Physical therapy
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease might cause you to move more slowly. You might also feel tightness, pain, and weakness, especially in the muscles and joints. Physical therapy might help with these symptoms.
Physical therapy cannot cure Parkinson’s disease, because, at this time, neurological damage cannot be reversed. Therapy can, however, enable you to compensate for the changes brought about by the disease. These "compensatory treatments," as they're called, include learning about new movement techniques, strategies, and equipment. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen and loosen muscles. Many of these exercises can be performed at home.
The goal of physical therapy is to improve your independence and quality of life by improving movement and function, and relieving pain. It is also important to know that physical therapy not only helps by offering compromising strategies and treating movement problems, but also by preventing problems. For instance, physical therapy can be helpful in establishing an exercise program early in Parkinson’s disease before significant rigidity, lack of coordination, loss of conditioning, or weakness occurs.
Physical therapy can help with:
- Balance problems
- Lack of coordination
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Gait
- Immobility
- Weakness
Important note: Some physical therapists might apply diathermy (local heat application produced by high-frequency electrical current) to relieve muscle aches and pains. This could be dangerous to patients who have deep brain stimulators (DBS). It is very important that DBS patients inform all their health care professionals of their stimulators so potential complications can be prevented. It is advised that patients carry cards in their wallets in case of emergency, noting that they are DBS patients.
How can I receive physical therapy?
Many hospitals offer outpatient physical therapy services. However, you might need to get a doctor's order to be seen in physical therapy. If you feel you can benefit from physical therapy, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for a referral.
How many visits will I need?
Treatments in physical therapy often can be completed in one to three office visits. The first appointment includes an evaluation and recommendations for exercises. The following appointments check your progress, and review and expand your home program. Most hospitals can provide additional sessions of outpatient physical therapy if a physical therapist is needed to attain an expected improvement in function.
What other services does physical therapy provide?
Recommendations: A physical therapist can make recommendations for physical therapy at home, at an outpatient facility, or at a nursing or rehabilitation facility.
Work capacity evaluations: Many physical therapists can perform functional capacity evaluations to provide more information for disability claims based on physical performance. This functional capacity evaluation can be useful when the Social Security office denies disability to a person who is unable to work for an eight-hour day.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy can help people with Parkinson’s stay active in daily life. By improving your skills, showing you different ways to complete tasks, or introducing you to handy equipment, an occupational therapist can help you perform everyday activities with greater ease and satisfaction. An occupational therapist might also recommend making changes to your home or workplace to promote your independence.
When should I consider occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy can be quite beneficial when symptoms of Parkinson’s are hindering you from:
- Being productive at home or work
- Having fun, such as enjoying pastimes and finding new ways to spend time
- Taking care of yourself, such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and eating
How can therapy help?
Occupational therapy generally provides assessment, treatment, and recommendations in the following areas:
- Arm and hand therapy
- Handwriting aids
- Home modification
- Driver evaluation and vehicle modification
- Cooking and homemaking adaptations
- Eating and dinnerware adaptations
- Ways to make the most of your energy
- Computer modifications
- Workplace or work equipment modifications
- Leisure skill development
- Manual or electric wheelchair use
- Bathtub and toilet equipment use
- Dressing and grooming aids
How can I receive occupational therapy?
Many hospitals offer outpatient occupational therapy services. However, you might need to get a doctor's order to be seen in occupational therapy. If you feel you can benefit from occupational therapy, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for a referral.
How many visits will I need?
Therapy sessions vary for each patient. The first appointment includes an evaluation and recommendations. The following appointments check your progress and review or expand your program.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/20/2005
