Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that may affect ones ability to walk, complete their typical routine and engage in the way they wish. However research has shown exercise at a moderate to high intensity has been clinically significant in slowing the disease progression.

When someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. The condition often brings changes to movement, balance, speech, and everyday tasks. But here’s the good news: working with a physical therapist, especially one trained as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist, can make a significant difference in maintaining mobility, independence, and quality of life.

At Atomic Physical Therapy, we take an active, personalized approach. Our goal is to help you stay moving, keep doing the activities you love, and adapt in ways that work for your lifestyle.

How Physical Therapy Helps with Parkinson’s

We focus on:

• Improving balance to reduce fall risk

• Building strength so daily activities feel easier

• Increasing flexibility and range of motion, range of motion and posture to keep joints moving well

• Enhancing walking patterns with targeted gait training

• Boosting endurance so you can keep up with hobbies and family life

A Neurologic Clinical Specialist understands how Parkinson’s affects the nervous system and can design exercises that retrain the brain and body to work together more effectively to promote normal movements. This often includes practicing larger, more deliberate movements, cueing strategies for walking, and exercises that challenge both the body and the mind at a moderate to high intensity level.

Evidence-Based Interventions for Parkinson’s Disease

Amplitude-Based Training (LSVT BIG)
Research supports the use of high-amplitude movement training for improving motor symptoms. In a randomized trial, a 4-week LSVT BIG protocol continued for 4 consecutive weeks resulted in significant improvements in motor impairment on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) compared with shorter programs, with benefits persisting at 16 weeks. This type of training helps recalibrate the body’s perception of movement size, leading to fuller steps, better reaching, and more confident mobility.
(References: Ebersbach et al., 2010; Farley & Koshland, 2005)

Aerobic and Strengthening Exercise
Systematic reviews show that structured aerobic training at a moderate to high intensity can improve motor symptoms, gait speed, and balance. When combined with resistance and balance exercises, the benefits extend to daily function and quality of life.
(References: Shu et al., 2014; Duchesne et al., 2015)

Cueing Strategies for Gait and Freezing
External cues such as rhythmic auditory beats, counting, or visual markers can reduce freezing episodes and improve walking patterns. These strategies are easily integrated into both clinic sessions and home programs.
(References: Spaulding et al., 2013; Nieuwboer et al., 2007)

Balance-Focused Activities (Including Tai Chi)
Randomized trials have shown Tai Chi to be effective in improving postural stability and reducing fall rates in people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s.
(References: Li et al., 2012; Hackney & Earhart, 2008)

What to Expect in a Session

Your PT will start by understanding your personal goals whether it’s walking to the mailbox without worry, hiking your favorite trail, or keeping up with grandkids. From there, we’ll create a plan that may include:

• BIG-style amplitude training for larger, more purposeful movements in walking, transfers, and daily tasks

• Strength training focused on legs and core to support stability and endurance

• Balance drills that mimic real-life challenges

• Gait training using auditory or visual cues to improve stride and reduce freezing

• Dual tasking performing two tasks at once in order to reduce freezing episodes and improve the ability to perform your typical hobbies 

• Flexibility and postural work to ease stiffness and maintain mobility

• Coordination with speech therapy for those who would benefit from LSVT LOUD or other vocal strategies

If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Dr. Kathryn, PT, DPT, NCS (Neurologic Clinical Specialist) can help you stay active, confident, and independent for as long as possible.

Book a free discovery call today to learn how physical therapy can help you keep moving forward.