotator cuff repair and total shoulder replacement. He grew up in Portland but has lived and trained at world-class institutions across the country. After completing a fellowship in shoulder and elbow surgery in 2007 at the Cleveland Clinic, he stayed on as faculty there for three years. In 2010, he returned with his family to Portland, where he took a position at the Portland VA…

Photo: Douglas S. Musgrave, M.D.

Dr. Douglas Musgrave is a hand surgeon who specializes in disorders of the hands, wrists, and arms, including carpal tunnel syndrome. He treats both children and adults with congenital, acquired, or trauma-related problems. He is a fellow of both the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), having earned an additional Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand. Dr. Musgrave has conducted research involving bone regeneration, biomechanics, and clinical results, authoring over 25 articles and…

Photo: Suresh Kevin Nayar, M.D.

Kevin Nayar, M.D., is a Harvard and Johns Hopkins–trained orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in hand/wrist, elbow and shoulder surgery. He offers specialized diagnostics, non-operative treatment, and surgery for a wide array of upper extremity conditions.

While originally from El Paso, Texas, Dr. Nayar received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Grinnell College in Iowa. He went on to earn his medical degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. He also completed his internship and residency in…

Alan P. Newman, M.D.

Alan P. Newman, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in knees and sports medicine, including total knee replacement. Dr. Newman has been involved in sports medicine from youth through university levels, including research, teaching, team coverage, and the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. He strives to blend the newest and best medical technologies with the traditions of caring and concern for the individual patient. Dr. Newman emphasizes communication and patient education, believing that a well-informed patient can better choose…

Donald W. Roberts, M.D.

Dr. Don Roberts is an orthopedic surgeon subspecializing in disorders of the knee and sports medicine, including total knee replacement. Dr. Roberts has extensive experience in knee arthroscopy, including arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, arthroscopic meniscal repair, meniscectomy, and management of disorders of articular cartilage. Dr. Roberts is interested in minimally invasive procedures and was one of the first doctors in the Northwest to perform MAKOplasty, a robotic-assisted partial knee resurfacing procedure.

In addition…

C. Luke Rust, M.D.

C. Luke Rust, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in problems of the foot and ankle. He enjoys treating a wide range of conditions, including both the acute and chronic results of sports injuries, arthritis, bunions, deformities, and trauma in both adults and children, as well as total ankle replacement. He believes in a personalized approach to each patient, utilizing conservative as well as operative treatment.

Dr. Rust is a native of the Northwest and grew up north of Seattle in Mount Vernon, Washington. He went to Stanford…

Stephen R. Southerland, M.D., F.R.C.S.C.

Stephen R. Southerland, M.D., F.R.C.S.C., is an orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty interest in joint replacement including total knee replacement, total hip replacement, and anterior hip replacement as well as sports medicine. He believes that the primary goal of treatment is an early return to function and emphasizes prompt diagnosis, timely surgical intervention, and patient education.

Dr. Southerland is an avid windsurfer, snowboarder, and cyclist.

Dr. Southerland sees patients seeking hip, knee, and sports-related care as well as joint…

Anthony S. Wei, M.D.

Anthony S. Wei, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon who treats disorders affecting the shoulder and elbow, including sports and traumatic injuries, rotator cuff repair, total shoulder replacement, degenerative disorders, and conditions associated with overuse. He is fellowship-trained in shoulder and elbow surgery and sports medicine. Dr. Wei has experience working with professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He has also been the team physician for Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Dr.…

Kirk L. Wong, M.D.

Kirk L. Wong, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity problems, including problems involving the hand, wrist, and elbow, including carpal tunnel syndrome. He also is skilled in microsurgery as well as the most current treatment option of an injection of an enzyme called collagenase for Dupuytren's contracture. Dr. Wong places a strong emphasis on working with each patient to develop an individualized approach to promote the best possible level of recovery and function. In his free time, Dr. Wong enjoys spending time with his family,…

Expert Treatment for Pickleball Players

Your path to well-being aligns with the treatment that empowers you to achieve optimal health, fitness, and performance. At Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery, our seasoned pickleball injury experts possess extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring access to the best available treatments tailored to your specific needs. Collaborating closely with our team, you'll receive a personalized diagnosis and a solution that revolves around you and your unique requirements.

With specialized proficiency spanning a spectrum of treatments and protocols, our doctors prioritize recommending conservative, nonsurgical care plans before considering surgical options. In instances where surgery becomes imperative, rest assured that our doctors are adept in the latest minimally invasive techniques, guaranteeing the safest, swiftest, and most effective recovery and overall experience.

Prevalent Pickleball Injuries & Their Treatments

Tailored to each pickleball player we serve, our comprehensive care programs address a variety of common injuries encountered on the court. Explore the list below for insights into prevalent pickleball injuries and the corresponding treatments provided by our pickleball injury experts. For more info, click the associated link provided.