Community Healthcare System is resuming Physical Therapy and Rock Steady Boxing at the Valparaiso Family YMCA, with services provided by the St. Mary Medical Center Physical Therapy department.
“With Northwest Indiana emerging from the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is gratifying to see the resumption of physical activity by so many members of the YMCA,” said John Doherty, vice president of Therapy Services, Sports Medicine, & Occupational Health for Community Healthcare System. “Exercise truly is preventive medicine. We look forward to serving the needs of the Y’s members and the Valparaiso community at large.”
Also making a comeback at the Valparaiso YMCA is Rock Steady Boxing, an innovative therapy helping people fight back against Parkinson’s disease. The program is designed to meet unique exercise needs by stepping up its defense against this disease through a non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness training.
"Rock Steady Boxing uses a force-driven exercise routine to challenge balance, fine motor, strength and function for those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease,” said Brian Hoener, manager of Outpatient Physical Therapy Services for St. Mary Medical Center. “Exercises are applied in a circuit-style training regimen. Not only will you fight Parkinson’s, but also you will gain a community of support in your corner. "
Rock Steady Boxing therapists combine friendly encouragement with a touch of competitive intensity, guiding boxers through a variety of drills and exercises to improve strength, balance and flexibility. Rock Steady Boxing challenges the participant’s abilities, teaches the participant about safety and falling in a safer manner, and improves the quality of life for people battling Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder that can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function. The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates there are more than 1 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year.
If you or someone you know could benefit from such a program, contact the St. Mary Medical Center Physical Therapy team at the Valpo Y, 219-947-6580. You can also contact St. Mary Medical Center’s Health and Wellness coordinator Christy Cleveland, BSN, RN, at 219-218-2399 or Christine.J.Cleveland@comhs.org.
Visit COMHS.org for more information about physical therapy services offered by the hospitals of Community Healthcare System.