Punching Through Parkinson’s: Lauren Ayers, PTA on Rock Steady Therapy

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode packs a punch—literally. We’re diving into a powerful and inspiring approach to treating Parkinson’s disease: Rock Steady Boxing. This isn’t your typical therapy session. It’s high-energy, movement-focused, and built around the idea that fighting back against Parkinson’s starts with grit, community, and a whole lot of sweat. Joining us is Lauren Ayers, PTA, a passionate and experienced physical therapist assistant who leads Rock Steady classes and works closely with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Lauren brings a unique perspective to the table—not just about the exercises themselves, but about what it means to work with this incredible patient population day in and day out. In this conversation, we’ll break down what Rock Steady Boxing is, how it’s tailored to people with Parkinson’s, and why it’s so effective in improving mobility, balance, coordination, and even confidence. Lauren will also share what it’s like to build trust and connection with this community, how the program complements traditional rehab, and the emotional impact of watching people fight for—and regain—their independence. Whether you’re a clinician, a caregiver, or someone simply curious about innovative approaches in neuro rehab, this episode will leave you feeling both informed and inspired.Please be sure to follow us on Instagram @medstarhealthpt and email: [email protected] with any questions or podcast ideas! Thank you for listening!