“Honestly, I climb like a monkey… It just makes me feel stronger, and I’m fighting it.”
Defying Gravity: How Rock Climbing is Transforming Lives with Parkinson’s
Rock climbing Parkinson’s therapy is redefining what it means to live with a neurodegenerative disease. In Maryland, USA, people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are scaling walls and cliffs, discovering new strength, balance, and mental focus through climbing. This inspiring therapeutic approach was recently featured on CBS News and is changing lives one climb at a time.
Traditionally, Parkinson’s therapy focuses on medication and gentle physiotherapy. However, climbing engages almost every muscle group, improves coordination, and enhances cognitive planning skills. According to the UpENDing Parkinson’s climbing group, participants notice significant improvements in gait, confidence, and mood.
One climber, Jon Lessin, who was diagnosed in 2003, shared with CBS, “I get to the top and I feel like I’ve conquered something. I can beat the wall.” His daughter Brittany explained that while he has lost many abilities due to the disease, climbing has given him a sense of victory.
“Honestly, I climb like a monkey… It just makes me feel stronger, and I’m fighting it,” said Vivek Puri, a fellow climber known as “Spider-Man” among the group.
Marymount University’s Center for Optimal Aging is currently studying how climbing impacts walking ability and multitasking among Parkinson’s patients. Although rock climbing does not cure the disease, it fosters resilience, purpose, and powerful community connections.
Rock climbing Parkinson’s therapy proves that even when faced with a progressive illness, the human spirit is capable of finding strength, purpose, and community in the most unexpected places. Let this story remind you: courage can scale any mountain.
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