Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Therapy, combined with treatment, has many benefits for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Exercise, whether individual, group or physical/voice therapy, is a daily necessity for Parkinson’s patients.
Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
People with chronic conditions and movement disorders, such as early onset Parkinson's disease, often find physical therapy can improve strength and flexibility and decrease pain and stiffness. Physical therapy is becoming an essential part of many Parkinson's disease treatment plans. More and more studies show how beneficial exercise is to Parkinson's patients to help slow the progression of the disease as well as aiding in physical and cognitive functions.
It’s recommended that Parkinson’s patients exercise a minimum of 150 minutes a week or 20 minutes a day. The activity can be something as simple as getting in and out of a chair, to as complex as an aerobics class. The exercise level should be catered to the patient’s needs.
Mercy’s physical therapists offer free exercise classes that combine skill-based exercises with aerobic exercises. Exercise is not just a temporary solution. It’s a lifestyle change. If you have not exercised before, please consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Tips for Exercising:
- Plan it out
- Do something you enjoy
- Exercise with others
- Exercise frequently
- Set a routine
- Exercise with adequate intensity
Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Speech therapists can help Parkinson’s patients maintain communication skills and help teach language techniques that can conserve energy and help with swallowing issues that may arise.
The Lee Silverman Voice Therapy Program (LSVT LOUD), a speech and voice therapy that was specifically developed for people with Parkinson’s, has proved significant value for patients. Our speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are certified in providing the LSVT LOUD program. Research demonstrates an improved impact on multiple levels of functioning in people with PD following LSVT LOUD treatment, including:
- Increased vocal loudness
- Improved articulation and speech intelligibility
- Improved intonation
- Improvements in facial expression
- Changes in neural functioning related to voice and speech
LSVT LOUD treatment consists of 16 sessions, 4 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks. Each session is 1 hour, and you’ll receive daily homework practice as well as daily carryover exercises.
Our SLPs are trained in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders, such as:
- Drooling
- Pocketing of food
- Difficulty beginning to swallow
- Food caught in the throat
- Coughing/choking when eating or drinking.
A swallowing program may include:
- Exercises
- Compensatory strategies
- Diet modifications
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
- Manual therapy
- Caregiver training
- Home exercise program
Support Classes Offered at Mercy Oklahoma City
Join our Parkinson's Balance and Strength Class held every Wednesday. Exercises are led by a Physical Therapist who will focus on balance, strength, and stability. Classes are free.
Exercises take place seated in a chair. Chair exercise is focused on maintaining physical mobility. It incorporates exercises to help stretch and maintain mobility in your joints. It also incorporates singing to help maintain strong vocals.
Speech therapy support group for people with Parkinson's. The group helps participants maintain their voice strength and improve their communication skills.
A support group for individuals with Parkinson's.
A support group for caregivers of individuals with Parkinson's.
Check out upcoming dates for classes at Meinders Center for Movement Disorders.