With Parkinson’s disease, symptoms and needs can change from year to year or even from day to day. A long-term plan that includes structured Parkinson’s disease movement and wellness programs can help you adjust to these changes.
Why ongoing movement matters
“Research shows that combining medication with regular exercise and physical activity leads to the best long-term outcomes,” said Damarris Murphy, a Parkinson’s exercise physiologist with Banner - University Medicine.
Regular movement may support:
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Posture
- Strength
- Walking and mobility
- Mood
- Energy
- Confidence
- Independence
Safe, realistic, enjoyable movement can help you keep doing your daily activities longer and improve your quality of life.
How Parkinson’s symptoms can affect exercise
With Parkinson’s, you may have:
- Stiffness
- Slower movement
- Tremor
- Fatigue
- Balance changes
- Freezing episodes
- Posture changes
- Pain or tightness
- Day-to-day symptom changes
- Medication that affects when movement feels easier or harder
- Fear of falling, which can make you less active
What types of movement may help?
A Parkinson’s disease exercise routine works best when it is consistent and adapted to what you’re able to do.
Balance and coordination
Parkinson’s disease balance exercises include Tai chi, dance or boxing-style classes designed for people with Parkinson’s disease (exercises where you practice turning, stepping and shifting your weight).
Stretching and flexibility
You may benefit from gentle stretching for tight muscles, range-of-motion exercises and exercises that strengthen your posture.
Strength training
Try strength training with your bodyweight, resistance bands or light weights. Strengthening your legs, hips, core and upper body can help you stand, walk and climb stairs.
Walking and aerobic activity
Adapt exercises like walking, cycling or water aerobics so you stay safe and match your endurance level.
Seated or modified options
If you have balance concerns or fatigue, you can try chair-based movement, seated stretching or strength work.
How structured wellness programs can support long-term success
You may want to try a class or neuro wellness program. They can:
- Offer structured Parkinson’s group exercise classes to keep you consistent
- Provide guided movement with safety support
- Reduce isolation, provide social connection and help you feel encouraged
- Adapt as your symptoms, balance or energy change
- Provide caregiver education, support or classes
- Complement your medical and therapy plan
How an exercise physiologist can help
“As exercise physiologists, we develop programs that align with your current abilities while targeting areas for improvement,” Murphy said.
An exercise physiologist may:
- Assess your current fitness, mobility, balance and goals
- Recommend safe, effective exercise options, including seated or standing versions
- Modify movements or assist you if needed because of symptoms, fatigue or fall risk
- Help you choose appropriate classes
- Track your progress over time
- Build your confidence with movement
- Coordinate with therapists or medical providers
- Help you return to movement after a change in health
Tips for making movement part of daily life
Rigidity and changes in your gait can make exercise more challenging because they limit your range of motion and increase your fall risk. It can help to:
- Start small and build slowly
- Choose movement you enjoy
- Plan exercise for the time of day when your symptoms are best controlled
- Use support, such as a class, walking partner or caregiver
- Keep walkways clear and reduce fall hazards at home
- Use assistive devices
- Rest when needed
- Celebrate consistency, not perfection
- Adjust your plan when symptoms change
When to check with your care team
Check with your provider, neurologist, physical therapist or exercise specialist if you have:
- Recent falls or near-falls
- Dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath that is new or getting worse
- New weakness
- Sudden symptom changes
- Pain that limits your movement
- Freezing episodes that are increasing
- Recent surgery or hospitalization
- A new diagnosis or medication change
- Uncertainty about what exercise is safe
Get emergency care for stroke symptoms, severe chest pain, severe trouble breathing, fainting, serious injury after a fall or sudden severe weakness.
Bottom line
Movement can be an important part of your Parkinson’s long-term care plan. Regular exercise and structured wellness support may help you stay strong, flexible, confident and independent. The best plan is one that fits your symptoms, safety needs and goals and can adapt as your needs change.
If Parkinson’s disease symptoms are affecting movement, balance or confidence, reach out to a Banner Health provider for help building a plan that supports your quality of life.
FAQs about managing Parkinson’s disease
Can exercise help Parkinson’s disease?
Exercise cannot cure Parkinson’s disease but it may help support balance, strength, flexibility, walking, mood and daily function.
What exercise is best for Parkinson’s disease?
There is no single best exercise for everyone. Many people benefit from a mix of balance work, stretching, strength training and aerobic activity.
Is it safe to exercise with Parkinson’s disease?
Exercise can be safe for many people with Parkinson’s but it should be matched to symptoms, balance, health history and fall risk.
What if I am afraid of falling?
Talk to your care team. A physical therapist, exercise physiologist or structured class may help you find safer ways to move.
How can a Parkinson’s wellness program help?
A Parkinson’s wellness program can offer guided movement, social support, safe modifications and consistency as your symptoms and needs change. Find more information through the Parkinson’s Foundation and Banner Neuro Wellness.
Should caregivers be involved?
Caregivers can help with encouragement, transportation, safety and routines. Some programs also offer caregiver support or classes.
