Bill Reif Pickleball Injury Guide: Physical therapist Bill Reif has written a new book called Treat Your Own Pickleball Injuries. The book quickly became a bestseller on Amazon, reaching No. 1 in New Releases just three days after its launch. Reif uses his 47 years of experience to guide players on staying injury-free.
Pickleball has exploded in popularity, with over 19.8 million people playing the sport in 2024. But with that growth came more injuries. In fact, pickleball-related injuries cost $377 million in health care last year. Most injuries happen from falls, overuse, or sudden movements.
Experience Behind the Pages
Bill Reif has a long history in physical therapy. He earned his master’s degree from Emory University and once ran 23 clinics in Georgia with business partners. Now retired, he continues helping others through his Facebook group “Senior Pickleball Tips,” which has 100,000 members.
Reif still plays regularly at a club with over 1,200 members. Many players talk to him about their aches and pains. “The friendly nature of the pickleball population enables many to share their injury history as soon as they learn that I’m a physical therapist,” said Bill Reif.
“Usually, they report a new irritation or pain but choose to play on and hope it would resolve on its own,” he added.
He gives simple advice and exercise illustrations. But when a player’s injury seems serious, he tells them to see a doctor before playing again.
Common Injuries and Risk Groups
Reif shared that older adults are most at risk. “Around 60 percent of pickleball injuries are sprains, strains and fractures. Twenty percent are contusions, abrasions, or internal injuries, and fewer than 10 percent are lacerations or dislocations.”
While women are more likely to get carpal tunnel syndrome, the injury types and numbers are mostly the same for both men and women.
Tips to Stay Safe
Reif provides important tips for avoiding injuries:
Warm up for 5–10 minutes with walking or jogging. Add arm and leg stretches, and hit light shots before playing.
Wear eye protection.
Never backpedal; turn and run instead.
Let your partner take shots directly behind you.
Don’t rely only on braces or sleeves; strengthen the muscles underneath.
Learn correct pickleball techniques, especially if switching from tennis.
Do both static and dynamic warm-ups before matches.
Reif reminds players, “Warm-up stretches help prevent straining muscles and helps your body achieve full range of motion.”
A Helpful Guide for the Pickleball Boom
With the rise of pickleball, injuries are also increasing. Reif’s book comes at the right time for millions of players who want to stay active and safe. His experience, advice, and simple exercises make this book a must-read for beginners and seasoned players alike.
News in Brief: Bill Reif Pickleball Injury Guide
Bill Reif’s new book, Treat Your Own Pickleball Injuries, became a No. 1 bestseller just days after release. As pickleball injuries rise nationwide, the book offers safety tips, warm-up routines, and expert advice to help players avoid injuries and keep enjoying the game.
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