Parkside Power for Parkinson’s Disease

Do you have or do you know anyone that has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease?

Over 10 000 Australian’s are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year. More than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s. Numbers are expected to rise 4% each year with the biggest risk factor being ageing.

If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. Make sure you read on to find out more information on how we can help you take control with our new Parkside Power exercise challenge.

Here at Parkside Sports Physiotherapy, we have recently started ‘Parkside Power’, a group exercise class designed specifically to help those living with Parkinson’s. These classes are run with 2 instructors, Exercise Physiologist Ashleigh Hooper, and Physiotherapist Shaylee Pyett.

Parkinson’s is a neurological disorder where there is a dopamine deficiency in the brain. A loss of dopamine leads to problems with movement. We know medication alone does not help slow the progression of Parkinson’s down, it helps with symptom management.

This is where our group classes are helpful. Exercise helps everyone to maintain mobility and function. With Parkinson’s disease, there is growing evidence that specific types of exercises – ones with power and repetition, can help re-wire the brain through neuroplasticity. The type of exercise offered in Parkside Power is specifically designed to improve physical functioning and slow Parkinson’s symptom progression.

Our program is designed for those who have been diagnosed with early to moderate Parkinson’s Disease. It’s designed for those who are walking, at low risk of falls and have no major health concerns. If you think someone is too active and moving too well to be involved in our classes – this is not the case and research shows that greatest benefit is seen with early intervention. We can also modify our program to fit people with more advanced movement disorders.

Here is how our program will run:

• First, you will have an initial consultation with our Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist where you will discuss your current history and personal goals. We will perform an assessment and have a look at your walking, fine motor tasks and movement. We will provide you with a personalised home exercise program.
• Follow up 1:1 consultation: to help learn some of the exercises we will perform in our group classes and trial a simulated group class independently.
• Group classes: 2x a week in a circuit style class, exercises tailored to you.
• Follow up assessment: to measure progress over the past 10 weeks and plan your next steps

If this sounds like something you are interested in, feel free to get in contact for more information or to book an initial consultation.