Bigger is Better when it comes to dealing with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can really impact people’s lives and create day to day challenges as it starts to effect the nervous system and subsequently, motor skills. Luckily, there is a great way to address some of these challenges without any side effects… Exercise.

Exercises specifically for PD aren’t your run of the mill gym exercises. At Sydney Exercise Physiology, we are a licensed provider of the “PD Warrior”™ program. These are exercises and classes specifically targeting Parkinson’s Disease. This approach has been developed from the best available evidence, and these exercises have been designed to be “neuroactive” which can then help to protect the nervous system from further degeneration. These exercises have a number of qualities and benefits:

  • Exercises are big in amplitude, effort and power. Explosive is another term that can be used.

  • The specific demands of the exercises encourages changes in the brain that encourage neuroprotection and plasticity.

  • The big movements are effective at addressing Dopamine levels, which are effected with PD,

  • These exercises can be tailored to all types of PD,

  • They don’t only help with symptoms and progression, but also help people stay (or get) fit, healthy and even return to, or keep engaging in, meaningful activities.

  • Exercise can also help with non-motor symptoms of PD, like sleep, digestion and energy levels.

What to expect…

  • An initial session which establishes a starting point and whatever goals you may have. This helps to determine the best exercises for you.

  • A few subsequent sessions help to master some of the basic movement principles and exercises in a one-on-one environment to give the confidence to perform the exercises at home, on your own.

  • Joining a class may be beneficial once you feel confident with these movements to add a social, fun and communal element to exercise.

  • Follow up consultations are required a few months down the track to help monitor and update programs.

Appropriate exercise should be a part of treatment for everyone with Parkinson’s Disease. If this is something you, or someone you know, needs some help with, contact us to book an appointment or to get some more information. As PD Warrior puts it, it’s time to “Live Brave”.


I had the pleasure of being interviewed by @arbillaexercisephysiology on “The Knowledge Exchange Podcast” last week about my journey in the industry over the years. Follow the link to listen. https://tkex.org/podcast/2020/5/20/andrew-schwartz-always-learning #exercisephysiology #biopsychosocial
Shoulder pain, and the advice that came with it, made Rob stop swimming, which he did most mornings. After a bit of discussion, and proving to him that nothing bad happens when he moves his arm, after our first session he got in the pool for a short swim. He said it was great to get back in there. As @greglehman has said, “the doing is the fixing”. #biopsychosocial #exercisephysiology