SYNAPTIC Rehabilitation

Do You have Parkinson's Disease?

Author : Steven Cheung, DPT

How Early Physical Therapy Can Change the Course of Parkinson’s

How Early Physical Therapy Can Change the Course of Parkinson’s When someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, one of the most important questions they can ask is:“When should I start physical therapy?” The answer is simple: as early as possible. Early physical therapy isn’t just about treating symptoms — it’s about slowing progression, preserving independence, […]

Can Exercise Really Slow the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease?

Can Exercise Really Slow the Progression of Parkinson’s Disease? When someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, one of the first questions is often: “What can I do to slow it down?” While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, research shows that regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms and […]

The Hidden Connection Between Parkinson’s and Anxiety

The Hidden Connection Between Parkinson’s and Anxiety When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slow movement come to mind. But there’s another side of Parkinson’s that often goes unnoticed: anxiety. In fact, up to 40% of people with Parkinson’s experience significant anxiety at some point. And while medication helps manage […]

October Is National Physical Therapy Month: Why Movement Matters More as You Age

October Is National Physical Therapy Month: Why Movement Matters More as You Age October is National Physical Therapy Month—a time to spotlight the role physical therapy plays in keeping people healthy, active, and independent. For older adults, especially those managing conditions like Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or general age-related changes, movement really is medicine. And physical […]

Parkinson’s and Independence: Adaptive Tools that Make Daily Life Easier

Parkinson’s and Stress: How Mental Health Impacts Symptoms Living with Parkinson’s disease often means adjusting how daily activities are done. Tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement can make once-simple tasks—like cooking, dressing, or writing—more challenging. The right adaptive tools and strategies can help patients stay independent, safe, and confident at home. Occupational therapy plays a key […]

Parkinson’s and Stress: How Mental Health Impacts Symptoms

Parkinson’s and Stress: How Mental Health Impacts Symptoms Parkinson’s disease is often thought of as a condition that only affects movement. But stress, anxiety, and depression can worsen Parkinson’s symptoms—and in some cases, make them harder to manage than tremors or stiffness. The mind and body are deeply connected. Understanding how stress impacts Parkinson’s—and how […]

The Hidden Challenges of Parkinson’s: Speech, Voice, and Swallowing

The Hidden Challenges of Parkinson’s: Speech, Voice, and Swallowing When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, tremors and stiffness are the first symptoms that come to mind. But for many patients, the lesser-known challenges—changes in speech, voice, and swallowing—can impact daily life just as much. These symptoms often develop gradually, making conversations harder, meals more […]

Parkinson’s Support Beyond Medication: The Role of Community and Therapy

Parkinson’s Support Beyond Medication: The Role of Community and Therapy For many people with Parkinson’s disease, medication is the first line of treatment. While medication helps manage tremors, stiffness, and movement symptoms, it isn’t the whole solution. Living well with Parkinson’s requires a comprehensive support system—including therapy, exercise, and community connection. Why Medication Alone Isn’t […]

How Occupational Therapy Helps Parkinson’s Patients Stay Independent at Home

How Occupational Therapy Helps Parkinson’s Patients Stay Independent at Home One of the biggest fears for people living with Parkinson’s disease is losing independence. Simple activities like buttoning a shirt, cooking a meal, or walking safely around the house can slowly become more difficult. That’s where occupational therapy (OT) makes a difference. By focusing on […]

Parkinson’s and Fatigue: Why You’re Tired and How Therapy Can Help

Parkinson’s and Fatigue: Why You’re Tired and How Therapy Can Help Feeling constantly tired is one of the most frustrating and misunderstood symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. While tremors, stiffness, and slow movement often get the spotlight, fatigue affects nearly half of all people living with Parkinson’s—and it can be just as limiting. The good news: […]

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