Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders

Living with a movement disorder such as Parkinson’s disease is challenging both physically and emotionally, for the person with the condition and for family members and caregivers. Tremors, slow movements, trouble being heard and understood, fear of falling, and an unpredictable disease progression may affect your independence and outlook on life.

Whether you have recently been diagnosed or have been living with a movement disorder for many years, RIC’s Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders offers hope and help through an integrated approach to maximizing ability and functioning. Our multidisciplinary “one-stop” approach provides strategies to help you cope with your illness and sustain the energy, activities and independence you enjoy. Plus, inspiration and insights from research suggest that when the functional needs in people with movement disorders are addressed earlier, the outcomes are better.

 

Beyond Medication: Comprehensive Rehabilitative Care

Parkinson’s disease occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine – a chemical messenger that creates smooth, coordinated muscle function and movement – perish or become impaired. Often the result is shaking (tremor), slowness of movement, stiffness and balance problems, sometimes accompanied by stooped posture, shuffling walk and muffled speech.

While medications may help minimize some symptoms, comprehensive rehabilitative services – including physical, occupational and speech therapy – can make all the difference in enjoying life and maintaining independence. The Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders team works with you to enhance physical, intellectual and emotional well-being by creating a customized plan that addresses your particular functional needs and challenges. Under the direction of a physiatrist – a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation – the team focuses on improving gait, balance, communication and other issues that interfere with your quality of life.

For many sufferers, the most common and troubling symptoms – lack of coordination, balance, walking and postural problems – can be effectively addressed through physical therapy. A customized program of therapeutic exercises, with guidance from one of our specialized therapists, can also help with flexibility and fall prevention.

 

With You Every Step of the Way

RIC offers three collaborative levels of care to meet your specific needs. Outpatient rehabilitation is appropriate for those who will need only one or two disciplines of therapy. Day rehabilitation is for those who can benefit from multiple therapies and continued monitoring by a physiatrist. And for some, the first step is inpatient rehabilitation for more intensive therapies at RIC’s flagship hospital.

 

Making an Appointment

Please call RIC at 800.354.7342 to schedule an appointment.