Ping Pong and Parkinson's - Finding Peace in Play!

The article I dove into was about a lovely lady named Margie Alley. Margie is currently 58 years old and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s approximately 10 years ago. From the article’s perspective, Margie was a very active woman and took a lot of pride in playing Tennis recreationally. 

I found it interesting that the first sign of her Parkinson’s diagnosis was through her experiencing chronic joint pain. Later on, she then developed a tremor which led her doctors to refer her to further testing and specialists. In our most recent class, we learned that tremors are one of the hallmark signs of Parkinson's. Following her diagnosis, she tried to continue playing tennis as she did previously; however, the safety concern was starting to affect her from playing. 

Margie notes hearing noises coming from the stories above her at the place she received Physical Therapy treatment 2x a week. Margie found out that the noise was a Parkinson’s table tennis group! As I read this part, I thought this was incredible and so inclusive! Margie was now an avid table tennis player and found solitude in this activity. I chose this article because of that reason exactly. The way Margie is able to adapt her life hobbies into something that supports her diagnosis is one of the biggest variables we have to think about when we are getting to know our future clients. We have to teach them how to adapt and conquer in a manner that supports them physically and mentally. This simple game of ping pong allowed her to continue to be active while remaining safe in her diagnosis. It allowed her to be more than her Parkinson’s and decompress – which is what it is all about!

I think that this is so important to acknowledge these interests in our clients as future Occupational Therapists. Play and Leisure is essential to everyone- no matter the age or circumstances. I found this article very moving and will always vow to try to provide my future clients with opportunities to not only peak their interests, but to make them feel more than their diagnosis. Concluding my reading of this article, I started to think of those who maybe cannot find a group like Margie, and then I remembered that we live in such an advanced world... a virtual world! If you click here, you will discover a website that allows virtual table tennis games on any device! Give it a try or forward it to someone who might also enjoy it! Click here to read the article about Margie Alley! 

 Lastly- Forrest Gump would approve this message! 👍

Bolster, M. (2021, July). Margie Alley Plays Ping-Pong to Cope with Parkinson’s Disease. Brain&Life. Retrieved July 19, 2022, from https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/playing-ping-pong-to-cope-with-parkinsons-disease/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=21%20Brain%20&%20Life&utm_content=Parkinson%27s%20Spotlight%206