Why Pickleball Injuries Are Exploding (And What PTs Must Know)

🏓 Why Pickleball Is Becoming a Clinical Trend PTs Can’t Ignore

Pickleball isn’t just a recreational trend — it’s rapidly becoming one of the biggest drivers of new injuries in older adults. In this episode recorded live from CSM in Anaheim, Diane Fleming (board-certified geriatrics specialist) and Kristen Walsh (sports PT) break down why physical therapists need to understand the sport, the injury patterns, and the opportunity for collaboration across specialties.

With participation skyrocketing and injuries rising alongside it, this isn’t just about a sport — it’s about population health, community engagement, and positioning PTs where patients are already active.

If your patients are playing pickleball (and they are), you need to understand it.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Live From CSM
02:12 – Why Pickleball Matters
04:05 – Is Pickleball Peaking?
06:00 – PT In The Community
07:52 – Clinical Impact Award
08:50 – Don’t Silo Yourself

🔗 Guest Mentions & Topics

Diane Fleming, PT, DPT – Board-Certified Geriatrics Specialist

Kristen Walsh, PT, DPT – Sports Physical Therapist

Senior Olympics & community engagement initiatives

Training clinicians to properly dose older adults
PT in the Community volunteer work in Anaheim