Summer in central New Jersey means one thing for a lot of our patients: more time on the court and on the course. Tennis leagues are in full swing, golf tee times are booked solid, and pickleball courts across Princeton and Somerville are busier than ever. It’s great for your health and your social life — but it also means our clinic sees a predictable spike in overuse and acute injuries every summer.
If you’ve been sidelined by shoulder, elbow, or knee pain from your favorite summer sport, you’re not alone — and you don’t need to give up the game to get better. Here’s what we’re seeing this season, and how physical therapy can get you back on the court or course faster and stronger.
Pickleball: The Fastest-Growing Sport (and Fastest-Growing Injury List)
Pickleball has exploded in popularity across Mercer and Somerset counties, and with that growth has come a wave of new injuries — especially among adults returning to competitive movement after years of a more sedentary lifestyle. The sport’s quick lateral movements, sudden stops, and repetitive overhead and underhand swings put real stress on the body.
The most common pickleball injuries we treat include:
- Rotator cuff strain and shoulder impingement from repetitive overhead shots
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) from paddle vibration and grip strain
- Achilles tendinitis and ankle sprains from quick pivots and lunges
- Knee pain, particularly for players with pre-existing arthritis or prior injuries
Because pickleball attracts a wide age range — including many players over 50 — these injuries often show up in people who haven’t been active in high-impact sports for a while. A structured PT plan that builds strength, mobility, and movement mechanics can make a huge difference in preventing re-injury.
Tennis Injuries: Overuse Is the Real Opponent
Tennis has always been a staple sport in Princeton, and most tennis injuries we see aren’t from a single dramatic moment — they build up over weeks or months of repetitive strain. Common issues include:
- Tennis elbow, the sport’s namesake injury, caused by repeated wrist extension during backhand strokes
- Rotator cuff tendinitis from serving mechanics
- Lower back pain from the rotational forces of groundstrokes
- Knee and hip strain from quick directional changes on the court
The good news is that most tennis-related injuries respond very well to conservative treatment. A physical therapist can assess your stroke mechanics, identify muscle imbalances, and build a plan that addresses both the injury and the movement pattern that caused it — so it doesn’t just come back next season.
Golf Injuries: It’s All in the Swing
Golf might look low-impact from the sidelines, but the golf swing generates significant rotational force through the spine, hips, and shoulders — thousands of times per round when you add up practice swings. The most frequent golf injuries we treat include:
- Low back pain, by far the most common complaint among golfers
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), the counterpart to tennis elbow
- Shoulder pain, especially in the lead shoulder during the follow-through
- Wrist and hand strain from ground contact or grip tension
Many golf injuries stem from limited hip and thoracic spine mobility, which forces the lower back to compensate during the swing. Physical therapy that targets rotational mobility and core stability often resolves pain and improves swing mechanics at the same time — a win for your body and your handicap.
Why See a Physical Therapist Instead of Just Resting?
Rest can quiet symptoms temporarily, but it rarely fixes the underlying issue — whether that’s a mobility restriction, a strength imbalance, or a movement pattern that’s putting repeated stress on the same joint. Physical therapy addresses the root cause, not just the symptom.
At Progression Physical Therapy of Princeton, our approach includes:
- A thorough evaluation of your movement, strength, and joint mobility to pinpoint exactly what’s driving your pain
- Hands-on manual therapy to reduce pain and restore normal movement
- A personalized exercise program designed around your specific sport and goals
- Sport-specific return-to-play guidance so you go back stronger, not just pain-free
And remember — in New Jersey, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to get started. Thanks to direct access laws, you can schedule an evaluation with a licensed physical therapist right away, without waiting weeks for a physician appointment first.
Don’t Let Summer Pain Sideline You
Whether you’re chasing a personal best on the tennis court, shaving strokes off your golf game, or just discovered your new favorite sport in pickleball, nagging pain shouldn’t keep you on the bench. If you’re searching for Princeton physical therapy or physical therapy near me, Progression Physical Therapy of Princeton is here to help — with convenient locations in both Princeton and Somerville, NJ.
Our team of Doctors of Physical Therapy specializes in treating shoulder, elbow, knee, and back injuries related to tennis, golf, and pickleball. We’ll get to the root of your pain and build a plan to get you back in the game — stronger and more resilient than before.
Ready to get back on the court or course? Contact Progression Physical Therapy of Princeton today to schedule your evaluation at our Princeton or Somerville location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist for a sports injury in NJ?
No. New Jersey’s direct access laws allow you to schedule an evaluation directly with a licensed physical therapist. You can book an appointment at Progression Physical Therapy of Princeton without seeing a physician first.
How do I know if my pain is serious enough to see a physical therapist?
If pain lasts more than a few days, limits your range of motion, affects your ability to play or perform daily activities, or keeps coming back after rest, it’s worth getting evaluated. Catching an issue early is almost always easier to treat than waiting until it becomes chronic.
Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery for a sports injury?
In many cases, yes. Conservative treatment — including manual therapy, targeted strengthening, and mobility work — resolves a large percentage of common tennis, golf, and pickleball injuries without the need for surgical intervention.
How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or shoulder impingement?
Recovery timelines vary based on severity and how long the injury has been present, but many patients see meaningful improvement within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent physical therapy. Your therapist will give you a personalized timeline after your initial evaluation.
What should I expect at my first physical therapy appointment?
Your first visit typically includes a full assessment of your posture, strength, joint mobility, and movement patterns specific to your sport, along with the development of a personalized treatment plan. Many patients begin hands-on treatment and receive an initial home exercise program during that same visit.
Is physical therapy only for injuries, or can it help prevent them too?
Both. A movement assessment can identify muscle imbalances or mobility restrictions before they turn into an injury — a smart option for pickleball and tennis players heading into a busy summer season.
Where is Progression Physical Therapy located?
We have two convenient locations serving central New Jersey: Princeton, NJ (601 Ewing Street, Suite B9) and Somerville, NJ. Both locations offer the same personalized, evidence-based care for sports injuries and general musculoskeletal pain.
