Rock Climbing for Parkinson's
It started with something small. Vivek Puri, a successful businessman in Northern Virginia, noticed his arm wasn’t swinging naturally when he walked. Instead, it curled up against his chest, his wrist hovering awkwardly near his belt buckle. It looked strange, but it didn’t hurt. So he adjusted his posture and got on with his day. He was 38 years old. Soon after, his fingers began to stiffen. Typing became frustrating—his hands didn’t respond the way they used to. The problem got worse. A neurologist told him it was likely neuropathy, a nerve disorder. Physical therapy was prescribed, but after months of trying, nothing changed. Then came the moment he’ll never forget. “I remember saying, ‘By the way, I’ve noticed that when I walk, my right hamstring cramps up.’ The color just drained from his face.” His doctor’s expression said it all. Something was seriously wrong. Within 24 hours, Puri had an urgent appointment at Georgetown University’s Movement Disorders Clinic—and, just like t...