Occupational therapy for Parkinson’s disease
Fact-checked by Parkinson’s disease can affect many aspects of your life, including your ability to do daily activities. As the disease progresses, essential tasks such as eating, showering, or getting dressed may become increasingly difficult.
Engaging in occupational therapy for Parkinson’s disease can help you manage these challenges. A personalized occupational therapy plan, tailored to your goals, can complement your Parkinson’s disease treatment while supporting your safety and independence.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people perform the activities they need and want to do to live full lives. These activities, also known as “occupations,” can range from brushing your teeth to making a cup of coffee, to gardening.
An occupational therapist typically first assesses how Parkinson’s may affect your abilities and quality of life. The therapist can then suggest practical strategies to manage daily living tasks and help you remain independent. These therapists can also find ways to adapt your home environment to fit your needs.
Occupational therapy vs. physical therapy
Occupational therapy generally differs from physical therapy, though they can both support your goals. While physical therapy aims to support general body movement, strength, and balance, occupational therapy helps you use these skills to do daily activities safely and independently.
For example, physical therapy may be used to help improve your balance and walking ability. In contrast, occupational therapy helps you apply these skills to safely navigate your kitchen, retrieve items from cabinets, and prepare dinner.
How occupational therapy can help with Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease often causes progressive motor and cognitive symptoms — including rigidity, involuntary movements, and memory problems — which can affect daily life and relationships. Occupational therapy can teach you how to navigate everyday tasks in a way that accommodates your changing abilities, in line with your goals.
An occupational therapist can help you by:
- identifying strategies for getting dressed, grooming, and showering, to manage potential challenges with mobility and dexterity
- modifying household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry routines to accommodate fatigue
- recommending tools such as button hooks, weighted utensils, and shower chairs to facilitate everyday tasks
- providing strategies for handwriting and using small objects to support fine motor skills
- suggesting ways to conserve energy, such as pacing activities and breaking tasks down into more manageable steps
- addressing cognitive challenges by introducing reminders, checklists, and other memory aids
- trying to reduce the risk of falls by modifying your home environment with grab bars, nonslip mats, and clutter-free pathways
- providing guidance for maintaining hobbies, for example, by recommending adaptive tools for gardening or improved lighting for reading
Your exact occupational therapy plan should be rooted in your goals. For example, there may be specific activities that have become more difficult over time but that are still important to you. Whether it’s texting a friend or preparing your favorite snack, occupational therapy can support you by adapting tasks and routines.
How to find an occupational therapist
Dealing with Parkinson’s symptoms, such as tremor, fatigue, and slowed movements, can be frustrating. However, finding a knowledgeable, empathetic, and specialized occupational therapist can help manage them and benefit your overall well-being.
Begin your search by asking your neurologist or movement disorder specialist. Inquire if they can recommend someone who has experience treating people with Parkinson’s. Specialized knowledge and expertise can make a meaningful difference in the quality and effectiveness of occupational therapy.
You can also approach family, friends, and Parkinson’s peers, such as those in the Parkinson’s News Today Facebook group, for recommendations.
When you talk to prospective occupational therapists, don’t be afraid to ask them about their experience. If you’re not happy with their answers, you may want to continue searching. It may take some time to identify someone who will be the right fit.
Preparing for your appointment
To maximize your appointment time, it’s good to be prepared. Consider these tips before your visit:
- Reflect on your goals and communicate them directly to your therapist.
- Be ready to discuss your symptoms and whether they worsen at any point during the day.
- Consider any areas of your home where you may feel unsafe or frustrated that could be modified.
- Prepare a list of questions and don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions.
- Bring a list of medications, therapy notes, and any information on adaptive equipment you’re using.
- Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and your needs.
- Consider bringing a caregiver for support.
Living with Parkinson’s disease can bring changes to your daily life, but support is available. With the guidance of an experienced occupational therapist, you can work toward maintaining your independence and participating in the activities that matter to you.
Parkinson's News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
