Pickleball Treatment Leaders in Phoenix
At OrthoArizona, we are committed to delivering top-tier bone, joint, and muscle care through a team-driven approach. Our focus extends to the fast-growing sport of pickleball, and we serve as your trusted source for a full range orthopedic support.
Serving as the premier orthopedic group across the valley since 1994, our experts provide world-class care to athletes and active individuals alike. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned player in the pickleball community, we’re here to help you stay healthy and injury-free on the court.
Pickleball offers a fun mix of fitness and competition, but it also presents unique injury risks, so having a proactive wellness plan is crucial. When injuries do occur, swift and tailored recovery guided by experienced professionals ensures you get back to enjoying the game quickly and safely.
Our team of experts at OrthoArizona specializes in treating pickleball-related injuries. We craft personalized treatment and rehabilitation plans that focus on pain relief, restoring mobility, and enhancing performance—so you can return to the court stronger and ready to excel.
Our pickleball injury experts at OrthoArizona 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.
Prepare for Pickleball Play & Avoid Injury
Prioritizing both wellness and safety is a vital element of achieving success in pickleball. No matter your skill level, you can significantly lower your risk of injury by dedicating time off the court to proper preparation and techniques.
Incorporating strength training, conditioning, and targeted stretching into your routine is essential for to prepare for your next match. For players looking to maximize protection and performance, our tailored program is designed to help you achieve your goals.
Pickleball 10 to Win
Exercise 1
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.
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.
Exercise 2
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.
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.
Exercise 3
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.
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.
Exercise 4
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.
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.
Exercise 5
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.
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.
Exercise 6
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.
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.
Exercise 7
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.
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.
Exercise 8
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.
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.
Exercise 9
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.
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.
Exercise 10
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.
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.
When to Be Seen?
If you're dealing with an injury or pain, it’s important to avoid playing pickleball—or any other sport. Even minor injuries can aggravate underlying problems, potentially delaying or complicating your recovery. Consulting with an orthopedic specialist promptly is key to avoiding further complications.
Proper injury management requires accurate assessment and swift intervention from a skilled expert. To receive the care you need, schedule an appointment online or call (602) 648-5444 to connect with one of our orthopedic and sports medicine doctors if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain (sharp or dull): Felt in the specific injured area
- Swelling: Noticeable puffiness or inflammation
- Tenderness: Heightened sensitivity to touch or pressure
- Bruising: Skin discoloration caused by broken blood vessels
- Limited mobility: Difficulty moving the affected joint or limb
- Weakness: Decreased strength or inability to apply force effectively
- Stiffness: A sensation of tightness or reduced movement in muscles or joints
- Difficulty bearing weight: Trouble supporting weight on the injured joint or limb
- Clicking or popping: Audible sounds or sensations felt in the joint
- Warmth: Increased heat in the area around the injury
Common pickleball injuries include:
- Golfer's elbow
- Herniated or slipped discs
- Muscle strains
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff tears and other shoulder injuries
- Tennis elbow, also called pickleball elbow
- Torn ligaments (ACL and MCL)
- Wrist and ankle sprains
Who to See?
Jeffrey Abildgaard, M.D.
Dr. Jeffrey Abildgaard is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in sports medicine. He specializes in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgeries of the shoulder, elbow, and knee, including such procedures as ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery, cartilage restoration, arthroscopic rotator cuff,… Read More
Spencer Cahalan, D.O.
Dr. Spencer Cahalan is a fellowship-trained, board-certified doctor specializing in full-scope nonsurgical orthopedic care for the weekend warrior to athletes of all ages and skill levels. He also provides nonsurgical options for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. He delivers exceptional care to patients, giving them the same level of… Read More
David Cassat, M.D.
Dr. David Cassat is a board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine doctor. He specializes in nonsurgical procedures and techniques, including joint and tendon injections, viscosupplementation injections, and ultrasound-guided injections. Dr. Cassat treats athletes of all ages and skills and loves helping them fulfill their goals and keep… Read More
James Davidson, M.D.
Specializing in orthopedic sports medicine, I provide comprehensive treatment options for Arizona high school, college, and pro athletes, rock climbers, team ropers, roller derby skaters, golfers, tennis players, and pickleballers.
Raised in Phoenix, I headed east, graduating from Yale University and earning my Doctor of Medicine degree… Read More
Matthew Hansen, M.D.
Dr. Matthew Hansen specializes in orthopedic sports medicine, advanced shoulder and elbow surgery, knee ligament reconstruction, hip arthroscopy, and cartilage restoration. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. Dr. Hansen was then selected to the prestigious Hospital for… Read More
Michael Hayman, M.D.
Dr. Michael Hayman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports injuries and trauma. Having experienced a career-ending injury as a competitive soccer player, he understands the emotional and physical toll of overcoming an injury. He derives tremendous satisfaction in helping patients return to their normal level of function.… Read More
KJ Hippensteel, M.D.
Dr. KJ Hippensteel is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty board certification in sports medicine, specializing in hip, knee, elbow, and shoulder surgery. He provides care by prioritizing a patient-centered approach and tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs.
Dr. Hippensteel is a former athlete… Read More
Keith Jarbo, M.D.
Dr. Keith Jarbo is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder surgery, cartilage restoration procedures, rotator cuff and labral surgery, minimally invasive knee and shoulder replacements, reverse shoulder replacement, and fracture care.
As a former athlete, Dr. Jarbo is passionate about… Read More
Cynthia Kooima, M.D.
Dr. Cynthia Kooima is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder arthroscopy and replacement. She is passionate about caring for competitive athletes as well as patients looking to resume a healthy, active lifestyle. Dr. Kooima is currently the team physician for Gilbert High School and previously for the Arizona… Read More
Benjamin MacQueen, M.D.
Dr. Benjamin MacQueen is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty in sports medicine. He specializes in arthroscopic surgery for sports injuries, including knee ligament reconstruction and cartilage restoration procedures, shoulder stabilization procedures, and rotator cuff repair surgery. He is also trained… Read More
Richard Martin, M.D.
Dr. Richard Martin is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist. He treats athletes and nonathletes with orthopedic injuries. Knee and shoulder injuries are of particular interest to Dr. Martin. He also has extensive experience performing Mako SmartRobotics™ full and partial knee replacements. He was initially drawn to… Read More
Shelden Martin, M.D.
Dr. Shelden Martin is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and is subspecialty-certified in sports medicine. Dr. Martin specializes in all shoulder, elbow, and knee surgery. He is a national expert, teacher, and designer of total shoulder and reverse shoulder replacement surgery techniques and technology. He is a leader in… Read More
Cory Nelson, M.D.
Dr. Cory Nelson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in the management of injuries in youth and adult patients of all athletic skill levels, from recreational to professional athletes. He emphasizes patient-centered communication and care and has in-depth expertise in the latest minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques for… Read More
Eric Novack, M.D.
Dr. Eric Novack is a board-certified orthopedic doctor. Dr. Novack has a distinguished education. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Brown University, graduating magna cum laude. He completed medical school at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine and went on to complete his residency at the University of… Read More
Steven Porter, M.D.
Dr. Steven Porter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and arthroscopy. Dr. Porter has particular expertise in arthroscopic reconstruction of the shoulder and knee.
After receiving his undergraduate degree at Arizona State University, he attended The University of Arizona Medical School in Tucson,… Read More
Vincent Russo, M.D.
Medicine is in the family for Dr. Vincent Russo, whose father was an orthopedic surgeon and his son is part of the OrthoArizona practice as well. Dr. Russo is board-certified in orthopedic surgery with more than 30 years of experience treating patients in the Phoenix area. During this time, he has been privileged to care for as many as three… Read More
Brian Shafer, M.D.
Dr. Brian Shafer is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a subspecialty certification in sports medicine. He has specific expertise in minimally invasive shoulder, elbow, and knee arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Shafer has served as a team physician for multiple professional and collegiate teams, including the Arizona… Read More
Austin Smith, M.D.
Dr. Austin Smith is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in comprehensive orthopedic care of the shoulder and hip. He performs a wide array of shoulder and hip procedures, including arthroscopic and minimally invasive procedures, total joint replacement, and complex and revision surgery. Dr. Smith is trained in muscle-sparing… Read More
John Tefteller, D.O.
Dr. John Tefteller specializes in sports medicine and nonoperative care of musculoskeletal injury, concussion management, and injury prevention. His expertise also includes diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound, viscosupplementation, orthobiologics, and the Tenex procedure.
Dr. Tefteller is committed to offering patients personalized… Read More
Recover & Dominate the Game: Expert Pickleball Care at OrthoArizona
Want to elevate your pickleball game and stay injury-free? At OrthoArizona, our team of specialists recognizes the sport's specific physical demands. Using our expertise, we create tailored treatment plans to help you return to the court at your best.
We prioritize helping you reach peak performance with nonsurgical treatments whenever possible. If surgery is required, our expert doctors utilize advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to ensure a quick and safe recovery.
Pickleball-Related Injuries
Our specialized team treats a wide range of injuries and conditions frequently faced by pickleball players. Whether it's sprains or tendon issues, our experts provide thorough treatment options to support your recovery. While many pickleball injuries can heal with rest and home care after an expert evaluation, some require comprehensive care programs from our experts. For more information on common pickleball injuries, explore the links below.
We understand pickleball injuries often require expert care, right away. InstantOrtho is our answer for urgent bone, joint, and muscle needs in today’s busy and fast-paced world. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointment is needed.