All photography provided by Jared Chambers

Protect your brain with medicine from inside and out.

What is parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological degenerative condition where one gradually experiences a decline in dopamine neurotransmitter levels in their brain. This is due to the progressive damage to cells in the substantia nigra region of the mid brain.

For person’s with Parkinson’s Disease, what they typically experience is a sense of stiffness of their body, difficulty to move quickly, difficulty with balance, staying still, fine hand coordination, and freezing when walking. As the disease progresses, non-movement symptoms gradually arises. These may include memory challenges, confusion, and difficulty with speaking loudly.

Why does it happen?

It is not well understood what causes the cells in our brain to be affected. Therefore treatment emphasize how to protect and maximize your neurotransmitter levels as well as techniques for improving your ability to move.

Does it get better?

As a progressive neurological disease, the condition tends to get worse over time. But with good medical management, physical therapy, nutrition and life style, the progression can be slowed dramatically. Also, persons with PD tends to have been experiencing the symptoms for a while before it has become a sufficient issue to be medically diagnosed. At that point, beginning treatment can usually restore some of their limitations from their most limited state to a milder, manageable state.

Your neurologist will help provide you with medication that protects your neurotransmitter levels in your brain. There are also life style changes, nutritional changes, and surgical options that can improve your life. Speak with your neurologist, or call us if you would like a recommendation for a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson’s Disease.

What can we do to help?

Here comes the good news! Exercise has been shown to be effective for protecting our dopamine producing cells from Parkinson’s Disease. Dynamic movements can improve your mobility. Taichi exercises have been shown to improve one’s balance and posture. We combine all of these things with physical therapy techniques to improve your stiffness, mobility, strength, and discomfort.

• LSVT BIG & PWR - Two sets of clinically proven exercises that improve your mobility and balance

• Taichi - Gentle exercises to improve your posture and balance.

• Qigong - Gentle breathing exercises to improve your energy level

• PNF Stretching - Stretches utilizing your neuromuscular system to cause your stiff muscles to relax

• Gait training - Specific practice to improve stiffness, arm swing, balance, speed, curbs, and turns during walking.

• Strengthening - Simple strength exercises that stimulate your neuromuscular system to protect your brain cells as well as improve your daily life.

• Aerobic exercise - Aerobic exercise has been shown to be neuroprotective for your midbrain.

• Neuro-boxing - Boxing has been clinically shown to be effective to improve your balance, movement speed, power, and reaction.

• And much more! Parkinson’s management here is holistic and comprehensive. After your evaluation, your therapist can explain to you the essential components of your program.

How long will it take?

Each visit is 45 minutes to an hour.

How much does it cost?

We are in network with most PPO insurances and medicare. We also accept worker's compensation claims and automotive injury claims. You will be responsible for your insurance deductible and copay. We can contact your insurer to find out details for you but it is always recommended that you speak your your insurance company to verify as sometimes their database can be out of date.

Do you take insurance?

We are in network with most PPO insurances and medicare. We also accept worker's compensation claims and automotive injury claims. You will be responsible for your insurance deductible and copay. We can contact your insurer to find out details for you but it is always recommended that you speak your your insurance company to verify as sometimes their database can be out of date.

DOES the treatment hurt?

No. Parkinson’s Treatment primarily entails exercise and stretching in various manners. You should be and will be tired, and you may be sore from exercising but it is not painful.

Are you sure this will work?

Parkinson’s Disease can be very challenging to manage. But typically there is always room for improvement in how you are feeling and how you are doing. It is a hard thing to be experiencing but all the more reason for us to find courage together and face the challenges ahead together.