BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
Article
By Patrick Pallitto, M.D.
Tennis and pickleball are two of the most popular ways to stay active in the Lowcountry — and two of the most common activities patients ask about before hip or knee replacement. Here's a realistic look at getting back on the court.
Timeline
Like golf, a return to tennis or pickleball generally falls between 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery. Pickleball's shorter court and lower-impact movement pattern often makes it an easier reintroduction than tennis for many patients, though your own timeline depends on your strength, balance, and how your recovery is progressing.
Getting Started
Tennis and pickleball both demand quick lateral movement, pivoting, and sudden stops — all forces your physical therapy program will help you rebuild toward:
Technique
Pivoting and lateral cutting put rotational and side-to-side stress through the hip and knee that straight-ahead activities like walking don't. There are no specific movement restrictions once you've been cleared to return to play — physical therapy in the weeks beforehand focuses on rebuilding the strength and balance those movements require.
Good to Know
Many patients find pickleball's smaller court and lower-impact movement pattern more comfortable when returning to play.
Yes — doubles gives you less court to cover, which is an easier way to rebuild your lateral movement and confidence before taking on the full court alone in singles.