Shoulder Pain After Pickleball Overheads
Also known as: shoulder hurts after overheads, shoulder pain from pickleball, sore shoulder after pickleball, shoulder pain from smashing in pickleball, knee pain from pickleball, sore knees after pickleball
Shoulder pain after overheads can come from repeated overhead swings irritating the shoulder tendons. A late, arm-only swing adds to that load. Stop if it hurts, and ease back in gradually. See a qualified medical professional if the pain is sharp, follows an injury or does not settle.
Orthopedic surgeons note that a lot of overhead activity can irritate the shoulder tendons. When the arm lifts, a bony part of the shoulder can rub on the rotator cuff tendons. That can cause pain and limit movement.
Technique and volume both play a part. An overhead hit late, with only the arm, puts more load on the shoulder. So does smashing every lob, or a sudden jump in playing time. Turn sideways, get your feet under the ball and use your legs and trunk. Let some lobs bounce, or block them back.
Knees can hurt too. Playing too hard or too long can make knees with arthritis swell, and shorter sessions may help. For any pain, stop and rest. Seek care quickly after a sudden injury with intense pain, and see a doctor if symptoms persist.
Tips by skill level
Warm up your shoulders before you play, and hit only a few easy overheads at first.
Track how many hours you play each week. Sudden jumps in volume often come before shoulder and knee aches.
Example
After a weekend of long sessions, a player's shoulder aches whenever he smashes. He rests, shortens his sessions and lets more lobs bounce. When the ache does not settle, he books a visit with a sports medicine pro.
Why it matters
Shoulder and knee pain can keep you off the court for weeks. Spotting the warning signs early, and getting help when needed, protects your playing time.
Common mistakes
- Playing through shoulder pain to finish the session
- Smashing every lob instead of letting some bounce
- Hitting overheads with only the arm and no turn
- Doubling playing time in a single week
Frequently asked questions
Why does my shoulder hurt after overheads in pickleball?
Repeated overhead swings can irritate the shoulder tendons, and a late, arm-only swing adds load. Rest, and see a doctor if the pain persists.
Should I keep playing pickleball with shoulder pain?
No. Stop when it hurts. Mild pain may settle with a few days of rest, but see a doctor if it persists. Seek care quickly after a sudden, intense injury.
Why do my knees hurt after pickleball?
Long or hard sessions can make knees with arthritis swell, orthopedic surgeons say. Shorter sessions may help. See a pro if the pain or swelling persists.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo) — Shoulder Pain and Common Shoulder Problems (tendinitis from overhead activity; impingement; when to see a doctor)
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo) — 5 Pickleball Injury Prevention Tips (take lessons; stay hydrated; know your limits)
Related terms
- Common Pickleball InjuriesPickleball injuries range from overuse problems like elbow and shoulder pain to sprains, calf strains and fractures from falls. General prevention includes a warm-up, court shoes, sound technique and building playing time gradually. Stop if something hurts, and see a qualified medical professional for pain that persists.
- OverheadAn overhead is a high-contact smash hit above the head, usually in response to an opponent's lob, aimed at ending the point with pace.
- Pickleball Warm-Up RoutineA good pickleball warm-up starts with a few minutes of light movement, such as brisk walking, side shuffles and arm circles. Then hit easy dinks, volleys, drops and drives, working from the kitchen back to the baseline. Save hard hitting and overheads for the end.
- Pickleball ElbowPickleball elbow is the name players give to pain on the outside of the elbow, the same overuse problem as tennis elbow. It is often linked to long dink and reset rallies with a tight grip, wrist-led punch volleys and flicks, and a sudden jump from occasional games to daily play. Stop if it hurts, and see a qualified medical professional if the pain persists.
- Playing Pickleball Safely as an Older AdultMany older adults play pickleball. General habits help: warm up, wear court shoes, stay hydrated and build up playing time slowly. Turn and move back for lobs instead of backpedaling. Ask your doctor first if you have heart, joint or balance concerns, and stop if anything hurts.
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