TIPS FOR PLAYERS WITH PARKINSON’ S DISEASE
Pickleball has become a new way for those with Parkinson’ s disease to infuse exercise with socialization.
According to the Parkinson’ s Foundation, research shows that at least 2.5 hours of consistent exercise per week can slow symptom progression and improve physical and emotional well-being.
The foundation has 10 tips for people with Parkinson’ s who want to try pickleball or are already playing:
1) GET CLEARANCE FROM YOUR NEUROLOGIST. Before starting pickleball or any new exercise, talk to your neurologist or Parkinson’ s doctor to make sure it’ s safe.
2) WORK WITH A PHYSICAL THERAPIST. Telling your physical therapist that you are playing pickleball, or plan to start, can help in customizing your therapy sessions to improve movement and mobility.
3) INCORPORATE OTHER EXERCISES TO UP YOUR PICKLEBALL GAME. Pickleball is a great way to evolve your exercise routine. Explore other exercises that address disease-specific balance, agility and movement needs between the days you are playing pickleball.
4) WARM UP BEFORE PLAYING PICKLEBALL. Develop a pickleball warm-up routine that works for you. This is a great opportunity for your physical therapist to weigh in.
5) DON’ T PLAY HURT. Rest when your body needs more recovery time. Parkinson’ s symptoms can change from day to day. Listen to your body and don’ t push yourself on days you need more rest.
6) PLAY DURING“ ON” TIMES, WHEN SYMPTOMS ARE MOST MANAGEABLE. Medications like Levodopa, commonly used for Parkinson’ s, help manage symptoms. As the disease progresses, the brain’ s response to medications may change, which can lead to symptom fluctuation. Take advantage of“ on” periods when medication is working well.
7) USE PICKLEBALL TO BUILD COMMUNITY AND BOND WITH A FAMILY MEMBER OR SPOUSE. Playing doubles can help reduce court coverage and build relationships. Joining a pickleball league could be a great opportunity to start a new pastime with your adult child or spouse.
8) ALWAYS STAY HYDRATED. On or off the court, being dehydrated can make some Parkinson’ s symptoms worse. On the court, not drinking enough liquids can bring muscle cramps and dizziness.
9) MODIFY THE GAME AS NEEDED. Adjust game lengths, build in more breaks or stick to playing doubles. Joining a specific league or playing with others who have Parkinson’ s is a great way to build in modifications.
10) EXPLORE“ PICKLEBALL FOR PARKINSON’ S” EVENTS. Join an upcoming Pickleball for Parkinson’ s event or start your own. For qualifying events, Selkirk Sport offers a sponsorship.
As the Parkinson’ s Foundation says, pickleball can be more than a game. For people who have the disease, it can be a powerful tool for movement and connection— essential elements of living well with Parkinson’ s.
– Matthew Schwartz
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