Services

Treatment for People with Parkinson's Disease

As many as one million Americans live with Parkinson's disease and approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) each year.

PD is a progressive disorder involving the nervous system, which affects movements and coordination. As the disease progresses, it may result in tremors, slowed movement patterns, muscular stiffness and impaired balance. Recent research in both humans and animals is showing that exercise may not only help with movement, but also may also prevent or delay the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.

Two methods that Willow Grove/Hatboro/Glenside Physical Therapy clinicians are certified in to address Parkinson’s Disease are LSVT BIG and PWR! Parkinson Wellness Recovery.

PWR! Parkinson Wellness Recovery is an approach that utilizes current scientific research. It is a personalized treatment addressing slowness of movement, stiffness, postural instability/falls and freezing.  The core of the PWR program is 4 moves: PWR Up, Rock, Twist, and Step. These moves are incorporated into different challenge levels and emphasize large intense movements that target posture, trunk flexibility, weight shifting, and walking.

LSVT BIG requires a significant amount of effort from the person with Parkinson’s disease. There are 16 sessions: 4 days each week for 4 weeks. Sessions are 1 hour with little to no rest periods. There is mandatory daily homework.  The program focuses on both improving walking and a personal goal, which the patient chooses.

In addition, physical therapists are movement and exercise specialists.  People with Parkinson’s will benefit with the knowledge a therapist has to design the best exercise or gym program possible for a person with PD.  Some of the people we treat with PD will follow up every six to twelve months to insure they are focusing on the best exercise program possible. 

Exercise Class for People with Parkinson's

We are pleased to offer a group exercise class for people with Parkinson’s Disease.

It is held at the Hatboro Physical Therapy location on Wednesdays & Fridays from 12 – 1 pm.

Please call Hatboro PT (215 – 394 – 5116) or e-mail Anne (anne@willowgrovept.com) to register.

The fee is $120/4 weeks (or $20/class).

Take a look at the team!

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