Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition in Australia and a frequent reason people seek Parkinson’s physiotherapy and exercise therapy on the Sunshine Coast. It occurs when the dopamine‑producing cells in an area of the brain called the basal ganglia gradually stop working, causing characteristic changes in movement such as slowness, stiffness, tremor and balance problems. While the average age of diagnosis is around 65, Parkinson’s disease can affect adults of any age, and in Australia an estimated 80,000 people are living with Parkinson’s, with roughly 20% still of working age.Beyond movement changes, many people with Parkinson’s disease experience tremors, fatigue, and other symptoms that can create daily challenges affecting independence, work, and social participation.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease remains unknown and there are currently no disease‑modifying treatments. Medication is the standard medical management, ideally under the care of a neurologist or movement‑disorder specialist. Alongside medication, physiotherapy and exercise for Parkinson’s disease play a crucial role in maintaining mobility, independence and quality of life. Physiotherapy also provides ongoing support and practical assistance, helping people adapt as symptoms change and maintain confidence in everyday activities. A physiotherapist can design a personalised Parkinson’s exercise program to improve walking, balance, strength and everyday function, and provide practical advice to help you stay active and safe at home, work and in the community.
What is Parkinson’s disease
It is not clear what causes Parkinson’s disease, but genetic and environmental factors may play a part in a person developing the disease. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are associated with the deterioration and death of neurons (nerve cells) in a region of the brain called the basal ganglia. Healthy neurons produce a chemical messenger called dopamine which helps to control movements. As a result of Parkinson’s disease, neurons become damaged or die and there is not enough dopamine in the system to maintain good movement control.
The core motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:
- Slowness of movements, called bradykinesia
- Tremor at rest
- Rigidity or stiffness in muscles
- Problems with walking and balance.
However, Parkinson’s disease is different for each person and not everyone will have all of these symptoms. For instance, around 30% of people with Parkinson’s disease do not have a tremor. People with Parkinson’s disease may also have problems with daily activities like walking, standing up from a chair, moving around in bed, and everyday tasks needing fine hand coordination.
Parkinson’s disease also affects other body systems and produces non-motor symptoms such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Changes in memory and thinking
- Sleep disorders
- Hyposmia (poor sense of smell)
Other common difficulties may include changes in speech, reduced energy levels due to fatigue, and the need for tailored advice around nutrition to support overall health and well-being.
These symptoms are experienced to varying degrees by individuals with Parkinson’s disease and can be as difficult to live with as the motor symptoms.
Sunshine Coast Physiotherapy for Parkinson's Disease
Physiotherapists are trained to provide treatment plans for people at all stages of Parkinson’s disease. Treatments will vary according to your stage of Parkinson’s disease and individual problems.
Because research evidence suggests that regular, vigorous exercise may delay the onset and progression of disability, exercise and physical activity are very important. Even if you have been recently diagnosed, a physiotherapist can help you devise an activity and exercise program which is appropriate and enjoyable. A key focus of physiotherapy is improving awareness of movement strategies, posture, and balance to reduce falls and improve safety during daily tasks.
Maintaining or increasing physical activity and exercise has many benefits including strengthening muscles, improving balance and reducing stiffness, and maintaining heart health and fitness. A physiotherapist will assess your individual needs and tailor an appropriate program which could include some of the following:
How can Physiotherapy help?
Maintaining or increasing physical activity and exercise has many benefits including strengthening muscles, improving balance and reducing stiffness, and maintaining heart health and fitness.
A physiotherapist will assess your individual needs and tailor an appropriate program which could include some of the following:
Balance training
It is important to train balance skills because people with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk of falls than the general population. Addressing balance, coordination, and strength can reduce the physical and emotional challenges associated with Parkinson's disease and promote greater independence.
Resistance training
Training to improve muscle strength.
Training of everyday activities
Includes practising specific aspects of walking or common actions like rolling and getting out of a chair.
Cardio-vascular training
Your program may include activities such as treadmill training to improve your fitness level.
Hand training
An exercise program of dexterity exercises may improve your ability to manipulate small objects. Improving fine motor control can also assist with handwriting, self-care tasks, and functional speech cues that rely on coordinated breathing and posture.
How can you manage your Parkinson's?
If you have Parkinson’s disease, it is important for you to maintain or increase your level of exercise and physical activity. It is not necessary to stop sporting activities as long as you are safe to continue.
As each person with Parkinson’s disease is different, your physiotherapist can help you to develop an exercise and activity regime to suit your needs. Home exercise programs may include walking and balance training, practising daily activities and strengthening exercises.
Many people with Parkinson’s disease experience falls. You may be able to reduce your risk of falls at home by making simple changes such as clearing cluttered areas and removing dangerous obstacles such as loose carpets. If you have more advanced Parkinson’s disease, your physiotherapist may help you to learn movement strategies to make it easier to move around your home.
Are you having a joint replacement?
Joint School is a pre-surgical education program that is delivered by one of our Physiotherapists in conjunction with a Nurse Practitioner from the Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group.
