Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects the way the brain controls movement. It usually develops slowly, often beginning with subtle signs like reduced arm swing, stiffness, or resting tremors. Over time, it can impact walking, balance, posture, speech, and daily routines. It can also affect sleep, digestion, and mood.
This condition is caused by a gradual loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, which interferes with how the nervous system sends movement signals to the body.
It is also common for people with Parkinson’s to later develop cognitive problems such as Dementia. This is referred to as Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) and it occurs in approximately 4 out of 5 people. Click here to find out more about PDD.
Why Physiotherapy Matters
Physiotherapy helps people with Parkinson’s stay active, independent, and confident. Movement is one of the most effective tools for managing symptoms. It also has neuroprotective benefits which means it helps preserve your brain and nerve function. The earlier you start therapy, the better your chances of maintaining mobility and quality of life.
At MoveImprove, we deliver personalised, home-based physiotherapy that evolves with you. We work closely with your family, neurologist, or support team to be with you along your journey.
Therapy That Changes With You
Your needs will change over time and so will our approach. We tailor physiotherapy based on the stage of your condition.
Early Stage
In the early stages, you may have only mild symptoms. We focus on:
- Education about the condition and staying proactive
- Building a strong movement routine
- Correcting early changes in posture or gait
- Maintaining flexibility and strength
- Understanding the signs of poor sleep and what you can do
- Involving you in Parkinson social groups if that interests you
Middle Stage
This stage may involve increased stiffness, slower movement, or balance changes. We support you by:
- Education in weight management and muscle mass
- Improving walking patterns and reducing shuffling
- Addressing freezing episodes with cueing strategies
- Working on transfers and daily tasks like getting in and out of bed
- Teaching safe movement in and outside the home
- Reassessing support equipment needs
- Helping you maintain good quality sleep
Later Stage
If symptoms have progressed further, the goal is to stay safe, comfortable, and supported. We help by:
- Preventing falls and managing fatigue
- Working around the home to keep movement safe
- Supporting carers and family with practical advice
- Managing seated posture and pressure care if needed
- Focusing on ways to keep you comfortable
- Monitoring for speech and swallow difficulties if they present
Throughout every stage, our approach stays respectful, goal driven, and centred on what matters most to you.
Movement Strategies that Make a Difference
Our concept for movement is derived from LSVT BIG – an evidence based approach that helps people with Parkinson’s move better and freer.
This concept focuses on:
- Exaggerated movements to retrain the brain and improve coordination
- Intentional motion to overcome slowness and under-scaling of movement
- High repetition and intensity to make long-term changes in strength and control
By encouraging big steps, wide reaches, and upright posture, we help improve walking, turning, and overall movement quality.
These strategies can be applied at home and integrated into daily routines. Practising consistently leads to long-term benefits in movement confidence and safety.
Family Education and Support
We know Parkinson’s affects more than one person. That’s why we take the time to educate family members and carers. We explain what to expect and how to support someone as their needs change.
We help families understand:
- How Parkinson’s progresses over time
- What symptoms to watch for
- How to assist with daily movement in a safe way
- When to adjust the environment or equipment
- How to stay involved without taking over
By building understanding and skills, families feel more confident and connected as part of the care team.
Home Physiotherapy Service That Comes to You
MoveImprove offers physiotherapy and exercise physiology services at home. This means no travel, no waiting rooms, and support in a familiar setting.
Home visits allow us to:
- Observe real world challenges and recommend solutions
- Tailor exercises to your furniture, layout, and routine
- Suggest equipment or home modifications to prevent falls
- Communicate effectively with support coordinators, NDIS teams, and doctors
This model also makes therapy more accessible and consistent, especially if movement, transport, or fatigue are barriers.
Why Choose MoveImprove?
We are a mobile allied health team with experience in neurological rehabilitation, complex care, and community-based support. Our clinicians follow the latest best practice guidelines for Parkinson’s and are trained in evidence-based strategies including LSVT principles, cueing techniques, falls prevention, and strength reconditioning.
We service the North Shore and Northern Beaches, supporting older adults, NDIS participants, and private clients. Contact us today to get started.
