“Can occupational medicine treat Parkinson's?”

Question

Occupational Medicine Questions Parkinson's Disease

“Can occupational medicine treat Parkinson's?”

My grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson's a month ago, and I'm trying to help my mom suggest some therapies for her to help her gain strength and keep her active. Can occupation medicine help treat Parkinson's, alongside her medication? She's currently taking Levodopa.

8 Answers

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**Dr. Santiago Osorio** Physical Therapist | Orthopedic OCEANSIDE, CA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Santiago Osorio Physical Therapist | Orthopedic OCEANSIDE, CA

Yes. There are physical, occupational and speech pathologists who can help by teaching techniques to make the activities of daily living better. It will not eliminate the disease, but i can help the quality of life

**Dr. Daniel Prata** Physical Therapist Clifton, NJ · Accepted Answer

Dr. Daniel Prata Physical Therapist Clifton, NJ

Physical therapy is normally the best way. Occupational is helpful if they are having trouble with dressing. Physical therapy will be more for getting out of bed, walking, stairs, etc. Both professions have a lot of cross over.

Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT Lic#40QA01212000

**Olajide L. Kolawole** Physical Therapist Fayetteville, NC · Accepted Answer

Olajide L. Kolawole Physical Therapist Fayetteville, NC

You should have her see a therapist that specializes in Neuro. She would benefit from strength training and balance activities

**Mr. Anthony C. Tullock** Physical Therapist Greeneville, TN · Accepted Answer

Is she planning on returning to work? Occupational medicine deals in the realm of the injured worker in order to return them to the workforce. They may be able to monitor and or modify her medications and refer her to a Physical Therapist though. Then the PT would perform an examination and evaluation to determine the best course of rehabilitation. Best wishes and good luck.

**Mr. Ramakrishnan Kavaserry** Physical Therapist Henrico, VA · Accepted Answer

Mr. Ramakrishnan Kavaserry Physical Therapist Henrico, VA

Yes, they do help with improving/maintaining functional ADls.

**DaRonne Jenkins** Physical Therapist Powder Springs, GA · Accepted Answer

DaRonne Jenkins Physical Therapist Powder Springs, GA

Physical therapy has shown to have a good effect for treating Parkinson's, especially if the BIG and LOUD program is used to help improve motor control and movement patterns to decrease risk of falling and improve quality of life.

**Dr. Thomas Dipaolo** Physical Therapist Fanwood, NJ · Accepted Answer

Dr. Thomas Dipaolo Physical Therapist Fanwood, NJ

Look for a therapist certified in LSVT BIG. Don't settle for a video. Do your grandmother a solid and get her proper treatment from a PT in person.

**Mr. Hal Blatman** Occupational Therapist Cincinnati, Ohio · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Occupational medicine training taught me about heavy metal exposure/poisoning that can injure the brain, and how to get things like mercury out of the body. Integrative medicine taught me how to help people decrease the “fire” of inflammation that may be contributing to brain injury. We also can consider stem cell treatments to perhaps help the brain restore from damage.

Best,

Dr. B