Padel, the sport that transforms physical and mental health, according to Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Michael Dakkak
3 minutes read
- The specialist highlights padel’s many benefits for physical, mental and emotional health, and recommends it as a safe, adaptable option for people of all ages.
Monday 18 August 2025, Cleveland. Padel continues to gain popularity around the world, not only for its social side or accessibility, but for the wide-ranging benefits it offers for physical and mental health. From a medical perspective, Dr. Michael Dakkak, a Sports and Exercise Medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic, explains why this sport can be a powerful tool for improving the overall wellbeing of people of all ages.
“Padel is considered a moderate- to high-intensity physical activity, depending on the level of play. It is an intermittent effort that combines intense movements and short bursts with less demanding moments, which makes it an excellent cardiovascular exercise,” says Dr. Dakkak.
The sport involves several body systems: it strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves lung function, works the muscles of the limbs and core, and acts directly on the joints through repetitive movements and changes of direction. It also activates the nervous system, improving coordination, balance and reflexes.
The main physical benefits of padel include increased aerobic capacity, improved cardiovascular health, greater muscle strength and endurance, and better joint flexibility. It also improves mobility, balance and agility. Thanks to the impact forces it generates, it can help improve bone density.
On a mental and emotional level, padel helps significantly to reduce stress, improve mood through the release of endorphins and strengthen social relationships, since it is usually played in pairs. In addition, the strategic side of the game stimulates decision-making, concentration and mental agility. Emotionally, it can do a great deal for self-esteem and provides a real sense of achievement.
Although it is a very well-rounded activity, the specialist recommends combining it with other disciplines for more complete physical development. Activities such as yoga, Pilates or strength training can help work muscles that are less involved in padel and prevent injuries. Dr. Dakkak notes that the most common injuries among players include muscle strains, sprains (ankle or wrist), the well-known “tennis elbow”, lower back pain and knee injuries. Most of these are related to repetitive movements and sudden changes of direction.
Padel can be an excellent option for people who have led a sedentary lifestyle, as long as they start gradually and with medical approval. A general medical check-up is recommended, especially a cardiovascular and orthopaedic assessment if there is any pre-existing condition. For those who have not exercised in years, the advice is to start with short, low-intensity sessions, with a warm-up, stretching and controlled progression. It is also suggested to include core training and recovery techniques to avoid overload. Signs of overexertion to watch out for include persistent pain, extreme fatigue, dizziness or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms appear, reducing the intensity and consulting a doctor is recommended.
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical centre that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based on the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, more than 276 outpatient facilities and locations in southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient visits, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at x.com/ClevelandClinic and x.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.