Parkinson’s PT

Parkinson’s physical therapy (PT) is a type of physical therapy that’s specially designed to help you manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease can affect your ability to move and control your muscles. That can cause symptoms like stiffness, tremors, freezing, feeling unsteady on your feet and short, shuffling steps.

Physical therapy helps you improve how your body performs physical movements. It can strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility. A physical therapist will create customized exercises and stretches to help you feel stronger, safer and more confident while you move.

PT can’t reverse or cure Parkinson’s disease. But it can help you stay more active and participate in your favorite activities. You’ll still need other treatments. But staying physically active might slow down how fast Parkinson’s progresses.

What happens during Parkinson’s disease physical therapy?

Your physical therapist will work with you to create a customized treatment plan.

You’ll meet with them to discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing and how they affect your ability to move. Tell your therapist if there are any activities you’d like to do. Or if there’s a specific kind of movement you need help with.

Be honest with your physical therapist. PT isn’t a fitness contest. It’s about helping you set and achieve realistic goals.

Your Parkinson’s PT plan might include:

• Performing bodyweight exercises to strengthen your muscles
• Doing stretches to manage stiffness and increase your flexibility
• Using weights or exercise machines
• Learning how to use an assistive device, like a cane or walker
• Doing exercises to help you feel more confident when moving, including standing, walking or taking stairs
• Learning ways to reposition yourself, like shifting in bed or getting out of a chair

Your physical therapist will show you all the exercises before guiding you through them. They might ask you to do some movements or stretches at home. This can help you work on your strength and stability between sessions.

Remember, PT isn’t a pass or fail course. It’s an ongoing treatment to help you move better. Talk to your therapist if you don’t feel safe or confident doing something. They can show you modifications or alternate options that you can do no matter where you are.

What are the potential benefits and risks of this treatment?

Staying safer while moving is the biggest benefit of Parkinson’s disease physical therapy. Everyone is different, but PT can help you stay more active and manage symptoms like pain and stiffness. It can also teach you strategies to manage freezing and reduce your risk of falls.

You might still need assistance and support at home and throughout your day. But PT can help you move more confidently. This may increase your confidence and feeling of independence.

Physical therapy might allow you to get back to activities or hobbies you’ve stopped. But don’t do anything that feels unsafe. Check in with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before resuming any physical activities.

There are very few risks to doing PT. Like with any kind of exercise, there’s a small risk of falls or other physical injuries. But your therapist will help you stay safe.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Physical therapy can be challenging. Especially at first. You might feel some pain or soreness. Talk to your physical therapist if you’re hurting. They can modify your treatment plan, if needed. Let them know if you don’t feel safe or comfortable.

Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice new or worsening Parkinson’s symptoms. It’s a progressive condition. That means it gets more severe over time. Your provider will help you understand what to expect at every stage.

Your physical therapist or provider may suggest occupational therapy alongside PT. This is similar to PT. But it’s more focused on helping you safely accomplish tasks in your day-to-day routine.