Parkinson’s

Empowering Movement with Parkinson’s:

Parkinson’s disease affects much more than just movement. It can gradually chip away at your balance, independence, and confidence – making once-simple tasks feel frustrating and overwhelming. At Houghton Physical Therapy, we understand the daily challenges Parkinson’s brings, and we’re here to help you or your loved one take back control with a proactive, supportive, and personalized approach. 

We’re proud to offer advanced, non-invasive therapies like Shockwave Therapy and Stimpod, alongside expert physical therapy – all designed to support those living with Parkinson’s in staying stronger, steadier, and more mobile.  

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease  

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that primarily affects movement. It occurs when the brain produces less dopamine – a chemical responsible for smooth, coordinated muscle activity. This change leads to symptoms such as: 

  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity 
  • Slowness of movement 
  • Shaking or tremors 
  • Poor balance or posture 
  • Reduced facial expression or voice changes 
  • Difficulty walking or initiating steps 

While Parkinson’s cannot be cured, targeted therapy can significantly improve quality of life, reduce discomfort, and delay the progression of physical limitations so you can return to doing the things you love.  

How Physical Therapy Supports Parkinson’s 

At Houghton Physical Therapy, we believe that movement is medicine – especially for people living with Parkinson’s. Our team of expert therapists offers tailored exercise programs to improve: 

  • Balance and coordination 
  • Mobility and walking mechanics 
  • Muscle strength and posture 
  • Flexibility and range of motion 
  • Confidence with daily tasks 

But we don’t limit your recovery to just traditional exercise. We also use state-of-the-art technologies to complement physical therapy and help address the underlying challenges in the nervous and muscular systems that Parkinson’s presents.  

Stimpod Therapy: Targeting the Nervous System with Precision 

Stimpod NMS460 is a breakthrough technology designed to stimulate the peripheral nervous system using pulsed radio frequency. Unlike conventional stimulation, Stimpod is able to communicate with the body’s nerve pathways in a gentle but effective way.  

How Stimpod Benefits Parkinson’s: 

  • Promotes better muscle control 
  • Improves nerve-muscle communication 
  • Supports smoother movement initiation 
  • Helps with motor re-education, which can be especially valuable for gait and posture 
  • Offers a calming, non-invasive experience that works without medication or injections 

Many of our Parkinson’s patients feel more relaxed, better coordinated, and more mobile after just a few sessions. It’s a smart, science-backed way to reconnect the mind and body.  

Shockwave Therapy: Loosening Stiff Muscles and Enhancing Mobility 

 Shockwave Therapy uses gentle acoustic energy waves to stimulate tissue repair, improve circulation, and break down muscular stiffness – all common issues in people with Parkinson’s. When used deliberately on tight areas like the hips, calves , or shoulders, it can bring fast and lasting relief. 

Key Benefits for Parkinson’s: 

  • Reduces muscle tension and stiffness 
  • Increases blood flow to improve tissue health 
  • Supports greater flexibility and mobility 
  • Eases pain in overused or tight muscle groups 
  • Complements therapeutic exercise for faster progress 

Shockwave Therapy is completely non-invasive, has no downtime, and enhances the body’s natural healing responses – making it an ideal addition to your Parkinson’s care plan. 

Holistic Care, One Step at a Time 

At Houghton Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive, compassionate approach. You won’t find a cookie-cutter plan here. Instead, we tailor every session around your personal goals – whether that’s getting out of a chair more easily, walking without fear of falling, or simply feeling more in control of your day. 

Each Parkinson’s treatment plan may include: 

  • Targeted Stimpod nerve stimulation 
  • Focused Shockwave Therapy to relieve stiffness 
  • One-on-one movement retraining and gait work 
  • Exercises for core strength and balance 
  • Daily habit strategies to reduce fall risk and improve function 

We work closely with you and your medical team to ensure everything fits into your broader care journey. 

Start Reclaiming Your Movement And Your Life Today 

If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s, there is help – and there is hope. Our innovative tools and hands-on care can help you feel more in control, confident, and mobile again. 

Schedule a Free Discovery Visit and speak with one of our expert PTs about your symptoms and the various options available to you. 

Let’s take the next step together – toward more movement, more strength, and a life with fewer limits.