Treatment Options

Physical therapy is a treatment that uses methods like massage, physical exercises, and cold/heat applications to help patients. Therapy may also be directed to educate caregivers in safe methods to assist Parkinson's patients with transfers into and out of bed, the bathtub, or an automobile.

Speech therapy is a treatment that helps people with speaking and language problems. For those living with Parkinson's disease, therapy may include exercises to improve voice volume (through diaphragm and chest wall excursion or vocal cord modulation) as well as enunciation (through improved use of the lips, tongue, and palate).

Occupational therapy is a treatment that focuses on the physical, developmental, social, and emotional needs of patients.

Home therapy evaluation is another therapeutic option that may be considered by patients. It usually includes a personal home evaluation for potential fall risks and safety railings, as well as other assistive needs. For some immediate suggestions on how you can set up your living space to make it Parkinson's disease-friendly, see the Parkinson's Friendly Home.)

Movement therapy (also known as CIMT: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, or forced-limb use) is a treatment designed to strengthen specific limbs in a patient.

Surgical treatments for Parkinson's disease refer to different types of brain surgery used to reduce symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In cases where patients have had intolerable side effects from medication, or who no longer sufficiently respond to previously effective therapy, surgical treatment may be considered. There are various surgical approaches to the treatment of Parkinson's disease: deep brain stimulation, pallidotomy, subthalamotomy, and thalamotomy.