Parkinson’s Relief a ‘Swing’ Away?!

By Jack Taylor Posted December 15, 2021

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you know just how difficult (and emotional) it can be. 

Tremors, difficulty standing, and involuntary movements are just a few of the debilitating symptoms of this disease…. 

And with no cure for Parkinson’s out there, this means the countless Americans facing this disease head-on each day are just looking for some RELIEF! 

Well, I’m here to share some good news in the fight against Parkinson’s. 

Welcome news that doesn’t keep you cooped up inside your house… doesn’t strip you of your activity level… and provides you with some REAL relief from Parkinson’s!  

Best of all… it’s fun! 

According to a new study recently presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 73rd Annual Meeting, playing golf is better for the balance and mobility of Parkinson’s disease sufferers than doing tai chi – which is considered by many the most beneficial activity for folks with Parkinson’s. 

Research has long suggested that getting physical activity is beneficial for folks with Parkinson’s. But researchers now believe that golf could be the ‘gold standard’ of Parkinson’s-related exercise.  

In fact, this latest study found that people who practiced their golf swing at a driving range were quicker and more mobile over the long haul that folks who just did tai chi.  

That’s because golf helps improve balance, mobility, and spine rotation… all of which are affected by Parkinson’s. 

But unlike other forms of exercise that are beneficial for Parkinson’s (like tai chi), golfing also requires slow and fast movements that can be beneficial for anyone with Parkinson’s. 

Researchers also like golf because people over the age of 55 tend to not only love it… they’re more apt to play regularly! 

Golf is the most popular sport and activity for folks over the age of 55. And, according to the neurologists leading the research into golf and Parkinson’s, folks are more likely to stick with golf than other forms of exercise!  

If you are already an avid golfer (regardless of skill level), stick with it! 

And even though the calendar may say December, you can still take advantage of the sport’s benefits by heading to your local driving range – even during the winter months.  

Hitting a bucket of balls is a great way to stay active and mobile. And best of all, you DON’T have to worry about keeping score. 

If you need help finding a driving range in your area, check out this handy search tool that will show you all the nearby places where you can hit balls.