Pickleball Injuries? Enhance Recovery & Performance with Cannabinoids & Chinese Herbs
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Time to read 16 min
Table of Contents
UNDERSTANDING PICKLEBALL: UNIQUE STRESSORS AND COMMON INJURIES DRAGON HEMP COOLING BALM: IMMEDIATE RELIEF FOR ACUTE INJURIES DRAGON HEMP WARMING BALM: ENHANCED CIRCULATION AND PAIN RELIEF DRAGON HEMP RECOVERY TINCTURE: A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH TO HEALING THE SYNERGY OF DRAGON HEMP FORMULAS: ENHANCING RECOVERY AND PERFORMANCE EMBRACING NATURAL THERAPEUTICS FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE Discover our curated sets to maximize wellness & savings.
At this point, who isn't familiar with Pickleball?! The rapidly growing sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis has become a favorite due to its accessibility and engaging gameplay. However, the sport's dynamic nature and sudden directional changes place significant stress on the body, leading to various injuries such as strains and sprains. Drawing from my clinical experience at Menard Acupuncture in Sag Harbor, I developed therapeutic products like the Recovery Tincture and medicated balms that leverage a blend of traditional Chinese medicine herbs and next-generation cannabinoid extracts to provide relief from common injuries like these, and promote overall well-being.
This article will delve into the specific injuries often associated with Pickleball and recommend the best Dragon Hemp products to alleviate pain and expedite recovery.
UNDERSTANDING PICKLEBALL: UNIQUE STRESSORS AND COMMON INJURIES
Pickleball requires quick lateral movements, rapid accelerations, and repetitive motions, often resulting in overuse injuries. The most common injuries among pickleball players include:
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) : Caused by repetitive arm and wrist motions.
Rotator Cuff Injuries : Resulting from overhead shots.
Ankle Sprains : Due to sudden changes in direction.
Knee Strains : From continuous bending and pivoting.
Lower Back Pain : Stemming from dynamic movements and twisting.
Addressing these injuries involves immediate pain relief and long-term healing to prevent recurrence. This is where Dragon Hemp’s products shine.
When dealing with acute injuries, the priority is to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Dragon Hemp’s Balms are specifically formulated for quick relief. Our proprietary blends combine the anti-inflammatory properties of next-generation cannabinoid extracts with time-honored herbal remedies. This synergy works to quickly reduce swelling and provide effective pain relief, allowing you to get back on the court faster.
For sustained recovery and prevention of future injuries, it’s crucial to address the root causes. All of Dragon Hemp’s products are designed to support the body’s natural healing processes, particularly our Tinctures that help fight inflammation from within. Our balms and tinctures not only soothe but also help repair damaged tissues. Ingredients like CBD, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, paired with herbal extracts traditionally used for their restorative benefits, promote long-term musculoskeletal health.
DRAGON HEMP COOLING BALM: IMMEDIATE RELIEF FOR ACUTE INJURIES
For acute, localized injuries such as ankle sprains and muscle strains, Dragon Hemp’s Cooling Balm offers targeted relief. This balm combines full-spectrum hemp extract with other therapeutic herbs to deliver anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects directly to the injury site. Key components include:
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (3600mg): Provides localized pain relief and reduces inflammation.
Camphor: Creates a cooling sensation that increases blood flow and soothes muscle and joint pain.
Chi Shao (Red Peony Root): Offers anti-inflammatory benefits and aids in improving circulation.
Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit): Known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce swelling and pain.
Ru Xiang (Frankincense) and Mo Yao (Myrrh): Both provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Da Huang (Rhubarb) : Helps with pain relief and has anti-inflammatory properties.
These ingredients in the Cooling Balm work synergistically to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote healing. The cooling effect of camphor, combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of the herbs, offers immediate relief and facilitates recovery.
Great for Ankle Sprains and Knee Strains:
Following an acute injury, like a sprain or strain Dragon Hemp’s Cooling Balm offers immediate relief with it's cooling, soothing sensation -- just like ice. Beyond the immediate relief, it's rich in cannabinoids and botanicals that can aid in reducing chronic inflammation and enhancing muscle recovery. Balms can be used for immediate relief and support during the healing phase, ensuring that you return to the court with strengthened ligaments and reduced pain.
DRAGON HEMP WARMING BALM: ENHANCED CIRCULATION AND PAIN RELIEF
For chronic conditions requiring warmth and improved blood flow, such as chronic pain or stiffness, Dragon Hemp’s Warming Balm provides an effective solution. The key ingredients include:
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract (3600mg): Provides localized pain relief and reduces inflammation.
Capsicum: Contains capsaicin, which provides a warming effect and helps relieve pain.
Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens): Used for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly effective for lower back and leg pain.
Ai Ye (Mugwort): Known for its warming and pain-relieving properties, it helps improve circulation and alleviate pain.
The warming effect of capsicum, combined with the therapeutic benefits of the herbs, enhances blood flow and provides deep, soothing relief for chronic pain and stiffness.
Great for Tennis Elbow and Rotator Cuff Injuries
For injuries stemming from repetitive strain and overuse, the pain is often worse before playing, rather than after. This is why it's so important to warm up! The Warming Balm is designed to do just that, helping relieve tension and expedite your warm-up as you prepare for the game. All the while, its rich cannabinoids and botanicals can help aid in reducing chronic inflammation and enhancing muscle recovery.
DRAGON HEMP RECOVERY TINCTURE: A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH TO HEALING
Our Recovery Tincture is formulated with a potent blend of TCM herbs and CBD hemp extract, designed to provide systemic relief and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. Drawing from my experience in martial arts and sports medicine, I selected the following key ingredients:
Jiang Huang (Turmeric) : Contains curcumin, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It reduces swelling and pain, promoting faster recovery.
Ru Xiang (Frankincense) : Provides anti-inflammatory benefits and improves blood flow to the affected areas, facilitating quicker healing.
Mo Yao (Myrrh) : Known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, myrrh helps alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis) : Acts as an analgesic and is particularly effective for pain relief.
Dan Shen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza) : Improves circulation and reduces inflammation, aiding in the healing process.
Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens) : Traditionally used to treat pain and inflammation, particularly in the lower back and legs.
From a Western medicine perspective, these herbs collectively reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and enhance the immune response, fostering a conducive environment for recovery. In TCM, these herbs restore balance within the body, invigorate blood flow, and eliminate stagnation, essential for healing injuries and alleviating pain.
Great for Lower Back Pain:
Lower back pain often requires a comprehensive approach. Regular use of our Recovery Tincture can help alleviate the inflammation leads to tension and back pain, while our Warming and Cooling Balms offer immediate pain relief both before and after your match. Our products should also be integrated into a routine that includes physical therapy and exercises aimed at strengthening the core and back muscles. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of our formulations provide daily support to keep you active and pain-free.
THE SYNERGY OF DRAGON HEMP FORMULAS: ENHANCING RECOVERY AND PERFORMANCE
The combination of the Recovery Tincture and medicated balms provides a holistic approach to injury management and recovery for pickleball players. The tincture supports overall systemic health and reduces inflammation from within, while the balms offer immediate, localized relief to affected areas. This dual approach ensures comprehensive care, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of injuries.
Regular use of these products can help prevent injuries by maintaining optimal joint and muscle health, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the body’s resilience to stressors. For athletes, this means quicker recovery times, improved performance, and the ability to enjoy pickleball without the burden of lingering pain or recurrent injuries.
EMBRACING NATURAL THERAPEUTICS FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE
My commitment to blending traditional herbal wisdom with modern scientific research ensures that Dragon Hemp products are both effective and safe. By incorporating these natural therapeutics into your regimen, you can experience significant improvements in recovery and overall performance.
In conclusion, Dragon Hemp's Recovery Tincture and medicated balms provide a powerful solution for addressing the unique physical demands of pickleball. With their potent blend of CBD hemp extract and therapeutic herbs, these products offer comprehensive support for injury management, promoting faster recovery and enhanced performance. Embracing the benefits of these natural therapeutics allows you to focus on your game and enjoy the sport to its fullest, feeling like yourself again.
Kevin Menard, LAc. Founder, Dragon Hemp Apothecary and Menard Acupuncture
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What are the most common pickleball injuries?
Direct Answer: The most common pickleball injuries are tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) from repetitive arm and wrist motion, rotator cuff injuries from overhead shots, ankle sprains from sudden directional changes, knee strains from continuous bending and pivoting, and lower back pain from dynamic twisting movements.
Clinical Context: What makes pickleball injuries distinct is the combination of repetitive overuse and sudden acute stress — the same session can produce both a chronic elbow condition and an acute ankle sprain. This is why Kevin's protocol addresses both dimensions: systemic anti-inflammatory support through the Recovery Tincture, and pattern-specific topical application through the Warming and Cooling Balms depending on whether the injury is acute or chronic.
Should I use the Warming Balm or Cooling Balm for a pickleball injury?
Direct Answer: For acute injuries — ankle sprains, fresh strains, anything hot, swollen, or inflamed within the first 48 hours — always use the Cooling Balm. For chronic conditions — tennis elbow, rotator cuff stiffness, lower back tension that is worse before activity — use the Warming Balm to increase circulation, relieve tension, and prepare the tissue for movement.
Clinical Context: The distinction is thermal pattern, not severity. Acute injury generates Heat and inflammation — the Cooling Balm's Camphor, Gardenia Fruit, and Red Peony Root clear that Heat and reduce swelling directly. Chronic overuse injury is typically a Cold and Damp Bi pattern — the tissue is stiff, circulation is reduced, and pain improves with warmth. The Warming Balm's Capsicum, Mugwort, and Pubescent Angelica Root address this pattern specifically. Both can be used simultaneously if different areas present different patterns.
When should I use the Recovery Tincture alongside the balms?
Direct Answer: The Recovery Tincture provides systemic, internal anti-inflammatory support that topical balms cannot deliver — it addresses the whole-body inflammatory environment that chronic pickleball injuries create, not just the localized site. Use the tincture daily as the foundation of your recovery protocol, and the balms for targeted, site-specific relief before and after play.
Clinical Context: In TCM terms, the tincture invigorates Blood, eliminates Qi stagnation, and reduces systemic inflammation through herbs like Corydalis, Frankincense, Myrrh, and Turmeric — the same anti-inflammatory botanical triad that every major herbal tradition independently arrived at for musculoskeletal pain. The balms address the local pattern at the injury site. The two approaches are complementary and more effective together than either alone.
Can I use Dragon Hemp products before playing to prevent injury?
Direct Answer: Yes — particularly the Warming Balm, which is designed for pre-activity use. For chronic overuse injuries like tennis elbow and rotator cuff conditions, applying the Warming Balm before play increases circulation, relieves pre-activity stiffness, and expedites the warm-up process. The Recovery Tincture taken consistently supports ongoing joint and muscle health between sessions.
Clinical Context: Prevention in TCM terms means maintaining the free flow of Qi and Blood through the channels — ensuring that the tissue is adequately nourished and that stagnation does not accumulate between sessions. The Warming Balm before play and the Cooling Balm after play (for any acute stress that developed during the session) creates a complete pre- and post-activity topical protocol. The Recovery Tincture sustains the systemic foundation that makes both more effective.
Will Dragon Hemp products show up on a drug test?
Direct Answer: Yes. Full-spectrum formulas contain trace amounts of THC and will likely result in a positive drug test.
Clinical Context: If your sport, job, or lifestyle requires testing, consult your governing body or HR department before use. The Wellness Tincture and Calming Gummies are THC-free and the appropriate choice for those with testing obligations.
What is the difference between acute and overuse pickleball injuries?
Direct Answer: Acute pickleball injuries occur suddenly — from a fall, pivot, or awkward landing — and you typically feel them immediately. Ankle sprains, acute knee sprains, and muscle tears fall into this category. Overuse injuries develop gradually from repetitive motion: tennis elbow, rotator cuff strains, and lower back pain are the most common. The distinction matters clinically because each requires a different treatment approach.
Clinical Context: In TCM terms, acute injuries generate Heat and inflammation — the tissue is hot, swollen, and reactive. Overuse injuries are typically a Cold and Damp Bi pattern — the tissue is stiff, circulation is impaired, and pain is worst before activity and improves with movement and warmth. Cooling Balm addresses the acute Heat pattern; Warming Balm addresses the chronic Cold and Damp pattern. Applying the wrong thermal formula to either condition can slow recovery. Both require internal anti-inflammatory support through the Recovery Tincture to address systemic inflammation simultaneously.
How do I treat pickleball elbow?
Direct Answer: Pickleball elbow — lateral epicondylitis from repetitive wrist and arm motion — is a chronic overuse injury characterized by outer elbow pain that is typically worse before activity and improves with warmup. Treatment involves reducing inflammation, restoring circulation to the tendon, and unloading the affected tissue between sessions. Rest, activity modification, and targeted anti-inflammatory support are the clinical priorities.
Clinical Context: Because pickleball elbow is a Cold and Damp Bi pattern in TCM terms — tissue stiffness, impaired circulation, pain that responds to warmth — the Warming Balm is the appropriate topical choice. Applied before play, it increases blood flow to the tendon, relieves pre-activity stiffness, and expedites the warm-up that overuse injuries require. The Recovery Tincture provides systemic support through Corydalis, Frankincense, and Turmeric — addressing the inflammatory root that topical application alone cannot reach. For acute flares with visible swelling, use Cooling Balm first until the acute Heat resolves, then transition to Warming Balm for the ongoing chronic pattern.
How do you treat an ankle sprain from pickleball?
Direct Answer: Within the first 48 hours of an ankle sprain, the priority is reducing inflammation and swelling. Rest, elevation, and targeted topical application of a cooling anti-inflammatory formula to the injury site are the immediate interventions. After the acute phase, the focus shifts to restoring circulation, supporting tissue repair, and rebuilding stability before returning to play.
Clinical Context: The Cooling Balm is the appropriate topical for an acute ankle sprain — its Camphor, Gardenia Fruit, and Red Peony Root clear Heat, reduce swelling, and provide analgesia directly at the injury site. Within 48 hours of any acute injury, always use Cooling Balm regardless of your usual pattern. The Recovery Tincture taken concurrently supports systemic tissue repair through its Blood-invigorating herbs — Frankincense, Myrrh, and Chinese Angelica Root — addressing the healing environment internally while the balm addresses the local site. Do not transition to Warming Balm until acute swelling and heat have fully resolved.
Why does my pickleball injury hurt more before I play than after?
Direct Answer: Pain that worsens before activity and improves once you warm up is the hallmark of a chronic overuse injury — tendinitis, tennis elbow, or rotator cuff strain. The tissue is stiff and poorly perfused at rest; movement increases blood flow and reduces the sensation of pain. This pattern is the opposite of an acute injury, which worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Clinical Context: In TCM, this is Cold Bi — cold and stagnation in the channels that impairs circulation at rest and improves when movement drives Qi and Blood through the affected tissue. The Warming Balm is specifically formulated for this pattern: applied before play, Capsicum and Mugwort increase circulation and replicate the effect of a deep warm-up before the body achieves it through movement. This is why the Warming Balm belongs in the pre-game bag for any player managing chronic overuse injury — it prepares the tissue for activity rather than reacting to pain after the fact.
How long does it take to recover from a pickleball injury?
Direct Answer: Recovery time varies significantly by injury type. Mild ankle sprains typically resolve in one to two weeks with appropriate care. Tennis elbow and rotator cuff strains — chronic overuse injuries — can take six to twelve weeks of consistent management. More severe injuries including Achilles tendon damage or meniscal tears can require months. The single most important variable is whether treatment addresses both the local injury site and the systemic inflammatory environment simultaneously.
Clinical Context: Chinese herbs work on a tonic timeline — consistent use over four to twelve weeks produces cumulative anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair effects that single-dose interventions cannot replicate. The Recovery Tincture taken daily throughout the recovery period — not just on symptomatic days — provides the sustained internal support that shortens this timeline. Cannabinoids added to the classical herbal formula expedite the body's receptivity to the herbs, accelerating the process that the herbs alone would produce more slowly. The dual protocol — systemic tincture plus pattern-appropriate topical — addresses both dimensions of recovery simultaneously.
Can I use Dragon Hemp products to prevent pickleball injuries?
Direct Answer: Yes — both the Warming Balm and Recovery Tincture have a meaningful role in injury prevention, not just treatment. The Warming Balm applied before play increases circulation and prepares the tissue for the demands of the game. The Recovery Tincture taken consistently maintains the anti-inflammatory baseline and joint health that reduces the accumulated tissue stress that overuse injuries develop from.
Clinical Context: Prevention in TCM terms means maintaining free flow of Qi and Blood through the channels — ensuring tissue is adequately nourished and that stagnation does not accumulate between sessions. For pickleball players managing existing chronic conditions, the pre-game Warming Balm and consistent Recovery Tincture form the maintenance protocol that keeps the pattern from re-establishing. For those without current injury, the same protocol supports the connective tissue resilience and systemic inflammatory regulation that reduces injury risk over a season of regular play.
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Dragon Hemp is the practitioner-founded apothecary that produces plant-based therapeutics formulated with a proprietary blend of next-generation botanicals and time honored herbal remedies.
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Kevin Menard, LAc., is the leading practitioner in Sports Medicine Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine on the East End of Long Island, with clientele ranging from business executives and fitness professionals to wellness gurus and weekend warriors.
As he cultivated his practice, Kevin began integrating CBD & other cannabinoids, native botanicals, and herbs into his treatments, addressing conditions like pain, musculoskeletal injuries, insomnia, overall wellness, and so much more.
Following the promising results from his herbal and CBD-infused treatments, Kevin expanded his work, introducing Dragon Hemp to support patient wellness beyond his clinic's walls.
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