Parkinson's Therapy

Aurora BayCare Medical Center offers a comprehensive Parkinson’s therapy program to help you manage movement and voice challenges. We provide strategies and tips for staying as safe, mobile and independent as possible.

Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center for Parkinson’s disease therapy?

Highlights of our therapy and rehabilitation program for Parkinson’s disease include:

• Skilled team: Specially trained physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists focus on the unique needs of people living with Parkinson’s disease. You receive care from experts who understand the disease and how it can affect your life.
• Coordinated care: Your therapy team works closely with your doctors and neurologist to align your rehab plan with your overall care, ensuring expert guidance and seamless support.
• Research and expertise: Aurora BayCare’s neuroscience department features a robust movement disorders program with a special focus on Parkinson’s disease. Providers at the forefront of research and clinical trials bring you the latest treatment techniques.
• Individualized attention: You need support and attentive care as you manage Parkinson’s disease. That’s why our rehabilitation program features one-on-one therapy, a support group and a group exercise class designed especially for Parkinson’s disease. You connect with others while working toward your personal goals. 

Our services for Parkinson’s disease therapy

To maximize your independence and safety, our therapists may recommend a combination of treatments. Our team offers:

• Physical therapy: Therapists offer classes to help with movement challenges related to Parkinson’s. We show you techniques for improving strength and stability and adjusting the speed and range of your movements through physical therapy.
• Speech-language therapy: Specialized speech therapy programs help you project your voice and improve communication skills.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists help you perform daily tasks as you manage Parkinson’s. We discuss the activities that are most important to you and provide strategies for completing them as safely and independently as possible.
• Adaptive equipment: We work with your referring provider to make sure you get the assistive devices you need at home and work. Therapists show you how to safely use equipment, such as walkers or dressing aids.
• Group exercise class: Our Mobile & Fit Parkinson’s exercise class targets movement challenges with the goal of improving function and enhancing quality of life. This class focuses on improving balance, strength, posture, mobility, and flexibility, while also helping to reduce the risk of falls.
• Parkinson's support group: The challenges of living day to day with Parkinson’s can be difficult. Many patients and caregivers have gained encouragement from meeting others with Parkinson’s. Our Parkinson’s support group meetings provide an opportunity to share experiences, feelings, and tips to address common problems.
• Speech class: Our Raise Your Voice class helps people with Parkinson’s Disease to practice speaking at an appropriate volume using voicing techniques in a social setting. It also supports continued use of home exercises to maintain and improve vocal strength and flexibility.

Conditions we help manage

Parkinson’s therapy can help with some common challenges of the disease, including:

• Balance problems
• Loss of coordination or motor skills
• Slow or small body movements
• Soft speech
• Stiffness in the legs or arms
• Tremors

Benefits of Parkinson’s rehabilitation

Depending on your functional needs, Parkinson’s rehabilitation can help you:

• Enhance memory and thinking skills
• Improve posture, strength, flexibility and general fitness
• Maintain your ability to perform daily activities
• Manage side effects of medication, surgery or other treatments
• Overcome voice and speech difficulties
• Prevent falls
• Stay independent as long as possible