Pickleball: A Higher Purpose
by Neil Garvey, Publisher, Creations Magazine
For the fourth consecutive year, Pickleball continues to be the fastest-growing sport in the United States! According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report for 2025, 19.8 million people played pickleball in the US in 2024— up nearly 46% over the previous year. Males presently outnumber females, 59% / 41% — but from what I’m seeing, that gap is rapidly closing.
A huge reason for pickleball’s immense popularity is its accessibility to all age groups. A third smaller than a tennis court, pickleball, often played as doubles, requires less athleticism. However quick hand-eye skills, along with the strategy of positioning and ball placement play big.
I first stepped on a pickleball court last year; This past summer, I made the commitment to consistently play twice a week. One morning, without any warning, I woke up with a physical pain that I had not experienced in all my 66+ years: a pinched nerve in my neck.
No big deal, right … until I tried to take my shirt off. As soon as I raised my right arm, an electric shock shot down my neck to my left shoulder blade. A pain so swift and intense, it literally took my breath away. Didn’t make pickleball that day.
So, I figured I’d give it a combo of rest, PT, chiro, acupuncture, massage, homeopathy, and essential oils and be ready to get back on the court. A few days later, my neck was still on fire — and I couldn’t lift my right arm without creating crazy pain. Play pickleball? I couldn’t even get dressed without my wife’s help. I was in no shape to even make the 45 minute drive. Of course, I went anyway.
Still in great discomfort when I got there, it looked like I’d be relegated to cheerleading. But then a funny thing happened when I stepped on the court … after a brief warmup, I went right into a game. For the next two+ hours that I played, my neck and back never even occurred to me. However, when I got back in the car to head home, all the discomfort returned. This went on for over 5 weeks.
This got me wondering: Where did all that pain and physical restriction go?
I wasn’t able to dress myself, yet while immersed in a game, I could move freely, pain-free.
Thus, my theory: Pickleball is not just a game — it’s therapy!
In the simplest terms, it’s fun. Mentally, these games get me out of my head. I guess it’s akin to what’s referred to in sports as being “in the zone.” Most importantly, my pickle group of mostly 60-somethings laugh a lot. Science has long recognized that “laughter is the best medicine.” This makes for a joyful experience; energetically, joy is the highest vibration.
– Energetically speaking, maintaining a high vibrational state promotes the free-flow of unimpeded energy. Play reconnects you with joy. And joy is healing — notes Patricia Muehsam, MD (in this issue). Within a joyful, relaxed mindset, blockages of all types can more readily resolve, physically allowing for a full range of motion.
This free-flow of energy is Spiritually uplifting, elevating our life-force.
The external mirrors what’s going on inside us, and vice-versa.
Social connection. An article in our June/July 2025 Issue by Dr. Lori Whatley, illustrates The Importance of Happiness and Connection. Dr. Whatley details how relationships fuel wellbeing and are “a potent predictor of happiness.” Furthermore, “the act of nurturing and building these relationships can make us feel more fulfilled.” I did not foresee having dozens of new friends at this age; folks that I truly look forward to seeing each week.
Improved Circulation – Lots of low-impact movement. Moving the body for 2+ hours can be challenging, but oh so rewarding — building both physical strength and self-esteem.
Competitive Outlet – This one is especially important to me … perhaps, too important.
Coming from a competitive sports background, I require / crave the challenge and exhilaration of a well-played, highly-contested game. To borrow from the legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, if winning doesn’t matter, why do we keep score?
While on the surface, pickleball appears to be merely a nice pastime, it is on many levels so much more. It can nourish us mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Of course, this is available through any pursuit, activity or sport that makes “time stand still” for you. For me, the ultimate purpose of pickleball is the simple fun, sheer joy, and the evolving relationships. Anyway, that’s what I dink ☺
Neil Garvey is the publisher and Editor-in-chief of Creations Magazine, and lately, pickleball aficionado. www.creationsmag.com neil@creationsmagazine.com, 516 994-4545.
