Exercise, Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies
Staying independent with Parkinson's disease (PD) and with older age is an important goal. We can remain independent through exercise, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone. When you have PD, exercise is as important as taking your medications on time, every time. Ideally, find an exercise class that is specific to PD.
Exercise Classes for Parkinson’s
If you want the convenience of exercising at home and enjoy being part of a class, visit our extensive list of online PD exercise classes taking place at specific days/times.
If you want to exercise according to your own schedule, visit our list of PD exercise videos.
If you live in Northern or Central California and are looking for an in-person PD exercise class, visit our Northern California class list. Looking for research on the impact exercise has on PD symptoms and how you should exercise to reap the most benefit? Visit our research page.
Fall Prevention Strategies
Fall prevention is important in PD and for all of us. Looking for evidence on the value of fall prevention? Visit our page.
If you live in Northern or Central California and are looking for an in-person fall prevention class, visit our class list.
Speech and Voice Therapy
As with physical exercise, voice and speech exercise is important in PD. The muscles that control voice volume and speech production need exercise. Speech therapists (also called speech/language pathologists) offer guidance. Ideally, find a therapist with expertise in the therapies specific to PD.
If you want the convenience of engaging in speech/voice exercises at home, visit our list.
If you live near Stanford, California, see our list of PD-knowledgeable speech therapists. If you live elsewhere in Northern or Central California, contact us.
Occupational Therapy for Daily Living
Another form of therapy that can help those with PD maintain independence is occupational therapy. The word "occupation" refers to "everyday tasks," not the workplace. Occupational therapists can develop individualized approaches for activities such as exercise, mobility, dressing, bathing, etc. OTs are experts in adaptive equipment and gadgets.
Visit our webpage on tips to live independently with PD.