Parkinson’s Disease Specialists
in Greater Rochester
Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurologic conditions diagnosed in the U.S. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, there are more individuals living with Parkinson’s disease than the combined number of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease. As more cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed each year, we continue to learn about how to address this disease and its many side effects that impact daily life. While there is no specific recommended course of treatment for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, physical therapy has proven extremely beneficial in improving the symptoms of this condition. You can learn more about our Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation programs on this page, and don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more.
Our Board Certified Neurologic Specialist
We are proud to have a knowledgeable, Board Certified Neurologic Specialist on our team who has completed advanced Parkinson’s disease-specific training, including:
Why is Physical Therapy an Important Part of Parkinson’s Treatment?
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that, among other things, affects the way a person is able to move their body. Everyone with Parkinson’s experiences the condition in their own unique way. While there are many possible symptoms and ranges of severity, it is imperative that everyone with PD has a physical therapist on their care team who can help manage their symptoms and teach exercises that are most effective for their individual needs. We also specialize in helping newly diagnosed individuals who are not experiencing debilitating symptoms to develop a comprehensive, individualized, and Parkinson’s specific exercise program with the goal of slowing the trajectory of the disease and minimizing the progression of symptoms.
Some reasons people with Parkinson’s may be referred to physical therapy include
- Changes in walking ability or quality, including shuffling, bending forward, or not swinging one or both arms while walking
- Experiencing losses of balance, falls, or loss of confidence while moving around
- Struggling with moving during functional tasks like getting in and out of chairs, rolling in bed, or getting off the floor
- Noticing postural changes, including leaning sideways or stooping over
- Losing energy, strength, and endurance to do the things they love in life
What is Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease Like?
Here at Thrive, we are passionate about translating research into clinical practice. We use the most up-to-date research on Parkinson’s disease to help you or your loved one get the best possible outcomes from physical therapy. Please call us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one Thrive alongside PD!
Thrive is known in the Rochester community for our specialized Parkinson’s disease program, which is based on the following five principles:
- Everyone with Parkinson’s disease should have a physical therapist on their care team as soon after diagnosis as possible
- People with Parkinson’s should be seen by a physical therapist who specializes in their condition
- It is never too early or too late to get started on a path to start moving and feeling better
- Not all exercise is created equal when it comes to managing Parkinson’s symptoms
- Evidence-based PT, high quality exercise programming, and a supportive community are essential ingredients to living well with PD
Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery – PWR!
PWR! stands for Parkinson Wellness Recovery, which is a highly flexible, personalized, and comprehensive physical therapy program uniquely designed to benefit people living with Parkinson’s disease. A PWR! certified therapist will teach you Parkinson’s specific exercise AND help you address all of the other areas of your life that may contribute to your symptoms and quality of life (sleep hygiene, stress, nutrition).
To learn more, call us or visit the PWR! Website
LSVT Big Therapy
LSVT Big is a highly effective, research-based Parkinson’s specific protocol that must be administered by an LSVT Big certified clinician. LSVT Big consists of hour-long treatment sessions 4 times per week for 4 weeks (16 total visits).
Give us a call if you are wondering if this approach is a good choice for you!
Ready to Thrive? Let’s Get Started Today!
Thrive Physical Therapy was founded on a simple idea – aging adults should have access to quality physical therapy and exercise services that minimize their stress and maximize the results that are possible with consistent, quality physical therapy programs guided by professionals. By bringing outpatient physical therapy services to your home, we make it easy for you to stay on top of your physical therapy program and achieve the goal we’re working toward together – living a thriving life today and in the future. When you’re ready, we’re here to help!
