When Parkinson is in its earlier stages, our physio’s focuses on education and self- management encouraging use of leisure and third sector programs that promote general fitness and inclusion in community activity. Physiotherapy-specific exercise can offset the effects of Parkinson’s to minimize deterioration in strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and mobility.
When the condition is in a later stage, we teach movement strategies to overcome difficulty in initiating movement. This includes developing strategies to compensate for loss of function, using external (auditory, tactile, visual and sensory) or internal (mental rehearsal and visualisation) cues, dual task training and self-instruction. We also can recommend various adjuncts and equipment that can assist with cueing such as laser fitted walking sticks. This aims to maintain / improve people’s ability to stand up, walk, prevent falls and still participate in their normal activities of daily living and prevent social isolation.