Receiving a diagnosis of a movement disorder like Parkinson’s disease will undoubtedly lead to many questions and feelings of uncertainty.
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, our Parkinson’s disease experts want you to know you don’t have to meet that challenge alone. Along with your medical treatment team, you’ll also have access to our nationally recognized therapy services, including those dedicated specifically to people with movement disorders.
Our rehabilitation specialists are here to give you back control in what may feel like an uncontrollable situation. Working with our physical, occupational and speech therapists, you’ll become empowered to be an active participant in your care.
What is Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation?
Exercise is one of the only evidence-based treatments for managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms. People who participate in regular and targeted movement are much less bothered by symptoms and can even slow their disease’s progression.
The rehabilitation experts, along with colleagues in neurology, provide specialized rehabilitation services for people with movement disorders. We offer advanced medical interventions and innovative therapies designed to help you improve your ability to complete daily living tasks and enhance your health.
Our Parkinson’s rehabilitation program has two main goals:
- Lessen the effects of your movement disorder
- Maximize your ability to participate in activities you enjoy
We do this through patient-driven rehabilitation plans that focus on early and frequent therapy, innovative treatment plans, and access to a wide selection of wellness classes designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Also, we recognize that each person’s experience with Parkinson’s disease is unique. One person may need regular physical and occupational therapy to manage their condition, while another might simply benefit from a Parkinson’s-specific yoga class.
Who is a candidate for rehabilitation for movement disorders?
People with any movement disorder, including Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, Huntington’s disease or ataxia, can call us for an evaluation or services. We especially recommend people reach out when they:
- Are newly diagnosed with a movement disorder
- Haven’t been evaluated by us in over a year
- Have a change in function
- Have a medication change that impacts your movement
- Experience another condition that’s affecting their symptoms
Changes in function can include:
- Worsening balance
- Loss of strength
- Difficulty getting out of a chair
- Freezing of gait
- Difficulty keeping up with people
- Pain
What to expect with Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation
We receive referrals from across Ohio State’s health system but also from outside providers. Sometimes it’s your neurologist who may recommend our services, and other times it’s a primary care doctor. The goal is to pair you with the right therapist for the most beneficial outcome.
After an evaluation, we’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your goals, activity level and overall health. This plan will include how often you’ll be seen and what exercises or therapies might help.
It’s important to remember that while in-person therapy sessions will help you improve, you’ll make greater strides by keeping up with and following the at-home activities we recommend.
Services offered for Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation
Our rehabilitation experts, many of whom carry advanced certifications, provide a variety of tools and therapies to help manage movement disorders. These services are tailored to each person, but a typical treatment plan may include:
- Physical therapy to help improve strength, mobility, balance and fitness
- Occupational therapy to improve participation in activities of daily living
- Speech therapy to improve voice projection, slurring of speech and respiratory functions
- Music therapy
- Counseling and patient education for adjustment to disability, spouse support and coping strategies
Parkinson’s disease community exercise classes
At the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, we are committed to helping you stay healthy and active. We know exercise is just as valuable in the management of Parkinson’s disease as medications, so we’ve worked hard to create fitness opportunities in a safe and healthy way. These classes are taught by instructors who are experts in leading fitness classes for people with movement disorders. Classes are available both virtually and in person. Some class options in our robust wellness program include:
- Exercise with Purpose
- Yoga for Parkinson’s Disease
- Harmonica Play Along
- Speaking with Purpose voice class
- Exercise is Medicine
Register and view class schedules
Why choose Ohio State for rehabilitation for Parkinson’s disease?
Neurologists and other specialty physicians work together with our rehabilitation teams to help you improve your overall health and achieve your highest possible level of independence. Here’s why people choose Ohio State:
- Unparalleled expertise – Our team of rehabilitation therapists is ranked “Best in the Nation” by U.S. News & World Report. Many of them have advanced certifications for working with people with Parkinson’s disease
- Collaborative care and passion – In 2025, we were designated as a Center of Excellence for Parkinson’s disease by the Parkinson’s Foundation, which recognizes health care facilities that provide exceptional care to those with Parkinson’s disease. This is the highest designation provided by the Parkinson’s Foundation, indicating gold standard quality care.
- Continual innovation – As a teaching hospital on one of the nation’s largest university campuses, we offer you access to research and treatment that may not be available anywhere else. Our team is dedicated to studying and halting this progressive disease in all its forms.