Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease: How LSVT BIG Improves Mobility and Quality of Life

Parkinson’s disease affects about one million Americans and approximately 4–6 million people worldwide. It is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder of unknown cause that primarily impacts older adults over the age of 65 — though early-onset Parkinson’s can occur much earlier, sometimes before the age of 40. The disease is noticeably more common in men than in women.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

At its core, Parkinson’s involves the gradual depletion of dopaminergic cells in the brain, leading to decreased levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This imbalance causes early signs such as periodic hand tremors, shoulder pain (often diagnosed as “frozen shoulder”), micrographia (small handwriting), reduced arm swing while walking, and frequent tripping due to one foot catching on uneven surfaces.

As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
• Muscle stiffness and rigidity
• Resting tremor
• Postural instability and balance problems
• Gait and coordination difficulties

Early detection plays a crucial role in managing the condition. Some early, non-specific warning signs that people rarely connect with Parkinson’s include loss of smell, constipation, depression, and sleep disorders — often appearing years before the full onset of motor symptoms.

Treatment and the Role of Physical Therapy

Since the root cause of Parkinson’s remains unclear, current treatment methods focus on slowing the progression of neuronal degeneration and improving dopamine levels to ease symptoms. Early intervention is essential — timely diagnosis and treatment can slow disease progression by several years and greatly improve quality of life.

Standard treatment usually includes:

• Pharmacological therapy to restore dopamine balance
• Healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and regular exercise
• Targeted physical therapy designed specifically for Parkinson’s disease

Among all available approaches, physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease plays a uniquely powerful role in helping patients maintain mobility, balance, and independence. Working with an experienced therapist trained in the latest neurological techniques can significantly delay the physical decline often associated with Parkinson’s.

LSVT BIG Program at PDR Physical Therapy & Wellness Center

At our clinic in Mount Prospect, Illinois, we offer a specialized program designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s — the LSVT BIG program. Developed and perfected over more than 20 years, LSVT BIG focuses on retraining the body to move with greater amplitude and confidence. Because motor function is one of the greatest challenges in Parkinson’s, this program directly addresses those deficits through personalized, high-intensity physical therapy.

The main goals of LSVT BIG include:

• Improving gait and posture
• Enhancing balance and coordination
• Teaching larger, more confident movements
• Strengthening muscles and increasing endurance

The LSVT BIG protocol includes 16 one-hour sessions delivered four times per week for four weeks. After completing the program, patients are encouraged to continue exercises at home to maintain results and ensure ongoing progress. Continuing therapy regularly can help prevent complications such as falls and maintain overall functional independence.

Community Involvement and Support

According to modern medical standards, managing Parkinson’s disease involves more than addressing its physical symptoms. Emotional well-being, education, and community support are equally vital in promoting quality of life for both patients and their families.

At PDR Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, we proudly participate each year in “Moving Day” — a nationwide campaign organized by the Parkinson’s Foundation. This inspiring event brings together thousands of participants across the United States to raise awareness, share experiences, and support those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Since its start in 2012, more than 130,000 people have taken part, helping raise over $27 million to advance research and develop new treatments.

Learn More

For additional information and resources, visit the following organizations:

• Parkinson’s Foundation
• Michael J. Fox Foundation