Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Parkinson's management should be coordinated with a neurologist. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Physiotherapy and exercise are among the most powerful tools available for Parkinson's disease management. They maintain mobility, reduce fall risk, slow functional decline, and — with high-intensity training — may even provide neuroprotective effects that slow disease progression.
Why Exercise Matters in Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, and no medication reverses its course. But exercise changes the trajectory. Animal and human research shows that high-intensity exercise:
- Stimulates dopamine production in the surviving neurons of the substantia nigra
- Promotes neuroplasticity and neuronal growth factors (BDNF, GDNF)
- Slows the progression of motor symptoms compared to no exercise
- Improves walking speed, balance, and falls rate
- Reduces depression and anxiety — highly prevalent in Parkinson's
- Improves sleep quality and cognitive function
Physiotherapy Interventions for Parkinson's
- LSVT BIG: An intensive 4-week program teaching large amplitude movement to overcome the hypokinesia (reduced movement amplitude) characteristic of PD. Strong evidence base.
- Treadmill training: Forced-use treadmill training at moderate-to-high intensity improves gait quality and speed. Some evidence suggests it may have neuroprotective effects.
- Balance and falls prevention: Specific balance challenges, dual-task training (walking while talking), and reactive balance training — all critical for fall prevention in PD.
- Cueing strategies: Visual (floor markers), auditory (metronome, music), and attentional cues that activate alternative neural pathways to bypass the basal ganglia deficit responsible for freezing.
- Flexibility and stretching: Addressing rigidity and maintaining posture.
- Resistance training: Building muscle strength to compensate for motor control deficits.
Funding for Parkinson's Physiotherapy
NDIS funding is available for people under 65 with Parkinson's disease who have functional impairment. Medicare EPC plans from a GP provide bulk-billed sessions. Many patients also receive physiotherapy through Parkinson's Australia-affiliated programs.
Parkinson's Physiotherapy at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
We work with people with Parkinson's disease throughout Melbourne's northern suburbs. Our physiotherapists are experienced in neurological rehabilitation and movement retraining. NDIS registered. Call (03) 9467 6900 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Parkinson's disease affect movement?
Parkinson's disease primarily affects the dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra, causing the characteristic motor symptoms: bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (muscle stiffness), resting tremor, and postural instability. These combine to produce the shuffling gait, stooped posture, reduced arm swing, and freezing episodes that affect mobility and fall risk.
What type of exercise is best for Parkinson's disease?
High-intensity aerobic exercise has the strongest evidence for neuroprotection and slowing disease progression. Treadmill training, cycling, dancing (tango in particular has strong evidence), boxing programs (non-contact), swimming, and resistance training all have demonstrated benefits. The key is exercising at sufficient intensity — which a physiotherapist will help determine safely.
What is freezing of gait in Parkinson's?
Freezing of gait (FOG) is a sudden, temporary inability to continue walking — the feet feel "glued" to the floor, typically when starting, turning, or approaching a doorway. It is a significant fall risk. Physiotherapists teach cueing strategies — visual (tape lines on the floor), auditory (rhythmic music or metronome), and attentional — that can break through freezing episodes.
When should someone with Parkinson's start physiotherapy?
Early. The optimal time to begin Parkinson's physiotherapy is soon after diagnosis — not when function has significantly declined. Early exercise intervention builds the reserves of movement quality, strength, and balance that buffer against later disease progression. Physiotherapy continues throughout the disease course, adapting to changing needs.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora