A pianist's journey with Parkinson's

At 53, Chen was diagnosed with Parkinson's. At 60, she's still thriving, and performing.

Before Parkinson's, there was the piano. For decades, Chen's days were shaped by music. As a classically trained pianist and retired teacher, playing wasn't just something she did—it was part of who she was.

So when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's at 53, her mind went straight to the question so many people ask after a diagnosis: What happens if I can no longer play?

At the time, she had no idea what the diagnosis would mean for her future, only that she wasn't ready to give up the things that mattered most. "I'm a fighter, and I wanted to see what I could do," she recalls in her feature with The Telegraph.

"I want to keep doing everything I love for as long as I can. So, I take my health seriously. I treat it like a practice."

What followed her diagnosis wasn't a withdrawal from life, but a deliberate and thoughtful rebuilding of it.

Chen began researching everything she could. She leaned into her existing medical treatment, worked closely with her healthcare team, and began layering in additional approaches to support her daily wellbeing, exercise, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and light therapy.

Light therapy as part of the picture

In the feature published by The Telegraph, Chen shared how she incorporated the SYMBYX PDCare into her weekly routine from 2020. She was drawn to it after researching complementary therapies that could sit alongside her existing treatment — tools she could use independently, at home, that didn't interfere with the medical care she was already receiving.

"I bought the device back in 2020, and I've been zapping my gut with it three times a week ever since. I wasn't part of a trial, but I'm convinced it has helped slow the progression of my symptoms. It's just one of the many things I do to battle the disease."

That consistency is something we hear often from people in the Parkinson's community who use the PDCare. It becomes woven into the fabric of the day — a form of active, intentional self-management that complements rather than replaces the care of their medical team.

Please note that this testimonial reflects the individual experience of the user. Individual results may vary.*

Life shouldn't stop at a diagnosis

Seven years on, Chen still plays piano every day at 4pm, sings, drives, exercises, and hosts recitals at home. Her playing is back to a standard she's proud of; not by chance, but because she chose to treat her health as something she had agency over.

People living with Parkinson's are not and should not be defined by their diagnosis. Chen's story is a reminder of why routine and the right support still matter deeply. We're glad to be part of hers.

"My determination to keep playing music has driven me to fight back, and in some ways I'm in a better place than I was six years ago."

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. The PDCare is ARTG-listed as a complementary therapy for the reduction of Parkinson's symptoms. The PDCare is not currently available for sale in the USA. SYMBYX devices are subject to different regulations, permits and clearances in each country. Please consult your healthcare provider for any medical concerns or before using this device. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

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