By Randy L. Thurman
If you’ve also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, your neurologist has likely encouraged you to stay active. But let’s face it—the prospect of working out in the weight room might feel about as appealing as organizing your tax receipts. Enter pickleball: the sport with the funny name that’s making serious waves in the Parkinson’s community.
Why Pickleball? (Besides the Delightful Name)
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong on a smaller court with a lower net, making it accessible for people of various fitness levels. For those of us with Parkinson’s, this quirky hybrid sport offers specific benefits that directly target our symptoms:
Movement Variety That Keeps Your Brain Guessing
Parkinson’s may try to slow us down, but pickleball requires quick direction changes, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking. These varied movements create new neural pathways in the brain—essentially telling Parkinson’s, “Not today, thank you very much.”
Social Connection (Without the Awkward Small Talk)
Some people like making small talk. Not me. Few things bring people together like chasing that perforated plastic ball across a court. The natural camaraderie of pickleball provides social engagement without the pressure of maintaining conversation—perfect for people like me who would rather sandpaper a bear’s nose in a phone booth than make small talk.
Balance Training That Doesn’t Feel Like Work Because It’s Play
Balance challenges are built into the game naturally. It’s really strange in a way. I’ve stopped running because my left foot will find every rise in the road or sidewalk. The falls that result are painful. I don’t have that issue with pickleball. You’re so focused on returning that serve that you don’t even realize you’re strengthening the very systems that Parkinson’s tries to compromise. It’s like when you’re caught up in solving a puzzle—your mind is engaged while your body effortlessly performs complex movements. Your body is doing the therapy while your mind is having too much fun to notice. The Science Behind the Dinking
Research supports exercise as one of the most effective ways to manage Parkinson’s symptoms and potentially slow disease progression. While studies specific to pickleball are emerging, we know that activities combining physical exertion, cognitive engagement, and social interaction provide multiple benefits:
- Increased dopamine utilization and receptor sensitivity (addressing the neurotransmitter deficiency central to Parkinson’s)
- Reduced inflammation throughout the body and brain
- Enhanced neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt
- Improved mood and reduced stress levels
- Decreased anxiety and depression symptoms
Getting Started: Pickleball for Parkinson’s Community
If you’re ready to grab a paddle and join the pickleball revolution, here are some tips from fellow Parkinson’s warriors:
- Start during your “ON” time when medication is working well
- Find a pickleball court near you. To find one go to: pickleheads.com, pickleplay.com or check out the Greater OKC Pickleball Club: GOPC.club
- If you’re a beginner, look for classes or beginning time slots
- Take breaks when needed—pickleball etiquette allows for substitutions
- Consider adaptive equipment if grip strength is challenging
- Remember: it’s not about winning; (yes, I need to remember that) it’s about moving and having fun
A Final Word of Encouragement
Parkinson’s may have given us a difficult hand to play, but pickleball gives us a paddle to smack back at it. As one player with Parkinson’s shared: “When I’m on the court, my movements become more fluid and purposeful. The game gives me something to focus on besides my symptoms.”
So, the next time your neurologist asks about your exercise routine, you can proudly say, “I’m working on my dinking skills”—and enjoy the momentary confusion on their face before you explain that it’s a legitimate pickleball term. Who says managing Parkinson’s can’t come with a side of amusement? See you on the courts!