Physical Therapy Can Help People with Parkinson's Disease

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month - a time to shine a light on a condition that affects nearly 1 million people in the US alone.

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, posture, and coordination. It can also cause non-motor symptoms such as pain, fatigue, mood changes, and cognitive impairment. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain begin to break down. Symptoms can vary from person to person and throughout disease progression.

Common Early Symptoms include:

• Loss of smell

• Changes in handwriting

• Development of a soft or lower voice

Common Motor Symptoms include:

• Tremors

• Stiffness

• Slowed movements

• Balance and coordination problems

• Changes in posture and gait

Common Non-Motor Symptoms include:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Constipation

• Bladder problems

• Mood disorders

• Cognitive changes

While there’s currently no cure, Parkinson’s Disease is treatable, and early intervention can make a big difference in maintaining independence and quality of life.

Treatment Options

Treatment typically includes a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy. Physical therapy plays a key role in managing symptoms by helping people:

• Improve balance and mobility

• Maintain strength and flexibility

• Reduce the risk of falls

• Learn strategies to move more confidently and safely

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

A physical therapist can design a personalized program focused on your unique needs and goals. This might include gait training, posture correction, balance exercises, and techniques to improve daily movements. Staying active and consistent with PT can help slow the progression of physical symptoms and keep you moving well for longer.

Let’s Raise Awareness

This April, join us in raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease. If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, know that help is available. Physical therapy can be a powerful part of the journey.

Need More Support or Guidance?

Contact Indepth Physical Therapy! We can help you figure out next steps and move with more confidence and less pain.

References

1. Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease - Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/physical-therapy-for-parkinsons-disease.

2. Physical Therapy and PD - Parkinson's Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/physical-therapy.

3. Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies - Parkinson's Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/physical-occupational-speech-therapies.

4. Physiotherapy in Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Present Treatment Modalities. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32917125/

5. Physiotherapy Versus Placebo or No Intervention in Parkinson's disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24018704/

6. American Parkinson Disease Association. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/american-parkinson-disease-association-to-educate-and-empower-during-parkinsons-disease-awareness-month/

7. 6 Things You May Not Know About Parkinson's Disease - Northwestern Medicine. https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/things-you-may-not-know-about-parkinsons-disease