Parkinson’s Disease Infographic

Parkinson’s disease is a lifelong condition from the onset of the disease, often around age 60. A customized physical therapy treatment plan can help manage the condition and maintain physical and cognitive function that can be affected by the disease. Physical therapy helps combat movement issues, difficulty walking, and impaired balance and coordination. Physical therapy can also improve posture, strength, and flexibility and decrease pain and stiffness.

At Mangiarelli Rehabilitation, we offer the innovative treatment of boxing exercise for Parkinson’s disease, using modified, non-contact boxing techniques. Physical therapy treatment for Parkinson’s disease involves exercise that reinforces the body’s reciprocal patterns, such as swinging your arms as you walk. The patient uses a stationary bike or an elliptical machine to practice using and coordinating the arms and the legs at the same time. Additionally, the physical therapist guides the patient through coordinated walking and stair climbing training with gait belt support, exercise parallel bars, and training stairs to improve posture, the ability to walk smoothly, and the ability to climb stairs.

As your physical therapist, we are your partner in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and helping you regain function, movement, and strength. As your condition changes, we will adjust the treatment plan to help you be as active and independent as possible.