Parkinson Disease (PD) is the second most common degenerative brain disorder affecting adults. People with PD are at risk of falling and sustaining other injuries due to their movement and balance challenges. Treatment includes a combination of medication and physical therapy—and in some cases surgery. Everest Rehabilitation Services physical therapists work with patients who have PD and their family members to help manage symptoms, maintain fitness levels and stay as active as possible.
Because PD affects each person differently, your physical therapist will partner with you to manage your specific situation—now and as your condition changes. You are not alone!
Following a diagnosis of PD, your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including tests to examine your posture, strength, flexibility, walking, endurance, balance, coordination and attention with movement. Based on your test results, your physical therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan to help you stay as active and as independent as possible.
Depending on the nature and severity of your condition, your physical therapy treatment program will focus on exercises, activities and education to help you:
- Improve your fitness level, strength and flexibility
- Develop more effective strategies to do things like get in and out of bed, chairs, and cars
- Turn over in bed more easily
- Stand and turn to change directions more efficiently
- Improve your walking coordination
- Improve hand movements abilities
- Decrease your risk of falling
- Improve your ability to climb and descend stairs and curbs
- Participate in activities that are important to you
