What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. It is commonly associated with motor symptoms such as slowness of movement (bradykinesia), tremor and rigidity, although non-motor symptoms can also occur.

As Parkinson’s disease progresses, some people may also develop changes in walking, balance, posture, speech, swallowing and everyday function.

How Parkinson’s disease may affect daily function

Parkinson’s disease affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• transfefs and everyday movement

• hand use and fine motor tasks

• communication and speech clarity

• swallowing and mealtime safety

• fatigue and reduced physical endurance

• participation at home and in the community

The Parkinson’s Foundation notes that movement symptoms can include postural instability, stooped posture and difficulty walking, while later-stage changes may also affect speech and swallowing.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support adults with Parkinson’s disease where there are goals related to mobility, balance, transfers, walking, posture, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and mobility support

• balance and falls prevention strategies

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• fatigue-aware activity planning

• support for posture and movement confidence

• mobility aid input where clinically appropriate
  
  

Supportive treatments such as physiotherapy are specifically listed by the NHS as part of Parkinson’s treatment, and the Parkinson’s Foundation states that exercise and physical therapy are important for maintaining mobility and easing symptoms.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when Parkinson’s disease is affecting daily living, routines, hand use, fatigue management, home safety, equipment needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine strategies

• task simplification or environmental adaptation

• home safety recommendations

• fatigue management and pacing

• equipment or assistive technology suggestions where appropriate

The Parkinson’s Foundation notes that assistive technology and adaptive devices can improve safety, function and independence in Parkinson’s disease.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology may be highly relevant where Parkinson’s disease affects speech, communication, feeding or swallowing. The NHS states that many people with Parkinson’s disease have swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and problems with speech, and speech and language therapists may help with speaking and swallowing exercises or assistive technology.

The Parkinson’s Foundation also notes that swallowing changes can increase the risk of dehydration, malnutrition, choking or aspiration, which is why swallowing assessment can be important when concerns arise.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some adults with Parkinson’s disease who need support with strength, conditioning, endurance or structured physical activity. Programs should always be tailored carefully to the person’s function, fatigue, balance and safety needs.

The Parkinson’s Foundation states that regular physical activity is important in Parkinson’s disease, and one of its fact sheets notes that increasing activity to at least 2.5 hours per week is associated with slower symptom progression in observational outcomes data. That should still be framed cautiously as supportive management rather than a cure.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how Parkinson’s disease is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help most at that point in time. Therapy may focus on:

improving walking and mobility

supporting balance and movement confidence

helping with transfers and everyday tasks

supporting communication or swallowing needs

adapting routines as function changes

supporting safety and participation in daily life

Because Parkinson’s disease can affect movement, communication and daily living together, coordinated allied health input can be helpful alongside medical care.

FAQ

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and can also affect speech, swallowing, balance and daily function over time.

Is Parkinson’s disease progressive?

Yes. Parkinson’s disease is progressive, which means symptoms usually change over time, although the pattern and speed of progression vary from person to person.

Can physiotherapy help with Parkinson’s disease?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, walking, balance, transfers, posture and physical participation for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The NHS and Parkinson’s Foundation both list physiotherapy and exercise as important supportive treatments.

Can occupational therapy help with Parkinson’s disease?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with daily living, routines, hand use, home safety, fatigue management, equipment and independence. The Parkinson’s Foundation notes that assistive devices can improve safety and function.

Can Parkinson’s disease affect speech or swallowing?

Yes. The NHS states that many people with Parkinson’s disease have speech and swallowing difficulties, and speech and language therapists can help with speaking and swallowing exercises.

Does everyone with Parkinson’s disease need speech pathology?

Not always, but speech pathology may become relevant if the person develops communication, voice, feeding or swallowing concerns. The severity and timing of these symptoms vary between individuals.

Can Parkinson’s disease affect walking and balance?

Yes. The Parkinson’s Foundation lists difficulty walking, postural instability and changes in posture as common movement symptoms, especially as the condition progresses.

Can allied health treat Parkinson’s disease itself?

No. Parkinson’s disease requires medical diagnosis and management. Allied health does not treat the disease itself, but may support mobility, function, communication, swallowing, safety and day-to-day quality of life.

When should someone with Parkinson’s disease see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when Parkinson’s disease is affecting mobility, balance, fatigue, daily living, communication, swallowing or independence. Early supportive therapy can also help with planning, function and confidence.

If you or your family member is living with Parkinson’s disease and would like support with mobility, balance, daily function, communication or swallowing, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Parkinson's Australia – The national peak body providing information, support, and advocacy for people living with Parkinson's Disease.

https://www.parkinsons.org.au

Parkinson's NSW – Offers support and services for individuals and families affected by Parkinson's Disease in New South Wales.

https://www.parkinsonsnsw.org.au

Parkinson's Victoria – Provides resources, information, and support for people with PD in Victoria.

https://www.parkinsons-vic.org.au

Parkinson's Queensland – Support services and information for individuals living with PD in Queensland.

https://www.parkinsons.qld.gov.au

Parkinson's Western Australia – Local resources and support for people affected by Parkinson's in Western Australia.

https://www.parkinsonswa.org.au

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) – Provides funding support for individuals with disabilities, including those with Parkinson's Disease.

https://www.ndis.gov.au

Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) – Resources on physiotherapy for individuals with PD.

https://australian.physio

Occupational Therapy Australia – Information on the role of occupational therapy in Parkinson's Disease management.

https://otaus.com.au

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) – Resources on exercise physiology for individuals living with chronic illnesses like PD.

https://www.essa.org.au

Australian Government Health – General information on Parkinson's Disease and support services available.

https://www.health.gov.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.