Laser Therapy for Pickleball Injuries: Managing Tendon Pain and Joint Strain

Date Published


Why Pickleball Players Are Looking for Better Recovery Solutions

Pickleball has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, particularly among adults over 50. Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, the game offers an enjoyable way to stay active, improve cardiovascular fitness and maintain social connections.

However, as participation increases, so does the number of overuse injuries associated with repetitive movements, sudden directional changes and frequent gripping motions. Many players find themselves dealing with persistent tendon pain, joint strain and inflammation that can limit performance and reduce enjoyment of the game.

For athletes looking to remain active without relying solely on medication, laser therapy—also known as photobiomodulation (PBM)—has gained attention as a non-invasive recovery option that may support tissue healing and pain management.

Common Pickleball Injuries and Their Causes

While pickleball is generally considered lower impact than tennis, repetitive movements can still place significant stress on muscles, tendons and joints.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Despite its name, tennis elbow is one of the most common pickleball injuries. Repeated gripping of the paddle and backhand strokes can overload the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow.

Symptoms often include:

  • Pain on the outer elbow
  • Reduced grip strength
  • Discomfort when lifting objects
  • Pain during paddle swings

Without proper recovery, tendon irritation can become chronic and increasingly difficult to manage.

Shoulder Impingement

Frequent overhead serves and repetitive shoulder movements may contribute to shoulder impingement.

Players commonly experience:

  • Pain when reaching overhead
  • Shoulder weakness
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Discomfort during serves and volleys

As inflammation develops within the shoulder structures, players may notice declining performance and increasing stiffness.

Achilles Tendon Irritation

Quick starts, stops and lateral movements place considerable strain on the Achilles tendon.

Common symptoms include:

  • Tenderness above the heel
  • Morning stiffness
  • Pain during acceleration
  • Swelling around the tendon

Older athletes may be particularly susceptible due to age-related changes in tendon elasticity and circulation.

Knee Pain and Joint Strain

Pickleball requires frequent lunging, pivoting and directional changes that can stress the knee joint.

Players may experience:

  • Patellar tendon irritation
  • Mild osteoarthritis flare-ups
  • General knee soreness
  • Joint stiffness after play

Managing inflammation while supporting healthy movement patterns becomes essential for maintaining long-term participation.

Understanding Photobiomodulation and Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation involves the application of specific wavelengths of light to biological tissues. Unlike surgical lasers that generate heat, low-level laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate cellular processes.

Research suggests that photobiomodulation may influence:

  • Cellular energy production (ATP)
  • Blood circulation
  • Inflammatory responses
  • Tissue repair mechanisms
  • Pain signalling pathways

A review published in the medical literature reported that low-level laser therapy demonstrated positive effects in reducing pain and improving outcomes across various musculoskeletal conditions when appropriate treatment parameters were used.

These biological effects have led clinicians and athletes to explore laser therapy for managing tendon disorders, soft tissue injuries and joint discomfort.

How Laser Therapy May Help Pickleball Injuries

Supporting Tendon Recovery

Tendons typically receive limited blood supply, which can slow healing after repetitive strain.

Photobiomodulation may help support tendon recovery by:

  • Enhancing cellular metabolism
  • Promoting collagen production
  • Supporting local circulation
  • Modulating inflammatory activity

For pickleball players dealing with tennis elbow or Achilles tendon irritation, these effects may contribute to improved recovery when combined with appropriate rehabilitation strategies.

Managing Joint Pain and Inflammation

Joint discomfort often involves a combination of mechanical stress and inflammatory responses.

Laser therapy may help:

  • Reduce inflammatory mediators
  • Improve tissue oxygenation
  • Support joint mobility
  • Assist with post-exercise recovery

Many players report that reducing discomfort allows them to maintain participation in exercise programmes that further support joint health.

Supporting Muscle Recovery

Repeated matches and training sessions can lead to muscle fatigue and soreness.

Photobiomodulation may support recovery by:

  • Assisting cellular energy production
  • Reducing exercise-induced muscle fatigue
  • Supporting circulation
  • Helping athletes recover between playing sessions

This may be particularly valuable for tournament players or those participating in multiple matches over a short period.

Why Older Athletes Are Exploring Laser Therapy

One reason pickleball has become so popular among older adults is that it offers an accessible way to maintain fitness without the high-impact demands of some other sports.

However, ageing can bring challenges including:

  • Reduced tissue healing capacity
  • Increased tendon degeneration
  • Joint stiffness
  • Osteoarthritis-related discomfort

Many players feel frustrated when recurring pain limits their ability to remain active.

A common concern is whether continuing to play will worsen symptoms. Others worry that rest alone may result in reduced fitness and mobility.

This is where many athletes become interested in photobiomodulation. They often feel that traditional approaches have not fully addressed their ongoing discomfort. What some discover is that combining laser therapy with exercise, strength training and proper recovery strategies may help them continue participating in the activities they enjoy.

Integrating Laser Therapy into a Recovery Plan

Laser therapy is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive approach that may include:

  • Activity modification
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Mobility work
  • Load management
  • Professional assessment when required

For pickleball players, addressing the underlying causes of tendon overload and joint stress remains essential for long-term success.

Consistent recovery habits often produce better outcomes than waiting until symptoms become severe.

Choosing a Home-Based Laser Therapy Device

Many active adults are interested in convenient recovery options they can use regularly at home.

The Pulse Laser Relief Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy Device is designed to deliver photobiomodulation therapy for individuals seeking a non-invasive approach to managing musculoskeletal discomfort and supporting recovery.

Home-based devices may allow players to:

  • Apply therapy consistently
  • Target commonly affected areas
  • Support recovery between matches
  • Incorporate treatment into daily routines

Consistency is often one of the key factors associated with successful recovery strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can laser therapy help tennis elbow from pickleball?

Research suggests photobiomodulation may support tendon recovery and pain management when used appropriately. Many players incorporate laser therapy alongside strengthening and rehabilitation exercises.

Is laser therapy safe for older adults?

Low-level laser therapy is generally considered non-invasive and is widely used in rehabilitation settings. Individuals with specific medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before beginning treatment.

How often should laser therapy be used?

Treatment frequency depends on the condition being addressed, symptom severity and device specifications. Always follow manufacturer guidance and professional recommendations.

Can laser therapy replace physiotherapy?

Laser therapy is best viewed as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for professional assessment, rehabilitation exercises and appropriate medical care.

Staying Active for the Long Term

Pickleball offers significant physical, social and mental health benefits, making it an excellent activity for older adults seeking to remain active. When tendon pain, shoulder irritation, Achilles discomfort or knee strain arise, early intervention becomes important.

Photobiomodulation represents a promising adjunctive recovery strategy that may support tissue healing, help manage discomfort and assist players in maintaining an active lifestyle. Combined with appropriate exercise, recovery and injury management practices, laser therapy may help pickleball enthusiasts spend more time enjoying the court and less time sidelined by pain.

References:

Bjordal JM, Lopes-Martins RA, Joensen J, Couppe C, Ljunggren AE, Stergioulas A, Johnson MI. A systematic review with procedural assessments and meta-analysis of low level laser therapy in lateral elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow). BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2008 May 29;9:75. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-9-75. PMID: 18510742; PMCID: PMC2442599.