Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that can affect movement, balance and everyday activities. This article explains what a neurological physiotherapist does, how Parkinson’s disease can affect movement, and how NeuroABLE Physiotherapy at Health on High in Coffs Harbour may support people living with Parkinson’s disease through individualised rehabilitation, walking and mobility support, exercise and specialised equipment, always working alongside your wider healthcare team.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that can affect movement, balance, mobility and participation in everyday activities. Because its symptoms and progression are different for every person, living well with Parkinson’s is usually supported by a team of health professionals, and a neurological physiotherapist is often a key part of that team. Their focus is on movement, mobility and the everyday goals that matter most to you.
At Health on High, this support is provided through NeuroABLE Physiotherapy, a dedicated neurological and complex disability physiotherapy service. NeuroABLE Physiotherapy is delivered by Helena Axelsson, an experienced neurological physiotherapist, and focuses on helping people work towards meaningful goals that fit naturally into daily life. Depending on individual needs, sessions may take place in the clinic, at home or in the community.
What Does a Neurological Physiotherapist Do?
Neurological physiotherapy focuses on movement difficulties that relate to the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. Rather than following a fixed routine, care is shaped around each person, their condition and the activities they want to keep doing.
- Supporting people living with neurological conditions, including progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
- Taking a person centred approach to rehabilitation, built around your priorities and daily life.
- Working towards meaningful everyday goals, from moving around the home to staying active in the community.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Challenges
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological condition that affects the control of body movement. According to Better Health Channel, it cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed with the right support. The way it affects movement varies widely from person to person, and recognising these changes is where neurological physiotherapy can help, by focusing on the specific challenges below.
- Changes in walking and mobility, such as slower movement or a shuffling walking pattern.
- Balance and coordination challenges, which can affect confidence and increase the risk of falls.
- Changes in everyday physical activities, including tasks that were once automatic.
- Maintaining participation in daily life, at home, at work and in the community.
How NeuroABLE Physiotherapy Supports People Living With Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease physiotherapy with NeuroABLE focuses on helping you move well, stay as independent as possible and keep doing the things that matter. Depending on your situation, support may include:
Individual Assessment and Goal Setting
An assessment looks at how you move, what feels challenging and what your everyday goals are, so your program can be built around you.
Tailored Neurological Physiotherapy Programs
Your physiotherapist can develop a program suited to your symptoms, your stage of Parkinson’s and the activities you want to maintain.
Supporting Mobility, Balance and Function
Sessions may focus on walking, balance and coordination, including practising functional movements such as turning, stopping and starting, so you can move with more confidence at home and in the community.
Adapting Rehabilitation Over Time
Because Parkinson’s changes over time, your program can be reviewed and adjusted so it continues to suit your needs.
The Role of Exercise in Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation
Exercise is one of the most valuable tools in Parkinson’s rehabilitation. Healthdirect notes that staying active may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease and support mobility, posture and quality of life, and Better Health Channel reports that regular exercise can improve some symptoms, balance and confidence with daily activities.
Guided exercise for Parkinson’s disease can be tailored so it is safe, achievable and easy to maintain.
- Personalised exercise programs, matched to your ability and goals.
- Maintaining strength and endurance, to support everyday movement.
- Supporting long term physical activity, as a regular part of life.
- Exercise that fits naturally into daily life, so it is easier to keep up.
How Specialised Equipment Can Support Neurological Rehabilitation
NeuroABLE Physiotherapy has access to specialised equipment that is not commonly available locally, which can make safe rehabilitation possible for people with more complex mobility needs.
- A tilt table, which supports graded weight bearing and safe standing.
- A ceiling hoist, which supports safe transfers and positioning during therapy.
- Support for complex mobility challenges, so more people can take part in meaningful rehabilitation.
Neurological Physiotherapy Beyond the Clinic
Rehabilitation often works best when it reflects real life, so NeuroABLE Physiotherapy can be provided in different settings depending on your needs.
- Physiotherapy at home, where everyday routines take place.
- Community based physiotherapy support, that builds real-world confidence.
- A focus on real-world goals and activities, that matter to you.
Working Alongside Your Healthcare Team
Parkinson’s disease is best managed by a team working together. Healthdirect highlights that care is often shared across your GP, a neurologist and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists.
Working independently but as part of the multidisciplinary Health on High group allows these experienced Allied Health Professionals to streamline referrals and communication, and to offer joint assessments across therapies for your convenience and benefit. Your neurological physiotherapist can also work in step with your GP and medical specialists, so your care stays coordinated and consistent.
Why Experience Matters in Neurological Physiotherapy
Neurological conditions can be complex, so experience makes a real difference to the quality of support.
Meet Helena Axelsson
NeuroABLE Physiotherapy is led by Helena Axelsson, an experienced neurological physiotherapist with international training and a strong focus on compassionate, individualised care. Helena supports people living with a wide range of neurological and complex disability conditions, from progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s disease to acquired and developmental conditions. NeuroABLE Physiotherapy is available to people aged 8 years and over, with care shaped around each person’s age, condition and goals.
This article was written by the NeuroABLE Physiotherapy team at Health on High, based in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. It is intended as general information only and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified health practitioner. If you are living with Parkinson’s disease, please work with your GP, neurologist and healthcare team.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Parkinson’s disease affects each person differently, and there is currently no cure. Always follow the advice of your GP, neurologist and healthcare team, and consult a qualified health practitioner before starting or changing an exercise or rehabilitation program.
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