Jewish Home Outpatient Rehabilitation now offering Rock Steady Boxing, an exercise program designed
to improve strength and quality of life for those with Parkinson’s disease
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Jewish Home Outpatient Rehabilitation has added a new rehabilitation program for its residents and the Rochester community — Rock Steady Boxing, a non-contact boxing program designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to help slow the progression of the disease while improving mobility, strength, and overall quality of life. The exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills that focus on conditioning for agility, speed, muscular endurance, hand-eye coordination, and balance.
“The Rock Steady Boxing program is tailored to accommodate individuals at all stages of Parkinson’s disease, so we are able to create a program for each participant,” said Maria Fitzpatrick, director of Therapy Services, who has been providing rehabilitation services at Jewish Home for 25 years.
Three members of the Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) teams have become certified Rock Steady Boxing coaches. There are more than 4,000 people in the Rochester area living with Parkinson’s disease and more than 1 million nationally, according to the Rochester Parkinson Network.
The non-profit Rock Steady Boxing has more than 800 locations in communities worldwide. In testimonial videos participants say Rock Steady Boxing has changed the trajectory of Parkinson’s disease through exercise and inspired hope and confidence through a supportive community. Rock Steady Boxing organization states, “We are more than just an exercise program. We are a worldwide community fighting back together against Parkinson’s disease.”
Participation in Rock Steady Boxing at Jewish Home is open to individuals who have symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including those with atypical forms such as Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), and Lewy Body dementia. The 60-minute classes take place at Jewish Home Outpatient Rehabilitation, 2021 S. Winton Road S., Rochester.
For more information or to register call (585) 784-6530. Learn more at www.JewishHomeRoc.org/outpatient.
In addition to Rock Steady Boxing, Jewish Home Outpatient Rehabilitation offers several programs that help adults of all ages build strength and confidence to maintain or regain independence. Experienced therapists work as a team to provide multi-disciplinary rehabilitation, including speech and language; physical and occupational therapies; vestibular and post-concussion therapy; and DriveOn program therapy for safe driving.
About Jewish Home
For more than 100 years, Jewish Home has been helping older adults live their best lives. Guided by foundational principles, Jewish Home embraces the idea of home as a place where families gather, care for one another, and welcome all. Jewish Home offers all levels of care — from independent living to skilled nursing on their Rochester campus to a variety of services throughout the community. As the only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in
Rochester, Jewish Home is proud to be recognized for quality care and customer satisfaction— earning CARF International accreditation, as well as being certified a Great Place to Work® since 2020. Learn more at JewishHomeRoc.org or @jewishhomeroc on social media.
