Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive condition that causes slowness, stiffness, tremor, a shuffling walk and balance problems. Exercise is one of the most useful things a person with Parkinson's can do, and Parkinson's physical therapy builds a program for your stage. We treat Parkinson's in Chubbuck, Idaho, for patients from Chubbuck and Pocatello.
Why exercise matters with Parkinson's
Parkinson's is a movement disorder from the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Medicine helps, and so does movement. Regular, challenging Parkinson's exercise, including big movement exercise for Parkinson's that uses large, deliberate motions, can improve strength, flexibility, walking and balance and help you stay active in what matters to you.
Parkinson's affects each person a little differently, so the first visit is a full evaluation of how you move, stand, turn and walk. Your plan is built around what you want to keep doing.
The four main symptoms and what we do about them
Tremor
Shaking in the hands, arms, legs, jaw or face. We work on strategies for daily tasks when shaking gets in the way.
Rigidity
Stiff limbs and trunk. Stretching and strength and flexibility training keep you from locking up.
Slowness of movement
Bradykinesia is slowness that makes every task take longer. We use big, deliberate, large-amplitude movement training to counter the shrinking of movements, including small handwriting and small steps.
Balance and coordination
Postural instability. Parkinson's balance trouble is very common. We use balance training and turning practice to keep you steady, including in a crowd or on stairs.
Walking, freezing and getting up
The everyday things that become hard first are the ones we practice most.
Shuffling walk
We work on longer, heel-first steps and arm swing, using counting, rhythm and visual targets as cues.
Freezing of gait
When your feet seem stuck to the floor at doorways or turns, cueing strategies like stepping over a line, shifting your weight or counting aloud can help you start moving again.
Chairs, beds, cars and the floor
Getting in and out of bed, chairs and cars, rolling over in bed, and getting up from the floor are practiced step by step.
Stairs and curbs
Practice on real steps with a plan for handrails and turns.
What care looks like from early to later stages
Your plan changes as Parkinson's changes. The visits stay focused on you.
Early stage
Build strength, fitness and big movements, and set up an exercise habit before problems take hold.
Middle stage
Add balance training, strategies for freezing and turning, and training for safe transfers.
Later stage
Keep you moving safely with help from caregivers, review home equipment, and adapt exercises to your energy.
Falls, home safety and your care team
Balance and falls are an important part of Parkinson's. We check your risk, teach safer ways to move, and look at home hazards like loose rugs, dim hallways and clutter. For general balance and dizziness, see vestibular and balance therapy.
We work with your neurologist and welcome caregivers at visits so they can learn how to cue and assist safely. Other conditions of the nervous system are on neurological disorders, and recovery after a stroke has its own page. If your feet are numb as well, see Peripheral Neuropathy.
Parkinson's therapy questions
Do you offer Parkinson's rehab near me in Pocatello?
Our clinic is in Chubbuck, Idaho, close to Pocatello. We treat Parkinson's patients from both towns.
Can therapy help with Parkinson's fall prevention?
Yes. Fall prevention is a main goal. We test balance and strength, practice turning and stepping, and review your home.
How often will I come, and for how long?
Visits typically last 30 to 60 minutes. How many visits you need varies, and many people with a progressive condition return for a new round of therapy as their needs change. You are re-evaluated regularly.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan.
Does insurance cover it?
We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Parkinson's physical therapy in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.