Treating Persistent Soreness With Lasers —

Laser Therapy for Lingering Pickleball Soreness: What Players Should Know

Pickleball looks gentle, but the quick lateral steps, repeated dinks and overhead smashes place steady strain on elbows, shoulders, knees and Achilles tendons. Most post-match aches settle within a day or two. When soreness keeps returning week after week, some players start hearing about low-level laser therapy, often called photobiomodulation, offered by physiotherapy and sports medicine clinics.

What the treatment involves

Low-level laser therapy uses light at specific wavelengths, directed at the skin over a sore tendon, joint or muscle. It is non-invasive and is usually described as painless, with sessions that are typically short. The idea is that the light may influence cellular activity in the tissue and help with pain and inflammation. Research findings are mixed: some studies report benefits for certain tendon and joint conditions, while others show little difference compared with placebo. It is best viewed as one possible add-on, not a stand-alone cure.

Questions worth asking first

• What is actually causing the pain? Persistent soreness can point to tendinopathy, a strain or joint irritation, and the right plan depends on an accurate assessment.
• Is laser part of a wider programme? Strengthening, load management and technique changes usually do most of the work in recovery.
• Is it suitable for you? Certain conditions, medications or pregnancy may rule it out, so a qualified professional should decide.

Reducing soreness on court

Whatever treatment you consider, the basics still matter. Warm up properly before games, build playing time gradually rather than jumping into back-to-back sessions, and wear court shoes with good lateral support. Equipment also plays a role: a paddle that is too heavy or has the wrong grip size can aggravate elbow and wrist problems, so our paddle guide is worth a look if your arm keeps complaining. Mixing intense play with lighter social sessions, such as those in our leagues, can give tissues time to adapt.

This is general information only. If pain persists, worsens, or comes with swelling, numbness or reduced movement, see a doctor or registered physiotherapist before returning to full play.