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Physical therapy for Parkinson’s Balance, walking and coordination training to stay steady and independent
Physical therapy for Parkinson’s focuses on the movement problems the disease causes: smaller, shuffling steps, poor balance, freezing, stiffness and slower reactions. A physical therapist uses big, deliberate movements, walking drills with cues, balance and strength training and fall-prevention practice to keep you steady and independent. Starting early and exercising regularly gives the best results. At Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance, physical therapy for Parkinson’s is offered at our Brooklyn office.
Parkinson’s disease slowly changes how the brain controls movement. Steps get shorter, turning becomes harder, and balance reactions slow down, which raises the risk of a fall. Exercise is one of the most effective tools you have, and a physical therapist can tailor it to your stage. The videos show the walking, stepping and coordination work used in our Brooklyn gym.
How physical therapy helps Parkinson’s
- Walking (gait): longer, more even steps and better arm swing
- Balance: safer standing, turning and reaching; see balance exercises
- Freezing: visual and sound cues, like lines on the floor or a steady beat, to get moving again
- Stiffness: stretching and big-amplitude movements to keep joints flexible
- Strength and endurance: legs and trunk strong enough for stairs and getting up from a chair
- Fall prevention: practice getting up from the floor and safety tips for the home
What a session looks like
- An evaluation of walking speed, balance, strength and fall risk
- Warm-up and big, exaggerated movements to “recalibrate” step and arm size
- Gait training with cones, turns, obstacles and cues, as in the video
- Balance and coordination drills, standing and moving
- A home exercise program to practice between visits
For a general overview, see what to expect at physical therapy and how many physical therapy sessions you may need.
Exercises to practice at home
- Walking with long steps and big arm swings, counting out loud to a steady rhythm
- Sit-to-stand from a firm chair, standing up tall each time
- Side steps and backward steps holding a counter
- Turning in a wide arc instead of pivoting on the spot
- Reaching and trunk rotations to keep the spine flexible
Ask your therapist which ones are safe for you before you start, and keep a sturdy surface nearby. Strength work also helps; see strength training.
When to start physical therapy
Ideally soon after diagnosis, before balance problems or falls begin, and again whenever walking, turning or getting out of a chair becomes harder. Physical therapy works alongside the care from your neurologist; it does not replace your medicine plan. For hand and arm recovery after a stroke, see occupational therapy after stroke. If a fall or a new back or hip pain is getting in the way, our pain management physicians can help.
More videos: balance and coordination
More clips from our YouTube channel @precisioncaremedical showing balance and coordination training.
Related care at Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance
Physical therapy for Parkinson’s in Brooklyn
Looking for physical therapy for Parkinson’s near me? Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance offers physical therapy for Parkinson’s at our Brooklyn physical therapy office on Shell Rd, close to Bensonhurst, Gravesend, Sheepshead Bay, Midwood and Brighton Beach. Our Brooklyn team includes physical therapists Zoya Reznik, DPT, OCS and Maggie (Yi) Zhang, DPT, with physical therapist assistants Dennis Furman, PTA and Leila Nahmoud, PTA. Physical therapy for Parkinson’s is not offered at our Staten Island or Manhattan offices. Request an appointment or call the Brooklyn office.
Questions patients ask
Can physical therapy help Parkinson’s disease?
Yes. Regular physical therapy and exercise improve walking, balance, strength and flexibility, and lower the risk of falls. It does not cure the disease, but it helps you stay active and independent.
What exercises are best for Parkinson’s?
Big, deliberate movements, walking practice with cues, balance drills and leg strengthening are the core. A therapist adjusts them to your stage and safety.
How often should someone with Parkinson’s do physical therapy?
Many people start with one to three sessions a week for several weeks, then keep exercising at home most days, with check-ins when things change.
Can physical therapy help with freezing of gait?
Yes. Therapists teach cueing strategies, such as stepping over a line, counting or a rhythmic beat, that help many people start moving again.
Is Parkinson’s physical therapy covered by insurance?
Physical therapy is covered by many plans, including Medicare, when it is medically necessary. The office can check your plan before your first visit.
Where can I get physical therapy for Parkinson’s near me?
Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance offers physical therapy for Parkinson’s at our Brooklyn office:
- Brooklyn2781 Shell Rd, Suite 101, Brooklyn, NY 11223(718) 648-1234 · Get directions
Physical therapy for Parkinson’s is offered in Brooklyn only.
Educational only, not medical advice. These videos and this article explain common problems and treatments in general terms. They are not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for you. Results vary from person to person. See a qualified clinician about your own symptoms, and call 911 or go to an emergency room for an emergency.
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