Physical therapy can help people with Parkinson disease. Treatment can help improve quality of life and even delay the negative effects of the disease. But, a recent study shows that many people with PD aren't getting physical therapy.
According to a study presented at the 20th International Congress of Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, less than 12% of Medicare beneficiaries with PD received physical therapy over a two-year period. Occupational therapy and speech therapy services also were underused.
"Occupational and physical therapy can help patients with being able to exercise... That's one of the most effective ways to reverse the course of Parkinson's," said Peter Schmidt, PhD, of the National Parkinson Foundation, in MedPage Today. "The earlier you get it, particularly physical therapy, the more effective it is later in the disease."
The resources below can help you learn more about how physical therapists help people with PD.
Related Resources
- Physical Therapy Guide to Parkinson Disease
- Podcast: Parkinson Disease and the Role of Physical Therapy
- Early Exercise Can Decrease Depression in Patients With Parkinson Disease
- Video: Physical Therapy for People With Parkinson Disease
- Parkinson Disease: 9 Things to Know for Better Quality of Life
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