Therapy: How Physical Therapy and LSVT BIG® Can Help

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, coordination, and daily function. Individuals living with Parkinson’s may experience slower movements, muscle stiffness, balance difficulties, changes in posture, and challenges with walking and everyday activities.

Physical therapy plays an important role in helping individuals maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life throughout the course of the disease.

Our Parkinson’s disease therapy program focuses on improving movement, reducing fall risk, and helping patients remain active and independent in the comfort of their own homes.

 

 

How Can Physical Therapy Help Parkinson’s Disease?

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, movements often become smaller, slower, and less efficient. This can affect walking, transfers, balance, posture, and participation in daily activities.

Physical therapy helps patients:

• Improve walking ability
• Increase balance and stability
• Reduce fall risk
• Improve flexibility and mobility
• Maintain strength and endurance
• Improve confidence with daily activities
• Promote long-term independence

Treatment programs are individualized based on each patient’s symptoms, abilities, and goals.

LSVT BIG® Therapy

A Specialized Program for Parkinson’s Disease

LSVT BIG® is an evidence-based treatment program specifically developed for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

Many people with Parkinson’s gradually develop smaller movements without realizing it. Walking steps may become shorter, posture may become more stooped, and everyday activities may require more effort.

LSVT BIG® teaches patients to perform larger, more purposeful movements that can improve mobility and function in everyday life.

Benefits of LSVT BIG®

• Improved walking speed and step length
• Better posture
• Improved balance and mobility
• Increased arm swing during walking
• Easier performance of daily activities
• Improved movement awareness
• Increased confidence and independence

What To Expect

Treatment focuses on practicing large-amplitude movements that can be applied to real-life activities such as walking, reaching, turning, getting out of a chair, and performing household tasks.

Exercises are individualized and tailored to each patient’s functional goals.

Gait Training

Walking difficulties are common in Parkinson’s disease and may include shuffling steps, reduced arm swing, slower walking speed, and freezing episodes.

Gait training focuses on improving walking mechanics, safety, efficiency, and confidence.

Benefits

• Improved walking quality
• Better step length
• Improved safety
• Reduced fall risk
• Increased community mobility

 

 

Balance & Fall Prevention Training

Changes in balance can increase the risk of falls and injury.

Balance training focuses on improving stability during standing, walking, turning, and everyday activities.

Benefits

• Improved stability
• Better confidence while moving
• Reduced fall risk
• Greater independence

Functional Strengthening

Maintaining strength is important for mobility and independence.

Strengthening exercises target muscles needed for standing, walking, climbing stairs, and performing daily activities.

Benefits

• Improved functional mobility
• Better endurance
• Easier transfers
• Increased independence

Mobility & Transfer Training

Many individuals with Parkinson’s experience difficulty moving in bed, standing from a chair, or changing positions.

Therapy focuses on improving movement efficiency and safety during these everyday activities.

Benefits

• Easier bed mobility
• Improved sit-to-stand transfers
• Improved functional independence
• Reduced caregiver burden

 

 

Freezing of Gait Management

Some individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience episodes where their feet seem temporarily “stuck” to the floor despite intending to move. These episodes, known as freezing of gait, can increase the risk of falls and limit independence.

Physical therapy may incorporate specialized cueing techniques and movement strategies designed to improve walking initiation and reduce the impact of freezing episodes during daily activities.

Benefits

• Improved walking confidence
• Reduced fall risk
• Better movement initiation
• Improved safety during mobility

Posture & Flexibility Training

Parkinson’s disease can contribute to stooped posture, trunk stiffness, and reduced flexibility.

Targeted stretching, mobility exercises, and postural training can help improve movement quality and support more efficient daily activities.

Benefits

• Improved posture
• Increased flexibility
• Better movement efficiency
• Improved comfort during daily activities

Movement & Cognitive Training

Many daily activities require individuals to move while simultaneously thinking, talking, or performing another task.

Physical therapy may incorporate movement and cognitive challenges together to improve safety, coordination, and performance during real-life situations.

Benefits

• Improved multitasking ability
• Better coordination
• Increased safety during daily activities
• Enhanced functional performance

How Long Does Parkinson’s Therapy Take?

Every individual responds differently depending on their symptoms, goals, and stage of Parkinson’s disease.

Some patients notice improvements within a few visits, while others benefit from ongoing therapy and exercise programs designed to maintain mobility and function over time.

Your therapist will regularly assess progress and adjust your treatment plan based on your needs.

Signs You May Benefit From Parkinson’s Disease Therapy

You may benefit from a physical therapy evaluation if you experience:

• Slower movement
• Difficulty walking
• Shuffling gait
• Balance problems
• Frequent falls or near falls
• Difficulty getting out of a chair
• Reduced endurance
• Changes in posture
• Increased difficulty performing daily activities

Early intervention can help address mobility challenges before they significantly impact independence and quality of life.

Ready to Get Started?

Our Parkinson’s disease therapy program is designed to help individuals move with greater confidence, improve mobility, and maintain independence.

Contact us today to learn how specialized Parkinson’s disease therapy, including LSVT BIG® treatment, may help you or your loved one stay active and engaged in daily life.