Asmita Sangave, Registered Physiotherapist:
As a physiotherapist, I’ve witnessed firsthand how tailored movement strategies can transform the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This progressive neurological condition—marked by tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and postural instability—affects far more than just physical mobility. It challenges daily independence, self-confidence, and overall well-being.
In the sections below, I’ll outline key physiotherapy interventions we use at Innova Integrated Wellness Centre to support people living with Parkinson’s. These strategies aim to enhance strength, mobility, balance, posture, and functional independence, empowering individuals to move with greater ease and confidence.
1. Strength, Endurance & Mobility:
Parkinson’s can lead to decreased muscle strength and endurance, which may accelerate age-related physical decline. At Innova, we create individualized programs that include:
- Resistance training
- Functional movement drills
- Cardiovascular conditioning
These interventions help preserve muscle tone, maintain independence in daily tasks, and reduce fatigue over time.
2. Gait, Balance & Fall Prevention:
People with Parkinson’s Disease often experience a shuffling gait, shortened stride length, and poor balance. To address these issues, we use:
- Rhythmic auditory stimulation
- Visual stepping cues
- Dual-task training
These techniques help clients walk more confidently and reduce fall risk. Group classes with balance-focused exercises also improve proprioception and provide peer support.
3. Functional Movement & Transfer Training:
Daily tasks such as standing from a chair, climbing stairs, or turning in tight spaces can become difficult with Parkinson’s Disease. We teach practical techniques that promote:
- Safer, more efficient movement
- Improved coordination during transfers
- Increased independence in everyday activities
4. Flexibility, Posture & Spinal Health:
Rigidity and a forward-stooped posture are common in Parkinson’s and can increase discomfort and fall risk. Our physiotherapy approach includes:
- Targeted stretching routines
- Spinal extension exercises
- Manual therapy and postural re-education
These methods help restore spinal alignment, improve breathing, and reduce musculoskeletal pain.
5. Movement Retraining with LSVT BIG Principles:
We often incorporate elements from LSVT BIG, an evidence-based program that focuses on large-amplitude, full-body movements. This helps counter the shrinking motion patterns typical in Parkinson’s Disease, encouraging:
- Bigger, more intentional everyday movements
- Improved functional mobility
- Greater ease in tasks like walking, reaching, and turning
6. Enhancing Neural Plasticity:
Neuroplasticity—the brain and nervous system’s ability to rewire itself—can be stimulated through high-intensity, task-specific, and repetitive training. We design movement sessions that:
- Challenge coordination and motor planning
- Boost motivation and engagement
- Target dopaminergic pathways to support motor function
7. Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
At Innova, our physiotherapists collaborate closely with:
- Chiropractors
- Massage therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Acupuncturists
This integrated, whole-person approach addresses the wide range of symptoms that come with Parkinson’s, from tremors and rigidity to fatigue and sleep disturbances. The result is truly patient-centered care.
A Personal Perspective:
Working with individuals at various stages of Parkinson’s has shown me that physiotherapy is about much more than symptom management. It’s about helping people reclaim their autonomy, preserve their dignity, and rediscover joy in movement.
Every small improvement—whether it’s fewer freezing episodes, a longer stride, or restored balance—translates to more confidence, less reliance on caregivers, and a higher quality of life.
Let’s Move Forward Together:
If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s disease, I encourage you to reach out to our team at Innova Integrated Wellness Centre. We’re here to help you build a personalized roadmap toward greater mobility, safety, and independence—because every step forward matters.
Book your Parkinson’s Physiotherapy Assessment today.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
Together, we can make living well with Parkinson’s a reality.
