Parkinson's Disease Wellness Program

Living Well with Parkinson's Disease Educational Series 

Why this program?

Research demonstrates exercise is a first-line defense in mitigating Parkinson’s disease progression and minimizing functional declines. Increased physical activity improves physical, cognitive, and psychological capabilities. Therefore, referral to physical therapy and participation in effective exercise is vital and particularly recommended at the time of diagnosis. Although care at any point along the disease spectrum is helpful, intervention is most effective when delivered ahead of declines when patients are most able to engage in exercise and to adopt a lifestyle of exercise to increase function. 

What does the PD Wellness Program Offer?

INITIAL PHYSICAL THERAPY EVALUATION

Clients may be self-referred or referred by their neurologist or primary care physician. A comprehensive evaluation is the starting point for all our clients. You will meet with one of our licensed physical therapists, with advanced training in evaluating and treating those with Parkinson’s Disease. Your therapist will review your current and past medical history, identify your goals and answer your questions. They will assess several baseline measures of gait, balance, posture, and movement that will be important to monitor. They will empower you through education and inspiration on how to live well with PD while maintaining the highest level of independence and purpose. 

PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION

Depending on the results of your evaluation and the progression of your disease, your therapist will recommend one or more of the following: 

• Individual physical therapy – you and your therapist may determine the need for 1:1 therapy to address areas that are specific to you and may not be otherwise addressed in a class setting.

• Home exercise program – one of the primary objectives of physical therapy is to foster independence. Your therapist will teach you appropriate exercises that you can carry out in the comfort of your own home. 

• Participation in one of our classes specifically for individuals with PD

  • PowerFit  (Through support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, the POWERFIT class is free)
  • PEP – Persevering in Exercise for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
  • Participation in our other wellness classes open to all 
  • Membership at our Wellness Center (reach out to learn more about our Parkinson's grant membership discount)
  • Participation in one of our educational seminars

POWER FIT (Through support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, the POWERFIT class is free!)

An exercise class designed specifically for newly diagnosed and those who are able to participate in more vigorous exercise. This one-hour, twice-weekly class will introduce participants to the benefits of high-intensity exercise early in the disease process as a means of delaying disease progression, managing symptoms and retaining functional mobility. The PowerFit exercise class will enable individuals recently diagnosed with PD to engage in appropriate and effective exercise during the early stages of their condition.

• Exercise will include cardiovascular, resistance training for strength and power, functional mobility and postural exercises with emphasis on high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Exercise will incorporate high amplitude (BIG) movements as well as the concept and execution of dual-task training in each session.
• Participants will learn the concepts of why each exercise is important as well as instruction in the proper execution of exercise for maximum benefit.
• Similar to our PEP class, we'll assist participants in adopting a lifestyle inclusive of regular and effective exercise, recognizing and overcoming barriers to exercise and setting/reaching personal goals and objectives which support exercise sustainability.

  LEARN MORE AND REGISTER 

WELLNESS MEMBERSHIP

Clients get a reduced rate when combined with participation in PEP or Powerfit. View membership details ➔

RESOURCES

Our program works to stay current with evidence-based treatment, research, support and services for those with PD and their care partners. We work to create and sustain relationships with multidisciplinary professionals, in the city of Boston and the greater North Shore community, to provide credible and effective resources for our patients, including referrals to specialists and assistance in building appropriate care teams as needed.

• About Parkinson's Disease
• Parkinson's Foundation
• APDA of MA
• Parkinson's Fitness/ParkinsonsFitness.org