The Hidden Side of Pickleball Injuries: Mental Health Matters
In recent times, I’ve noticed a concerning trend among pickleball players: the impact of injuries on not just their physical well-being but their mental health as well. While we all acknowledge that injuries and setbacks are part of the game, the psychological toll they take often goes unspoken.
The Physical and Mental Toll of Injuries
When you’re sidelined by an injury, it’s not just your body that suffers. Many players become less active and start making poorer nutritional choices immediately after getting hurt. Rehabilitation and recovery from pickleball injuries take time, no matter what the injury is. However, there’s an aspect of being injured that no one talks about enough: the mental health side.
The Stories We Hear
I’ve heard countless stories that start with, “I used to play pickleball every day with my friends, and now I can’t play and I don’t talk to them anymore.” This game creates structure in our lives through regular play and scheduled games. It provides us with camaraderie and friendships that wouldn’t have been made otherwise. Unfortunately, when people get injured, they often struggle to maintain these friendships because they aren’t playing. The bond created through pickleball feels lost, leading to feelings of isolation and sadness.
Combating the Mental Strain of Injuries
Here are a few ways to address these challenges and support your mental health during recovery:
- Prioritize Strength and Mobility Training: Reducing the risk of injuries is key. Regular strength and mobility training can help keep you on the court longer and healthier.
- Maintain Friendships Off the Court: Just because you’re not playing doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. Have lunch or dinner with your pickleball friends and continue nurturing those relationships.
- Stay Active: Even if you can’t play pickleball, find other ways to stay active. Walking, yoga classes, and other forms of exercise can help keep your spirits up and your body moving.
Finding the Missing Link: A Personal Coach
Having a coach to guide you back to full strength can be the missing link for those struggling to find the same purpose without pickleball. It takes time, strength, and resilience to recover and get back to doing what you love. The key is to be proactive! What action steps are you taking?
How I Can Help
Here are a few options I offer to support your journey back to health:
- 1-on-1 Training Clients: I’m taking on 2 more clients this month. If you have knee, hip, back, or shoulder pain that has lasted years, this could greatly benefit you. Reach out to me with the words "interested in 1 on 1 training" to my email garrett@athletesprehab.com
Don’t let an injury take away the joy and connection that pickleball brings. Reach out if you’re interested in personalized support to help you recover and come back stronger. Together, we can tackle the physical and mental challenges of injuries and get you back on the court, reconnecting with your pickleball family.
Looking forward to helping you get back in the game and reconnect with your pickleball community!
-Garrett