Parkinson’s Disease Wellness Program

” About five years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I was informed that there was not a cure but to take Carbidopa/levodopa to minimize symptoms. After being enrolled in the program, I very quickly started to make my condition less apparent. All staff who worked with me did a terrific job so far and I wish other people will be as fortunate to get into such an excellent program as this. I realize there may not be a remedy for my disease, but this program has certainly helped me to live with and minimize my illness.”
—J. Downey

” I was happy to discover this program after I was diagnosed because I realize that exercise is key in slowing down the disease progress. I like the fact that it is run by professionals who design the program specifically for those with Parkinson’s. I’ve been very happy with the program and it keeps me motivated to continue exercising at other times.”
—A. Cutter

“Knowing that exercise is probably one of the most important things you can do for Parkinson’s, this program is designed specifically for that. I find it motivating. I find the instructors extremely well organized and their exercises specifically designed to help me in battling this disease.”
 —R. Reney

“I feel more in shape now than I did before Parkinson’s Disease.”
—S. Nelson 

The warm and friendly people you have here are inspiring. Heather, Andrew, and Noelle have helped me so much. I can’t begin to show my appreciation. At the Center for Balance Mobility and Wellness, I learned the importance of Exercise. Equally important is the timing of taking medication. For 15 years, I’ve kept the symptoms of PD in check. I could not do this alone.
—R. Zirpolo

CBMW clients and Parkinson’s Wellness Program participants

Watch Kathy C’s PD Program video testimony HERE
Watch other PD Program Participants’ videos HERE

It has been our privilege to meet and work with hundreds of individuals with Parkinson’s disease over the past 19 years. Whether newly diagnosed or further along the journey of this disease, our staff at the Center are here to assist and serve you.

For the past 19 years, in addition to 1:1 physical therapy services, the CBMW has offered a number of “ala carte” services for our clients with PD including our Parkinson’s Community Wellness Class for those with moderate PD and our Persevering in Exercise for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PEP), a class which supports accountability and sustainability of exercise for those with Parkinson’s. To better serve our clients, particularly those newly diagnosed, we have now branded our Parkinson’s services and created a comprehensive program—Parkinson’s Community Wellness: Empowerment through Education and Exercise.

LIVING WELL WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE EDUCATIONAL SERIES 2024

We were thrilled to welcome over 260 participants throughout our four-part seminar series in spring 2022, which addressed key areas of managing Parkinson’s. If you missed any of the sessions, we’ve got you covered. You can access all seminars using the links above which correspond with each seminar. As you can see above, these informative seminars featured experts in a variety of disciplines—movement specialists, social work, as well as speech, occupational and physical therapy and nutrition.

Why this program?

Research demonstrates exercise is a first-line defense in mitigating Parkinson’s disease progression and minimizing functional declines. Increased physical activity improves physical, cognitive, and psychological capabilities. Therefore, referral to physical therapy and participation in effective exercise is vital and particularly recommended at the time of diagnosis. Although care at any point along the disease spectrum is helpful, intervention is most effective when delivered ahead of declines when patients are most able to engage in exercise and to adopt a lifestyle of exercise to increase function.

What does the PD Wellness Program Offer?

INITIAL PHYSICAL THERAPY EVALUATION

Clients may be self-referred or referred by their neurologist or primary care physician. A comprehensive evaluation is the starting point for all our clients. You will meet with one of our licensed physical therapists, with advanced training in evaluating and treating those with Parkinson’s Disease. Your therapist will review your current and past medical history, identify your goals and answer your questions. They will assess several baseline measures of gait, balance, posture, and movement that will be important to monitor. They will empower you through education and inspiration on how to live well with PD while maintaining the highest level of independence and purpose.

How to schedule with us:

• Call us at 978.867.4095
• Stop by the Center at 26r Hull Street, Wenham MA (Brigham Athletic Complex)
• Complete this form so that a representative can get in touch with you as soon as possible.

PATIENTS: Ask your physician for a referral. Download and bring this prescription form to your physician.

PHYSICIANS: Complete this prescription form print and email it to CBMW Front Desk or print and fax to 978.429.0694

PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION

Depending on the results of your evaluation and the progression of your disease, your therapist will recommend one or more of the following:

• Individual physical therapy – you and your therapist may determine the need for 1:1 therapy to address areas that are specific to you and may not be otherwise addressed in a class setting.
• Home exercise program – one of the primary objectives of physical therapy is to foster independence. Your therapist will teach you appropriate exercises that you can carry out in the comfort of your own home.
• Participation in one of our classes specifically for individuals with PD
  • PowerFit 
  • PEP Plus
  • PEP – Persevering in Exercise for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease
  • Participation in our other wellness classes open to all
  • Membership at our Wellness Center (reach out to learn more about our Parkinson’s grant membership discount)
  • Participation in one of our educational seminars

COGNITIVE COMMUNICATION AND VOICE INTERVENTION

• Amy Karas, SLP: Schedule an appointment with Amy Karas, SLP certified in both LSVT LOUD ® and SPEAK OUT®
  Reach Amy at 617-893-8807 OR [email protected]

WELLNESS MEMBERSHIP

Clients get a reduced rate when combined with participation in PEP or PEP Plus. View membership details ➔

RESOURCES

Our program works to stay current with evidence-based treatment, research, support and services for those with PD and their care partners. We work to create and sustain relationships with multidisciplinary professionals, in the city of Boston and the greater North Shore community, to provide credible and effective resources for our patients, including referrals to specialists and assistance in building appropriate care teams as needed.

• Cognitive Communication and Voice Intervention -Amy Karas, SLP Cognitive Communication for Everyday Living – www.SLPAmyKaras.com
• Michael J. Fox Foundation 
• Davis Phinney Foundation
• About Parkinson’s Disease
• Parkinson’s Foundation
• APDA of MA
• Parkinson’s Fitness/ParkinsonsFitness.org
• Charlotte and Richard Okonow Parkinson’s Family Support