Parkinson’s Disease Program
Parkinson’s Disease is a movement disorder that affects numerous aspects of an individual’s life including motor and non-motor functions. The JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute offers comprehensive services for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease that encompass medical evaluation and therapeutic intervention, as well as cutting-edge approaches to improving and maintaining function. Each person is treated individually with a customized treatment plan that assesses physical performance and functional ability with the goal of maximizing independence at home and in community settings.
Our Approach for Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease:
- Optimization and compliance with medication
- Medication compliance
- Rehabilitation therapeutic services for essential therapy
- Assessing equipment
- Adapting the home environment for safety
- Psycho social support
- Education on new and on going treatment options
- Diet and nutritional information
- Encouragement and education on how to be ones best self
Our Parkinson’s Disease program provides a multi-professional consultation by a team that includes a physiatrist (Doctor of Rehabilitative Medicine), a physical therapist and a speech language pathologist. This comprehensive visit provides you with an opportunity to be evaluated by skilled professionals for the purpose of determining which services are most beneficial to your condition.
Parkinson’s Disease Services
- ParkinSINGS
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
- Comprehensive Individual Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Speech Language Pathology for Swallowing, Communication and Cognitive Treatment
- Affiliation with NJ Neuroscience Movement Disorder Neurologists
- LSVT LOUD® – Speech treatment to improve vocal loudness through a systematic hierarchy of exercises
- Loud for Life® – Weekly voice exercise class that challenges patients’ cognitive, communication and motor skills
- SPEAK OUT!® – Speech, voice and cognitive exercises that place emphasis on speaking with intent
- The LOUD Crowd® – Maintenance program providing support, encouragement and accountability to patients
- Rock Steady Boxing Program – High-intensity, non-contact exercise program that challenges the brain and empowers patients
- LSVT BIG® – Exercise protocol that teaches how to use bigger movements automatically for daily living.
- Orthotic and Wheelchair Clinics
- Post therapy group wellness classes (JFK Health & Wellness Center)
Continuity of Care
As a part of the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, we are able to provide services to you regardless of your functional level. Early involvement with your healthcare provider can assist in maintaining function and receiving quality care for your needs. Our goal is to help you be as independent as possible and provide you and your family with education and support.
We recognize that individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their families need support to be aware of the course of the Disease and possible limitations to best manage their conditions.
Patients and families need to know that continued exercise at home and in the community are essential to enhance the benefits learned in skilled therapy and to optimize daily life skills.
You also need to know when it is important to return to your physicians and therapists to manage changes or fluctuations with your function. We are committed to being your community resource for all of your Parkinson’s Disease needs, including referrals, support groups, skilled therapies and necessary equipment.
FAQ’s
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that results from a lack of dopamine in the brain. It is not diagnosed by a specific test. Rather a neurologist will look at symptoms and/or complaints of an individual and make that diagnosis. Some frequently reported signs are tremors in the hands or feet, stiffness in muscles, changes in speech, a “mask” like expression or changes in your handwriting.
These individuals are not alone and through seeking available medical care and therapeutic intervention, can sustain quality of life for a long time. Along the way they will likely meet many other individuals and families that strive daily to live well with the disease.
What is the disease progression like with Parkinson’s disease?
Every individual with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is different. The initial symptoms leading to diagnosis are not often the same in presentation or severity. Progression is slowed not only by medications, and surgical options, but by enhancing function through skilled therapy, exercise and practice in every day life.
Can therapy actually help if it is a progressive disease?
Yes! Therapeutic intervention has been proven to provide significant improvement in many cases. Periodic assessment by your physiatrist can result in referral for physical, occupational or speech therapy. There may be changes that require further education and training, as well as periods where individuals can benefit from support, pharmaceutical changes, surgical considerations, adaptive equipment or community based wellness programs.
Testimonials
“Two years ago I had been diagnosed with Parkinson syndrome. I was quite disturbed and depressed. Then I met Dr. Phillip Henna at JFK medical center in Edison, NJ. He suggested me to go for Physical Therapy at their well known and well experienced staff at their Edison facility. The staff at this facility fir the particular cause are most professional, well trained and well mannered. I would like to mention few names who gave me therapy . Katherine ( Kat ), Donna, Erin, Rashmi, Jenn, Christine, Ashley are top most professionals in this field.”
“After finishing my training I started once a week PT at their facility across the street and Ashley Obrien gave the best therapy. She is one of the best in LSVT® program. Along with her utmost professionalism she has the best smiling personality.”
“I first heard about the LSVT BIG® and LSVT LOUD® Programs at my support group. The enthusiasm was contagious!! The therapists I had the pleasure to work with were fabulous. For those of you on the fence about needing these types of programs should do it! It is never too early.”
“I have been followed by JFK for my Parkinson’s disease for a few years now. From Neuroscience to rehabilitation, I have been very pleased. Dr. Rossi sees me in the Parkinson’s’ Program a few times a year. In those appointments I have the benefit of a physiatrist, a physical therapist and a speech pathologist. Where else can you go and have the convenience of 3 professionals consulting with you?”