A Sport for All Ages Becomes a Craze Among Older Adults THE INCREDIBLE RISE OF PICKLEBALL
You’ve probably heard of pickleball, especially given its rising popularity in the United States and Canada, but you may be wondering what the big deal is about this relatively new fad. Pickleball is an awesome, low-impact sport that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s great exercise and great fun, and it’s the perfect game for family get-togethers. Pickleball originated on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. It was the creation of three fathers — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — who needed to come up with something to keep the little ones entertained and out of their hair. Soon, however, it became popular among the adults, and they ended up spending more time on the court than their children. “Frankly,” McCallum says, “the kids got pushed out.” Since its early days, pickleball has transformed from an ad-hoc game to a full-fledged sport, complete with official rules, equipment, and leagues. Despite the more formal structure in place today, pickleball is incredibly easy to pick up and play. Investing in some paddles and balls won’t cost more than $100, and you can easily convert a tennis or badminton court for pickleball. One of the appeals of pickleball for older adults is that it is not excessively strenuous. It also doesn’t have the steep learning curve and high barrier to entry that sports like tennis or golf do. Due to the nature of a pickleball, Success Stories Those of us who have had the benefit of living fairly healthy and injury-free lives struggle to understand the frustration associated with chronic pain. Even if you suffered a couple of sprained ankles or broken fingers playing pick-up softball with your buddies as a kid or teenager, those injuries would typically heal within a few weeks, and you’d be able to get right back on the field, barely missing a beat. But there are many people out there who live with pain that affects their ability to complete the most basic of tasks like dressing themselves, talking the dog for a walk, or picking up their grandkids. That’s why Vital Care Physical Therapy exists: to help patients get their lives back! Here’s what Jeanne B. had to say about her experience working with our team. “I am beyond thrilled after working with Vital Care to get my core strengthened. Prior to the awesome care provided by Andrea and Abby, every day was a challenge. The pain I was in was quite limiting, and I struggled with bending in certain positions, standing, and even sitting. But now, with the awesome help and information I received, I have learned how to take care of my body, and my
which contains strategically placed holes similar to those of a whiffle ball, the game is much more about finesse than pure power or athleticism. While you can definitely hone your skills with practice, you’ll start having fun from day one. In addition to being a fun form of exercise, pickleball also offers older adults the chance to socialize with their peers. Leagues often lead to long-term friendships. Courts are small, and each game consists of only four players, making it easy to engage in some casual conversation or playful, competitive banter between points. If you’ve never picked up a paddle, consider joining a league or buying a set for your next family outing. You can introduce your grankids to a fun new sport — and then school them for the bulk of an afternoon.
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST
life is much more doable. Thanks for everything! “P.S. No drugs, injections, or surgeries for me!”
– Jeanne B.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain that leaves you unable to live your life the way you want to, don’t hesitate to come in and meet with one of our physical therapists. We don’t want you to spend another minute in pain. Give us a call at (623) 544-0300 to find out how we can help you today!
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