Parkinson’s Disease

 

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's disease is a nervous system disorder that affects the brain. This disease involves the part of the brain that controls extremity movement and the muscles that generate speech. The main symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity and difficulty with coordination, balance, walking, and changes in speech.

 Although there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, various treatments can relieve symptoms and help patients maintain their quality of life. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are forms of treatment known to help individuals with Parkinson's disease.


What To Expect With Parkinson’s Treatment

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of a treatment plan for Parkinson's disease. It aims to help individuals with Parkinson's disease remain active and independent as long as possible.

Overall, physical therapy can help with the following:

  • Increasing endurance

  • Strengthening muscles

  • Reducing muscle stiffness

  • Improving gait

  • Reducing freezing episodes

  • Improving balance and coordination

  • Increasing flexibility

  • Improving posture

  • Decreasing falls

  • Reducing pain

    Our physical therapists have specialized training in LSVT Big which trains calibration of movement to activate more normalized movement patterns.

    Occupational therapy

    This can help a person improve their ability to carry out daily activities such as bathing, cooking, dressing, eating, reading, and writing. Treatments can include education for how to conserve energy and maintain independence using adaptive equipment and/or task analysis and modification.

    Speech Therapy

    90% of people with Parkinson's experience speech changes. Our speech language pathologists have specialized training in SPEAK OUT! which teaches the process of converting speech from an automatic function to an intentional act. TSpeech therapy might also include assessment and treatment of swallowing impairment which often occurs with Parkinson's. Our speech language pathologists host a weekly communication and swallowing support group, the LOUD Crowd, which meets weekly on Wednesdays.



 

Meet Our Therapy Specialists