Parkinson's Disease
Are You Struggling With Parkinson's Disease
At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our physiotherapists are experts in helping patients manage the complex challenges of Parkinson’s disease. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson’s for years, we use evidence-based physiotherapy to improve mobility, reduce stiffness, restore confidence in walking, and enhance your overall quality of life.
Don’t let Parkinson’s symptoms control your day — let us help you stay active, independent, and engaged. Request an Appointment today with Cogent Rehab and begin your journey to better movement and function.
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when cells in the brain (substantia nigra) stop producing dopamine — the chemical that enables smooth and coordinated motion. Without enough dopamine, movement becomes slow, stiff, and difficult.
Most people develop symptoms between ages 50 and 60, but Parkinson’s can occur earlier (young onset) or later in life. While motor symptoms like tremors and rigidity are well-known, Parkinson’s also causes non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, and sleep problems.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s remains unclear. Researchers believe it is immune-mediated, where the body mistakenly attacks its own cells. Genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors also play a role. The result is the gradual loss of dopamine-producing cells, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Parkinson's Diasease
Motor Symptoms (TRAP):
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Tremors: Involuntary shaking, often starting in one hand.
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Rigidity: Stiff, painful muscles that limit motion.
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Akinesia/Bradykinesia: Slow movements, shuffling steps, difficulty initiating activity.
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Postural Instability: Poor balance, bent posture, frequent falls.
Non-Motor Symptoms:
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Mood and Thinking: Depression, anxiety, cognitive changes.
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Autonomic Dysfunction: Bladder or bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, excessive sweating.
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Sleep Issues: Insomnia, REM sleep disorder, excessive daytime sleepiness.
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Speech & Swallowing: Difficulty chewing, swallowing, drooling, or speaking clearly.
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Other: Fatigue, dizziness, vision changes, tremors in voice or hands, unexplained weight loss.
When To Seek Help
You should seek physiotherapy if you:
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Notice tremors, stiffness, or slowed movement affecting daily activities.
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Have frequent falls, balance problems, or difficulty walking.
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Experience fatigue, mobility issues, or loss of independence.
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Are recently diagnosed and want to maintain your mobility and function for longer.
Urgent medical help is needed if you experience sudden worsening of symptoms, severe falls, confusion, or difficulty swallowing/breathing.
Why Choose Cogent Rehab Burlington?
At Cogent Rehab, we go beyond symptom management — we empower patients to stay independent, active, and socially engaged. Our physiotherapists are trained in neurological rehabilitation, using innovative techniques like disease-specific functional exercise, whole-spine mobility programs, weight shifting, and balance retraining.
Unlike general therapy clinics, we tailor programs to your daily activities, ensuring exercises are meaningful and effective for real-life function. Our team also provides ongoing support and education for patients and families to help you adapt at each stage of Parkinson’s.
How Can Physiotherapy Help With Parkinson's Disease?
Physiotherapy is a proven strategy to slow functional decline and improve daily mobility in Parkinson’s disease. At Cogent Rehab, we design customized programs that may include:
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Therapeutic Exercise – Improves strength, flexibility, and endurance.
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Balance & Gait Training – Reduces fall risk and restores walking confidence.
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Postural Re-education – Corrects stooped posture and builds core strength.
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Cueing & Movement Strategies – Helps overcome freezing and slowness of movement.
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Education & Self-Management – Teaching daily strategies to conserve energy and remain independent.
FAQs About Parkinson's Physiotherapy
Q1. Can physiotherapy slow down Parkinson’s disease?
While physiotherapy cannot cure Parkinson’s, research shows it slows the loss of mobility, improves independence, and reduces complications such as falls.
Q2. How often should I attend physiotherapy sessions?
Frequency depends on your stage of Parkinson’s and symptoms, but most patients benefit from weekly or biweekly sessions, plus a personalized home exercise plan.
Q3. What type of exercises are best for Parkinson’s?
Functional, task-specific exercises such as gait training, posture correction, balance exercises, and strength training have been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Q4. Do you offer programs for early-stage Parkinson’s?
Yes. Starting physiotherapy early after diagnosis helps patients remain active and independent for longer, often delaying mobility-related complications.