As he prepared to embark on his retirement, Richard Horn planned to spend his time on pursuing passions that brought happiness to both himself and others. Performing with two musical groups, crafting furniture through wood-working and practicing a newly-found interest in magic, Richard looked forward to spending more time being hands-on in his hobbies. However, his retirement took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2010.
“Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease scared me because I was afraid that my plans to continue making music and art were not going to be possible,” says Richard. “My main symptom presented as tremors, which posed a problem because my hands are crucial in what I do.”
Richard began receiving treatment at The Dan Aaron Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Center at Penn Therapy & Fitness to manage the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. The Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Center provides patients, their families and care partners with specialized rehabilitation services. Highly-skilled certified physical, occupational and speech therapists provide specialized neurorehabilitation for stroke care, neurologic or neurodegenerative conditions.
Knowing that his disease would continue to progress, Richard wanted to improve and slow down the progress of the disease by maintaining his flexibility as long as possible. He initially began routine treatment in a physical therapy program, and then began to participate in the weekly Rock Steady Boxing program offered at Good Shepherd Penn Partners.
Rock Steady Boxing, the first program of its kind, is a non-contact boxing exercise program that promotes fitness and function in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Our Rock Steady-certified physical therapists lead one-on-one sessions and group classes that include training with boxing equipment such as speed/heavy bags, heavy/jump ropes, gloves and focus mitts. In addition to providing fitness, the program has been shown to improve confidence, quality of life and increased energy levels for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
Through learning how to make modifications and adaptive changes in his daily life, Richard continues to use his hands to play music, perform magic and enjoy retirement. He uses his passions to inspire others by traveling across the country to speak about how his pursuit of magic and music has helped him cope with Parkinson’s disease.
“A Parkinson’s disease diagnosis does not have to mean all of the things you love will be stolen from you.”
– Richard Horn
For more information on how Penn Therapy & Fitness can help you better manage your Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, call 877-969-7342 or request an appointment online.