Parkinson’s Disease

Individuals with PD have a wide variety of challenges to overcome. Symptoms can include stiffness, shuffling gait, unsteadiness, falls, dizziness, slouched posture, and more. Medication effects on movement can add to the challenges in getting around. For people with Parkinson’s Disease, exercise is medicine! Your brain needs to learn cues for movement to bypass the short circuits that are created from a lack of dopamine. Julie has over 20 years of experience in assisting patients and their families with this learning process. Rehabilitation can include stretches, posture exercises, tips and tricks for moving easier from sit to stand, turning over in bed, and walking. Better balance is achieved with specific balance exercises. Treatment courses can be short and home-based, or may continue over a longer period of time to help you as your condition changes. Frequency of clinic visits are determined with you, and can range from twice weekly to once monthly. Many people with PD continue with semiannual wellness check ups. This offers you the ability to have your status professionally monitored for any changes to strength, flexibility, balance, and walking pattern. Your home exercise routine is adjusted as needed. We can also address any needs you may have for assistive devices. Julie works with many of the top movement disorder Neurologists in the state, communicating effectively to help with adjustments or changes to medication as needed, coordination with other specialties, and referrals.