Summer is the season for movement—whether you’re hitting the pickleball courts, paddling out on the lake, teeing off on the golf course, or swimming laps at the pool. But with all that activity comes a spike in sports-related injuries, especially when we push ourselves without the right preparation or recovery plan.
At WNC Chiropractic, we regularly treat patients with summer activity injuries, many of which are preventable with proper body mechanics, spinal alignment, and muscle balance.
Top Summer Sports Injuries We See:
1. Pickleball-Related Injuries
Pickleball has exploded in popularity—and so have its associated injuries. Quick starts and stops, lunges, and rotational movements can lead to ankle sprains, knee strain, and low back pain, especially in players who aren’t used to high-intensity bursts.
Pickleball has exploded in popularity—and so have its associated injuries. Quick starts and stops, lunges, and rotational movements can lead to ankle sprains, knee strain, and low back pain, especially in players who aren’t used to high-intensity bursts.
2. Shoulder Strain (Swimming, Paddleboarding, Wakeboarding, Kayaking)
Repetitive overhead or paddling motions often cause rotator cuff irritation, impingement syndrome, or muscle imbalances in the upper back and shoulders.
Repetitive overhead or paddling motions often cause rotator cuff irritation, impingement syndrome, or muscle imbalances in the upper back and shoulders.
3. Golfer’s & Tennis Elbow
Overuse of the forearm muscles—whether on the fairway or court—can inflame tendons and cause pain during gripping, swinging, or lifting.
Overuse of the forearm muscles—whether on the fairway or court—can inflame tendons and cause pain during gripping, swinging, or lifting.
4. Low Back Pain
From golf swings to bending awkwardly while wake surfing or kayaking, the lower back takes a beating. Misalignment in the lumbar spine is a common source of pain that can radiate to the hips and legs.
From golf swings to bending awkwardly while wake surfing or kayaking, the lower back takes a beating. Misalignment in the lumbar spine is a common source of pain that can radiate to the hips and legs.
5. Muscle Strains & Joint Sprains
Sudden, intense bursts of movement (think chasing a ball on the pickleball court or pulling yourself up on a wakeboard) can easily lead to calf, hamstring, or hip flexor strains and sprained joints.
Sudden, intense bursts of movement (think chasing a ball on the pickleball court or pulling yourself up on a wakeboard) can easily lead to calf, hamstring, or hip flexor strains and sprained joints.
Chiropractic Care: Prevention & Performance Boost
Chiropractic care keeps your spine and joints moving properly, reducing the risk of injury and improving how your body performs during activity.
🔹 Spinal and extremity adjustments improve joint mobility, which is especially beneficial for sports that require twisting, swinging, or paddling.
🔹 Balanced muscle tone and proper alignment reduce overuse strain and protect vulnerable joints—such as shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles.
🔹 Research from Dr. Haavik shows that adjustments enhance brain-body communication, improving reaction time, coordination, and muscle control—crucial for fast-paced sports like pickleball and water skiing.
🔹 Balanced muscle tone and proper alignment reduce overuse strain and protect vulnerable joints—such as shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles.
🔹 Research from Dr. Haavik shows that adjustments enhance brain-body communication, improving reaction time, coordination, and muscle control—crucial for fast-paced sports like pickleball and water skiing.
What the Research Says
A study published in the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation found that athletes who received regular chiropractic care experienced improved joint function, better balance, and faster recovery from intense activity. This means fewer injuries—and more time enjoying the sports you love.
Your Summer Injury Prevention Plan
Whether you’re in the water, on the court, or out on the trail, here are a few ways to stay injury-free:
✅ Warm up with dynamic stretches and sport-specific movement
✅ Hydrate well—water sports and sun exposure dehydrate muscles quickly
✅ Use proper technique—especially during repetitive or overhead movements
✅ Get adjusted regularly to maintain mobility, balance, and strength
✅ Schedule rest and recovery days to prevent overtraining or burnout
✅ Hydrate well—water sports and sun exposure dehydrate muscles quickly
✅ Use proper technique—especially during repetitive or overhead movements
✅ Get adjusted regularly to maintain mobility, balance, and strength
✅ Schedule rest and recovery days to prevent overtraining or burnout
Early Pain = Early Warning
Don’t ignore small aches or joint stiffness. They’re often signs that your body is compensating for an imbalance. Chiropractic care addresses those imbalances before they turn into bigger issues—keeping you active all summer long.
Get Summer-Ready with WNC Chiropractic
Whether you’re chasing a pickleball, carving across a lake, or swinging a golf club, your spine and nervous system play a huge role in your performance and recovery. At WNC Chiropractic, we’re here to help you move better, feel better, and stay injury-free all season long.
📞 Call us today to book your Summer Sports Check-In and keep your body in winning condition.