From an interview with
Dr. Thomas DiStefano
McLeod Orthopaedics Cheraw

Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball, much like a Whiffle ball, over a net. It’s also one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S.  The popularity among older citizens means that orthopedic-related injuries are also some of the fastest growing.

“I saw five patients yesterday that had either sports-related injuries that are new or flare ups of old sports injuries,” says McLeod Orthopedic Specialist Dr. Thomas DiStefano. “I saw a young lady that was in her seventies, who injured her shoulder playing pickleball. Her most important concern was when she was going to be able to get back to playing and was worried about losing her spot on the team. We immediately started non-invasive treatment. No matter what age you are, it is important to be able to undertake the activities that give you the quality of life that you enjoy.”

Pickleball is fun because you can play at any age. It isn’t new, but its recent growing popularity is a result of older people wanting to stay active in their golden years.

“I recently saw a patient from Bennettsville that was a former member of the state football team over 20 years ago. He now works in a physically demanding job and is having shoulder issues related to his previous sports injuries. We started treatment for him to continue to work, play Pickleball and enjoy his other outdoor activities,” said Dr. DiStefano.

For another story about a Pickleball player being successfully treated at McLeod Orthopaedics, see page 4, of McLeod Magazine, Summer 2021 Edition.

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