Resources for Patients and Families

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD), many people with this condition find that exercise programs and/or physical therapy can be greatly beneficial. Studies confirm that people with PD can improve their mobility, flexibility, strength and fitness, and overall quality of life through exercise.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have had Parkinson’s Disease for a number of years, our physical therapists can help you manage your symptoms over your lifetime. To inquire about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call 617-353-7525.

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) National Rehab Resource Center at Boston University

The APDA National Rehab Resource Center at Boston University is the country’s first national resource center for rehabilitation. It is available to medical professionals and people with PD nationwide, serving as a central resource for information about PD-related rehabilitation and exercise. To learn more about this Center, please click here. The Center encompasses a toll-free exercise helpline which enables callers to speak with a licensed physical therapist who can answer questions about exercise, provide information about programs in the caller’s area and provide educational materials. 

The “Be Active & Beyond” Booklet

Explore the “Be Active & Beyond” booklet, which includes exercise guidelines along with instructions for a number of exercises that can be done within the comfort of one’s own home. You can download “Be Active and Beyond” free of charge.

 Let’s Keep Moving with APDA Series 

Listen to this webinar presentation by Teresa Baker PT, DPT. In this episode you’ll learn: When is it time to consider using an assistive device? The pros and cons of different devices for people with PD. How to choose a device based on your needs and your goals, and who can help you decide.

Listen to this webinar presentation by Tim Nordahl PT, DPT. In this episode you’ll learn: What does the research show about the benefits of using audible cues to improve movement? How can auditory cueing help you walk better in your everyday life? How can you use a metronome or music to help you walk for exercise?

Listen to this webinar presentation by Nick Wendel PT, DPT. In this episode you’ll learn: What types of gait problems are associated with PD? What types of strategies can be helpful to overcome these gait problems? What strategies could be the best for you to try based on your individual needs?

Watch the rest of the Let’s Keep Moving series here. This series of webinars focuses on various aspects of Parkinson’s disease and are presented by experts. New webinars are released periodically.

Find the links below to our webinar series that we hosted with the APDA on exercise and fitness with a live Q&A from participants:

• Evidence-Based Treatment to Improve Balance (Part 3 of 3)
• The Impact of PD on Balance: Assessing Balance with a Physical Therapist (Part 2 of 3)
• The Impact of PD on Balance (Part 1 of 3)
• Expert Panel Discussion – Exercise & Physical Activity in the “New Normal”
• Be Active at Home: Exercise Tips for People with PD
• How to Stay Motivated for Physical Activity with Social Distancing
• Setting up for Success at Home: Creating an Exercise-Friendly Area
• Stepping into Spring: Keep your Step Count up with a Walking Program
• What does the Science Say About Walking & Parkinson Disease?
• Demystifying the Magic Numbers: The Science Behind 10,000 Steps & 150 Minutes
• Exercise Intensity: How Hard to Work & Why it Matters

The Department of Veteran Affairs

The Department of Veteran Affairs, Employment Education System and PADRECC (Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers) provide access to “My Parkinson’s Story” a video library series including topics from medication to exercise to falls (and more).

Davis Phinney Every Victory Counts Manual

The Every Victory Counts manual provides reliable, practical information to improve quality of life everyday for people with Parkinson’s Disease. To learn more and order your own copy, please click here.

Michael J. Fox Foundation and Partners in Parkinson’s Webinar Series

To learn more about the educational opportunities available through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, please click here. The Partners in Parkinson’s Webinar Series has a variety of prerecorded and planned webinar presentations with experts from the field. Check out this webinar about how to optimize your care across all stages of the disease or this one about assembling and managing your care team. To view a list of all webinars, please click here.