Pickleball Injuries? Enhance Recovery & Performance with Cannabinoids & Chinese Herbs

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.

Pickleball requires quick lateral movements, rapid accelerations, and repetitive motions, often resulting in overuse injuries. The most common injuries among pickleball players include:

1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) : Caused by repetitive arm and wrist motions.
   
   

2. Rotator Cuff Injuries : Resulting from overhead shots.
   
   

3. Ankle Sprains : Due to sudden changes in direction.
   
   

4. Knee Strains : From continuous bending and pivoting.
   
   

5. 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.

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.
  
  

• Menthol (15%) : Creates a cooling sensation that distracts from pain and helps reduce muscle soreness.
  
  

• 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 menthol, 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.

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.
  
  

• Camphor : Creates a warming sensation that increases blood flow and soothes muscle and joint pain.
  
  

• 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 camphor and 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.

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 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.

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

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.

For people seeking treatments that give relief & address the root cause.

Our herbal remedies are innovative and user-friendly, with wellness benefits that are effective & accessible to everyone.

So you can feel like yourself again.

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.

Our Apothecary in Sag Harbor, New York was conceived as a beacon of rejuvenation and wellness in the Hamptons. Much more than a dispensary, at the core of the Dragon Hemp Apothecary is a commitment to education and understanding the benefits of time-honored herbal remedies synthesized with today’s advancements in cannabinoid research. 

Offering an array of products designed to align with the wellness needs of the Hamptons community, the store seeks to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern applications, making herbal medicine more compatible with our lifestyles today. Our unique apothecary in Sag Harbor not only represents a physical space but also embodies Dragon Hemp's ethos of premium, all-natural, effective wellness solutions, drawing from the rich heritage of the Hamptons and the innovative spirit of New York.

Not your conventional dispensary, our first-of-its-kind retail location, harmoniously balances tradition and innovation with an emphasis on experience and education. We invite you to step inside and let our herbal experts guide you on an exploration of the rejuvenating power of cannabinoids and traditional herbs in a setting that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Designed in collaboration with renowned Alfredo Paredes Studio, the apothecary embodies a sophisticated fusion of old-world tradition and contemporary application. Known for his 33-year tenure as Ralph Lauren Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Alfredo Paredes, a master of crafting memorable retail experiences, helped transform the space into a shining gem of Sag Harbor. Reflecting the premium, natural, and therapeutic essence of Dragon Hemp, every aspect of the store, including the unique furniture pieces from Paredes' line, contributes to an ambiance of refined tranquility and wellness. The design echoes a classic herbal pharmacy blended with a modern aesthetic, mirroring our brand ethos of contemporizing ancient herbal medicine for today’s applications. Read more about our Apothecary design in Forbes.

Standing out on Main Street in Sag Harbor with the glow of our distinctive neon sign, our unique retail store has become a design destination of its own -- beyond just wellness -- in one of the Hamptons’ most popular villages. Whether you’re looking for potent natural therapeutics to tackle pain & inflammation or legal THC products to enhance mood or improve sleep, our apothecary is your safe haven at 108 Main Street.

Our products are formulated to serve the four crucial daily needs most often seen in Kevin’s practice—Essential Wellbeing for comprehensive health, Rest & Restoration to foster rejuvenation, Aches & Pains for relief from discomfort, and Liniments for body care that enhances both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Available in four versatile forms—swift-absorbing tinctures, targeted balms, discreet gummies, and moisturizers—we ensure a suitable choice for every lifestyle and wellness routine.

We carefully select our organically grown ingredients, emphasizing sustainability to protect Earth's biodiversity. 

We believe in transparency in all our processes, from ingredient selection to the methods used by our CBD farmers, who lead the sustainable agriculture charge and concentrate on ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration.

We're not just about products but about nurturing an understanding of traditional herbal practices and helping people make healthy decisions. 

With respect, we introduce newcomers to the benefits of age old herbal wisdom. 

Our aim is a future where well-being stems from nature, combining timeless knowledge with today's research.

Discover the distinctive characteristics of each herb in our Ingredient Index.