Parkinson’s Disease changes how your body moves. It can affect your confidence, your independence and the people around you. It is a lot to take in. But there is real reason for hope. The right exercise and specialised physiotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease can help you stay mobile, steady and independent for longer.
At Pimpama Physiotherapy, Parkinson’s is one of the neurological conditions we treat every week. We provide Parkinson’s physiotherapy at our Pimpama clinic and through home visits across the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane. We work with people at every stage, from a recent diagnosis to many years in.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition. It happens when the brain slowly loses cells that make dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement.
There is no cure yet. But the symptoms can be managed well, and many people live active, full lives for years. Medication, exercise and a good support team all play a part.
Common Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, and symptoms usually come on slowly. The main movement symptoms are:
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Tremor: shaking, often starting in a hand at rest.
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Rigidity: stiff, tight muscles.
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Bradykinesia: slowness of movement.
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Postural instability: balance problems that raise the risk of falls.
Many people also notice other changes, such as:
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Smaller, shuffling steps and freezing of gait (feeling stuck to the floor).
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A stooped posture and reduced arm swing.
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Smaller handwriting and a softer voice.
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Fatigue, sleep changes and changes in mood.
How Physiotherapy Helps Parkinson’s Disease
Staying active is one of the most important things you can do with Parkinson’s. There is growing evidence that regular exercise improves symptoms and may even help slow the condition down.
Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease puts that into practice. We use exercise and movement training to target the symptoms that affect daily life, like slow movement, stiffness, balance and walking.
The strongest results come from high-intensity, large-amplitude movement, the kind used in programs such as LSVT BIG and PD Warrior. The idea is simple. Parkinson’s makes movements smaller, so we train them bigger.
Importance of Exercise and Rehabilitation
Exercise, along with specialised Parkinson's disease rehabilitation, plays a crucial role in managing the condition. Research suggests that exercise may offer protective effects, reducing the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and alleviating some motor symptoms associated with it. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining balance, mobility, and potentially slowing disease progression.
Early Therapy Initiation
It's recommended to begin therapy as soon as possible to implement strategies aimed at slowing the rate of decline. Physiotherapists employ various techniques to address symptoms and improve quality of life. Additionally, engaging in physiotherapy offers both physical and emotional benefits, enhancing overall well-being.
Positive Outlook
While Parkinson's disease presents challenges, it's important to recognise the positive aspects and potential for a fulfilling life with proper management through rehabilitation and medication. With comprehensive care and support, individuals with Parkinson's disease can lead long and fulfilling lives.
What Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease Can Focus On
After assessing you, we build a program around your goals and your stage. It may include:
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Large-amplitude movement training to fight slowness.
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Gait retraining, including strategies for freezing and turning.
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Balance training and falls prevention.
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Strength work, especially for posture and the legs.
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Cardio fitness, such as boxing, cycling, dancing or treadmill work.
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Practising everyday tasks, like getting out of a chair or bed.
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Posture and breathing.
Falls Prevention For People With Parkinson’s Disease
Falls are a real risk with Parkinson’s. Balance problems, freezing of gait and hazards around the home all add to it.
We assess your falls risk and work out what is driving it. Then we build the right balance, strength and walking work into your plan.
Home visits are especially useful here. We can spot and address hazards in the actual rooms where falls happen, like loose rugs, poor lighting or tricky steps. Home-based physiotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease lets us train in the spaces you use every day.
Parkinson’s Disease Physiotherapy In Clinic Or At Home
You can see us at our Pimpama clinic, or we can come to you. Home visits suit people who find travel tiring, who have mobility or balance issues or who simply prefer to train at home. We cover the northern Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane.
Parkinson’s care is a team effort. We work alongside your neurologist, GP, Parkinson’s nurse, occupational therapist, speech pathologist and exercise physiologist, so your physiotherapy fits the bigger plan.
Funding For Parkinson’s Disease Physiotherapy
Parkinson’s physiotherapy is usually ongoing, so funding matters. Depending on your age and situation, your sessions may be covered through:
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NDIS: for eligible people under 65 with younger-onset Parkinson’s (see NDIS).
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Support at Home: for many older Australians, through the aged care system (see Support at Home).
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Medicare: through a chronic disease management plan from your GP (see Medicare).
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DVA: for eligible veterans.
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Private health funds with extras cover for physiotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book A Parkinson’s Disease
Physio Assessment In Pimpama
If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s, we can help you keep moving. Book a Parkinson’s physiotherapy assessment at our Pimpama clinic, or request a home visit across the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane. If you are not sure where to start or what funding applies, get in touch and we will walk you through it.
Phone 0432 730 386 or email admin@pimpamaphysio.com.au.