Pickleball fever has officially swept the Lowcountry. Whether you’re smashing dinks with your league friends or competing for big money in the Pickle Bar Masters, there’s one thing all players have in common: your spine is working hard for every swing. If it’s not working right, neither is your pickleball game.
At Lowcountry Orthopaedics, we’re passionate about keeping you on the court and out of the pain zone and are serving up some advice on keeping your back in top form while chasing that kitchen line glory.
Spine Smarts: 4 Tips to Stay Pickleball-Ready
- Take Time to Stretch
Warming up your muscles can prevent injury on the court. A quick 5-minute routine of arm circles, hip rotations, and gentle lunges gets your spine and joints ready for action. A post-match cooldown is just as important. Stretch your hamstrings, hips and lower back to release tension and retain mobility.
- Strengthen Your Core
A strong core is your spine’s best friend. Add planks, bird dogs, or even Pilates to your routine. It’s your best defense against lower back pain, and it will improve your reaction time in the game.
- Mind Your Posture
It’s easy to hunch forward when you’re on the court, especially during intense volleys. Practice staying tall with a slight athletic bend at the knees—not the waist—to keep pressure off the lower back.
- Get an Evaluation from the Experts
If you feel a twinge or tightness in your back, don’t push through it. Contact us for a personalized evaluation.
How Lowcountry Orthopaedics Can Help
We have a team of spine specialists dedicated to diagnosing the source of your pain and treating you so you can get back on the court pain-free. Come in for a comprehensive neurological evaluation. Our doctors then work with you to tailor a treatment plan that may include therapy, pain management, spinal cord stimulation, minimally invasive surgery, traditional surgery, or the latest in spine treatments like 3D spine implantation or GPS robotic spine surgery.
Join Us at Pickle Bar
We love supporting the local pickleball community and are proud to sponsor the 2025 Spring Leagues, Pickle Bar Masters, and live music at Pickle Bar in Summerville! Many players are our patients, and their skills are a testament to our work to keep you comfortable and on the court. Here’s what’s heating up this season:
League Play
For DUPR-rated pickleballers, the Senior League, Women’s League, and Men’s League compete over 8 weeks. Come out to Pickle Bar to see a match and get inspired to join the next round of league play.
Pickle Bar Masters
$10,000 is on the line in the ultimate showdown at Pickle Bar. Join us for an unforgettable weekend of pro exhibitions, live music, and intense competition as 108 teams battle for the top spot.
Friday, May 16th: Tournament kickoff with live music and pro exhibition headlined by Jake Kusmider
Saturday, May 17th: Round Robin (8 scheduled games for each team)
Sunday, May 18th: Double Elimination (top teams compete for the title)
Saturday Live Music Series
What’s better than post-game tunes and cold drinks? The Pickle Bar is hosting a live music series on Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Check out www.thepicklebar.com for the live music schedule and more information on leagues and the Pickle Bar Masters tournament.
Let’s Keep You Moving
If your back barks louder than a missed line call, we’re here to help. Visit www.lowcountryortho.com or call 843-797-5050 to schedule a spine consultation today.
Stay spine-smart, play strong, and we’ll see you at Pickle Bar.