Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone. These treatments can improve balance, walking and overall functional ability. In addition, therapy may slow down the progression of the disease. Moderate to vigorous exercise/activity should begin immediately upon diagnosis and continue throughout the course of the disease. Evidence also supports that regular aerobic exercise such as walking prevents development of cognitive impairment in healthy elderly individuals and this can hold true in Parkinson’s disease as well.
Who is Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation for?
There is growing evidence that individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease can benefit from treatment that targets flexibility, strengthening and cardiovascular conditioning.
What does Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation involve?
Our clinicians bring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the patient care management of Parkinson’s disease. Patient-centered care is coordinated among occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy in collaboration with your physician.
After a through evaluation and development of a plan of care, treatment may consist of:
- Flexibility/stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Fitness (aerobic) activities
- Strategies to improve mobility: walking, freezing, standing up from chairs, reduce risk of falls
- Strategies to improve self-care activities
- Handwriting
- Stress management
- Instruction in cognitive strategies
- Speech training in swallowing as well as rate, control, respiration and phonation
How long will Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation take?
The length of rehabilitation will vary depending on when therapy is initiated, the severity of symptoms and the patient’s goals for rehabilitation. Therapy services are often coordinated with any ongoing medical treatment prescribed by your treating physician. A typical frequency may be one to two times per week and could last for several weeks or a few months in order to maximize progress and functional outcomes.
U Building - Mellen Center
1950 East 89th St. - Desk U10
Cleveland, OH 44195
216.444.8600
C Building - W.O.Walker Center
10524 Euclid Ave. - Desk C22
Cleveland, OH 44195
216.445.8000
450 Avon Belden Rd.
Avon Lake, OH 44012
44.930.6800
Health Center Building
18901 Lake Shore Blvd.
Euclid, OH 44119
216.692.8780
14519 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
216.529.7173
888 West Bonneville
Las Vegas, NV 89106
702.483.6000