by Dr. David Iacuone | May 11, 2025 | Chiropractor, Exercise, inflammation, shockwave, sport
Pickleball injuries and Chiropractic Care:
Preventing Injuries and Speeding Recovery
We are seeing more and more patients with pickleball injuries seeking out chiropractic care. It’s not surprising considering pickleball has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in North America. Roughly 20-40 million people will play this year and it’s easy to see why — it’s fun, social, and suitable for all ages. But like any sport, pickleball has its own set of common injuries, and for those who love to play, staying healthy and active is key. That’s where chiropractic care and advanced therapies like shockwave treatment come into play.
Common Pickleball Injuries
While pickleball is considered a low-impact sport, its quick movements, rapid direction changes, and repetitive motions can lead to a range of injuries. Some of the most common pickleball injuries include:
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Maybe it should be called pickleball elbow, but that really doesn’t have the same ring to it. Either way it presents as pain on the outside of the elbow caused by overuse of the forearm muscles.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain on the inside of the elbow due to repetitive gripping and swinging.
- Shoulder Strains and Rotator Cuff Injuries: Caused by overhead serves and aggressive volleys.
- Ankle Sprains: Resulting from quick direction changes or unstable surfaces.
- Knee Pain or Strains: Often from sudden stops, pivots, or improper footwear.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Heel pain caused by repeated stress on the foot arch.
Most injuries are caused from repetitive stress, a word of caution bone fractures while playing pickleball are on the rise . There is nothing wrong with a little competition, but pickleball is meant to be fun, so perhaps let that tough shot go instead of diving for it.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Pickleball Players
At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we specialize in gentle, effective chiropractic care using the Activator Methods technique. Our approach is ideal for pickleball players because it provides safe, precise adjustments without the twisting, cracking, or popping associated with traditional chiropractic care.
- Relieves Pain: Our adjustments help align the joints and reduce stress on the muscles, relieving pain in the elbows, shoulders, knees, and back.
- Improves Flexibility and Mobility: Regular chiropractic care helps maintain joint function, keeping you moving well on the court.
- Reduces Recovery Time: By improving circulation and reducing inflammation, chiropractic care helps you bounce back faster from minor strains or soreness.
Shockwave Therapy for Fast Injury Recovery
For players dealing with stubborn pain or chronic injuries that may be keeping you off the court Shockwave Therapy is a game-changer. This non-invasive treatment uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. It is particularly effective for:
- Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow: Breaking down scar tissue and encouraging healing in the tendons.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: Promoting blood flow and reducing inflammation in the shoulder.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Relieving stubborn heel pain by accelerating tissue repair.
- Chronic Tendon Injuries: Encouraging faster recovery from overuse injuries common in pickleball.
Prevention of Pickleball Injuries
It is nice to know there are options to help in case of an injury, however it is always wise to focus on prevention first. A great way to avoid an injury while playing pickleball to warm up effectively. Here are 5 effective stretches to perform before playing pickleball to help prevent injuries:
- Shoulder Cross-Body Stretch
- How to Do It: Stand tall. Bring one arm across your chest and use the opposite hand to gently press it towards your body, feeling a stretch in your shoulder.
- Hold for: 15-20 seconds on each side.
- Benefits: Helps warm up the shoulder muscles, reducing the risk of shoulder strains.
- Arm circles
- How to Do It: Stand tall. Bring both arms out to your side. Start and rotate your arms in circles moving forward for 20 repetitions, then repeat moving backwards.
- Benefits: Helps warm up the shoulder muscles, and “lubricate” the shoulder joint reducing the risk of shoulder strains.
- Hip Circles and leg swing
- How to Do It: Use a stationary object for balance and do one leg at a time. Swing the leg back and forth and then side to side. Lifting the foot up and bending at the knee, make circular motions at the hip joint
- Benefits: Helps warm up the legs and hip joints
- Standing Quad Stretch
- How to Do It: Stand tall, grab your ankle, and pull your heel towards your glutes while keeping your knees close together. Use a wall for balance if needed.
- Hold for: 15-20 seconds on each side.
- Benefits: Loosens the thigh muscles, reducing knee strain.
- Torso twists or core warm up
- How to Do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms outstretched. Twist your torso to the right, then to the left, in a controlled motion.
Why Choose Desert Valley Chiropractic for Pickleball Injury Care?
At Desert Valley Chiropractic our Phoenix Top Doctors, we combine our expertise in gentle chiropractic care with the latest in technology, including Shockwave Therapy. Our personalized approach helps you stay active, recover faster, and play your best game — without pain holding you back.
If you’re an avid pickleball player or just getting started, don’t let injuries keep you off the court. Contact us today at (602) 439-1515 or visit our website at desertvalleychiropractic.com to schedule your appointment and keep your game strong.
by Dr. David Iacuone | May 5, 2025 | Chiropractic In Phoenix, Chiropractor, golf, shockwave
Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow: What’s the Difference?
Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow—what’s the difference, and can chiropractic care help? The short answer to both is yes! If you’re dealing with nagging elbow pain, you’re not alone—and it may not even be from sports. Despite their athletic names, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are two of the most common causes of elbow pain and can affect anyone from athletes to desk workers.
With Golfers elbow less than 1% of the population will suffer annually, While roughly 3% of the population or up to 10 million people will suffer with tennis elbow annually and in about 80% of those will have symptoms for up to 1 year. But who wants to suffer for a year if there is an effective solution that does not involve injections or surgery
At Desert Valley Chiropractic in North Phoenix, we specialize in non-invasive solutions like Activator Method chiropractic adjustments and radial pressure shockwave therapy to help relieve pain and restore function—without drugs. injections or surgery.
What’s the Difference?
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):
- Pain is located on the outside of the elbow.
- Caused by repetitive extension of the wrist and fingers.
- Common in racquet sports, but also seen in painters, plumbers, and computer users.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis):
- Pain is located on the inside of the elbow.
- Caused by repetitive flexion of the wrist and gripping.
- Common in golfers, but also affects weightlifters, mechanics, those with repetitive gripping motions, and side sleepers who rest their arm under the pillow.
Both conditions involve microtears in the tendons that attach to the elbow joint, leading to inflammation, pain, and weakness in the arm and wrist.
How Chiropractic Can Help
At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we use gentle Activator adjustments to restore function and alignment not just in the elbow, but also in the wrist, shoulder, and spine—because elbow pain is often connected to joint stress elsewhere in the body. Our low-force method means no twisting or popping will also reduce swelling to the affected joints , and it’s safe for acute and chronic elbow injuries alike.
Shockwave Therapy for Elbow Pain Relief
One of our most effective tools for stubborn cases of tennis or golfer’s elbow is Radial Pressure Shockwave Therapy . This treatment uses pulsed acoustic waves to:
- Break up scar tissue
- Increase blood flow
- Accelerate tissue repair and healing
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Promote stem cell production
Shockwave therapy is a great option when rest, braces, or even cortisone shots haven’t helped—and you can see improvement in just a few sessions.
Looking for Elbow Pain Relief in North Phoenix?
If you’re tired of elbow pain interfering with your work, workouts, or daily life, let us help. At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we serve the Moon Valley and greater North Phoenix area with customized care plans for elbow injuries, including gentle chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitative exercises, and cutting-edge shockwave therapy.
Call us today at (602) 439-1515 or schedule online at desertvalleychiropractic.com to find out if you’re a candidate for our elbow pain relief protocols.
Chiropractic care that helps you feel better, move better, and live better—right here in North Phoenix!
by Dr. David Iacuone | Oct 17, 2024 | Chiropractic In Phoenix, Chiropractor
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Vertigo
I know it is obvious but vertigo is not fun. It can be a debilitating condition that leaves you feeling dizzy, off-balance, and unable to go about your daily routine. If you’ve ever experienced the sensation that the room is spinning or felt unsteady on your feet, you know how disruptive vertigo can be. Fortunately, chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive solution to help manage and even relieve vertigo symptoms.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo can be caused by issues in the inner ear, where balance is regulated. Common conditions that cause vertigo include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – is a common inner ear disorder that causes brief episodes of dizziness or vertigo when you change the position of your head. It’s often triggered when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and interfere with balance signals sent to the brain. Although BPPV can be uncomfortable, it is usually not serious and can often be treated effectively with simple maneuvers to reposition the crystals.
- Inner Ear Infections – Can lead to inflammation of the inner ear causing symptoms such as vertigo and nausea.
- Dehydration – Can lead to a drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain. Which then may trigger symptoms of vertigo, including dizziness and balance issues. Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining proper inner ear function and overall balance.
- Head and Neck Trauma – Trauma can cause an assortment of serious concerns including bleeding in the brain. A consultation with a medical professional may be necessary with head and neck trauma. Once more serious concerns have been ruled out by your medical professional, then we may want to consider the alignment of the cervical spine.
- Misalignments of the neck – Another common source of vertigo is related to misalignments in the spine, particularly in the upper neck region. These misalignments can interfere with the nervous system, which plays a critical role in balance and coordination
What Can I do at home if I am Dizzy?
There are a couple of key things you can do on your own to try and help with vertigo.
- Hydrate – Most people do not drink enough water, and dehydration is an incredibly common cause of vertigo. This is made worse in our dry desert climate in Phoenix. When asked, most patients think they are drinking enough water until they learn how much the human body needs.
Everyone is built differently so 8 glasses of water while a good start is not enough for many of us. The human body needs half its body weight in ounces per day to stay properly hydrated. So evaluate how much water you are drinking and make sure it’s enough. Keep in mind in may take a few days to catch up on your water intake and be fully hydrated.
- Epley’s maneuver – This is a maneuver that can help symptoms related to benign paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). The instructions can be found here, and it can easily be done at home. It is helpful at repositioning tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear that can cause dizziness.
The Cervical Spine and Vertigo
The cervical spine plays a vital role in stabilizing the head and keeping our eyes level with the ground. This essential for balance and vestibular function. It allows for wide range of motion, enabling us to scan our environment and interact effectively. The vertebral bodies protect the spinal cord, vertebral arteries, and the muscles of the neck protect other neurovascular structures necessary for sustaining life.
How Can a Chiropractor Help with Vertigo?
At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we specialize in gentle, safe adjustments to the cervical spine. Utilizing the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique is especially effective in addressing misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) without twisting popping or cracking your neck. By restoring proper alignment and relieving pressure on the nervous system, chiropractic care can improve balance and reduce dizziness. In fact, many patients report a significant decrease in vertigo episodes after just a few treatments.
Why Choose Desert Valley Chiropractic in Phoenix?
Our clinic is proud to offer personalized, compassionate care for patients suffering from vertigo. We take a holistic approach, addressing the underlying causes of your symptoms to provide long-lasting relief. With over 330 five-star Google reviews and recently being names one of the Top Phoenix Chiropractors, we are a trusted resource for gentle, effective care.
If you’re looking for a Chiropractor in Phoenix to help with vertigo or other balance issues, call us at 602-439-1515 or schedule online here. We offer customized treatment plans to suit your individual needs and help you get back to living a life free from dizziness and discomfort.
by Dr. David Iacuone | Oct 11, 2024 | Chiropractic In Phoenix, Chiropractor, low back pain, sciatica
The Gentle Chiropractic Approach to Sciatica
There can be a gentle Chiropractic approach for Sciatica relief. Unfortunately Sciatica is far too common, and it affects many individuals in North Phoenix. The classic presentation includes pain that radiates from the lower back down one or both legs. Whether it’s due to prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or even a sudden injury, sciatica can be a debilitating issue that interferes with your daily life. Fortunately, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free solution to relieve sciatica pain and restore your quality of life.
What is Sciatica?
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, and it can becomes irritated or compressed. This results in sharp pain, tingling, or numbness along the nerve’s pathway. Typically, it will only affect one side of the body, but it can travel down both legs. Sciatica often stems from conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, joint misalignment or muscle imbalances in the lower back and hips.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Sciatica?
At Desert Valley Chiropractic, located in the heart of North Phoenix, we understand Sciatica and use gentle chiropractic techniques like the Activator Method to address the root cause of sciatica. Here’s how chiropractic care can help:
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Relieves Pressure on the Sciatic Nerve
Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve and alleviating pain. By targeting the source of the problem, Activator Chiropractic adjustments can improve joint alignment, and reduce inflammation at the nerve root. Less nerve pressure and inflammation will promote healing and provides long-term relief.
Also, adjusting with the Activator Instrument there is no rotation of the patient’s body. This avoids unnecessary torque near the irritated nerve.
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Improves Mobility
Sciatica can limit your ability to move comfortably, making even simple tasks like walking, sitting or putting on your socks difficult. Chiropractic adjustments help restore normal motion in the spine and joints, allowing you to move freely and with less discomfort. If your spine moves better, you will move better.
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Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is often a key factor in sciatica pain. There will always be inflammation at the nerve root (where the nerve exits the spine) putting added pressure on the nerve making the pain worse. Chiropractic care not only helps to reduce this inflammation but also improves nerve function, ensuring that your body can heal properly.
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Resetting or Co-Activation of The Nerve Fibers
With over 200 research papers published, Chiropractic Adjustment with the Activator Adjusting Instrument have been shown to “reset” the nerve fibers. There is a deep physiological change that occurs in the spinal joint and the nerve to improve function and reduce pain.
Why Choose Chiropractic Care in North Phoenix?
At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we take pride in offering compassionate, expert care for patients suffering from sciatica and other conditions. Our Activator Method ensures safe, gentle adjustments that provide effective relief without the twisting or popping often associated with traditional chiropractic methods. Located conveniently in North Phoenix, we serve the local community with the highest level of care to help you get back to living your life, pain-free.
If you’re experiencing sciatica pain, don’t wait for it to worsen. Schedule an appointment with Desert Valley Chiropractic today and experience the benefits of gentle, effective chiropractic care. Let us help you find relief and improve your overall health and well-being.
by Dr. David Iacuone | Aug 6, 2024 | Car Accident, Chiropractic In Phoenix, Injury
So What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a common yet often misunderstood injury that affects millions of people each year. Statistics suggest that 3 million Americans will suffer with a whiplash injury on an annual basis. The economic burden is substantial and estimated to be 3 billion dollars annually.
Whiplash is an injury to the cervical spine or neck. It is a result of a sudden rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. This sudden motion can cause damage to the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
A common misunderstanding is that the accident must be severe to have an injury. Not True, A rear end collision of 5mph can cause injury that requires treatment.
While whiplash is most commonly associated with car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, it can also result from sports injuries, falls, or other traumatic incidents.
How to Diagnose Whiplash?
Proper diagnosis and understanding of an injury is essential to tailor the appropriate treatment. Thankfully diagnosing whiplash is not terribly difficult. To diagnose a whiplash injury your provider should perform the following:
- Review mechanism of the injury – understanding all the facts about the crash is important to determine the status of an injury. For instance, was it a rear end collision, or were you hit from the side. Did your vehicle get pushed into another car, or did it spin after impact? The direction of these forces can have substantial influence on the injuries to the spine.
- A detailed history of all symptoms and how life may have changed after the crash. Are you having trouble performing regular everyday activities at home, or is it more difficult to concentrate at work?
- A complete examination of the areas of complaint including range of motion measurements and a full orthopedic evaluation.
- A Computer Radiographic Mensuration Analysis (CRMA) – This is perhaps the most important step, because it can objectively determine the extent of a spinal injury. A CRMA involves a specific series of X-rays, that include images in flexion and extension. It is followed by a digital measurement of the films. The CRMA measurement will tell us if there is excessive motion of one bone over another, which is necessary to determine:
- The amount of damage done to the supporting structures of the cervical spine.
- The correct approach to your care.
- If the injury related to a car accident will result in permanent damage.
What is Permanent Damage?
If there is excessive motion determined by the CRMA it indicates permanent damage to one or more ligaments supporting the spine. The technical term for this type of ligament laxity is an Alteration of Motion Segment Integrity (AOMSI). Essentially meaning that even after treatment, it is highly probable the injury will flare up from time to time. This can be important information to have when discussing your injury with the insurance companies or potentially attorneys.
If you or someone you know has been in a recent car accident and there are concerns about injury, Desert Valley Chiropractic may be able to help. We will sit with you and take the time to review all the factors around your crash and determine if we can help. Please call us at 602-439-1515 to schedule a consultation.
