Parkinson’s disease · Cambridgeshire
Specialist Parkinson’s physiotherapy in the comfort of your home
Parkinson’s affects movement differently from one day to the next. Rishee Patel, a specialist neuro physiotherapist, visits you at home to help you keep moving safely, confidently and independently.
Living with Parkinson’s
Keeping moving, with confidence
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s can feel daunting as stiffness, a slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and changes in balance start to affect daily life. Exercise is one of the most useful things you can do, and a physiotherapist who knows Parkinson’s can help you do it safely.
When moving is hard work, travelling to a clinic can be tiring and stressful. We come to you. We work alongside your Parkinson’s nurse, specialist and GP, not instead of them.
How we help
Practical help with everyday movement
NICE guideline NG71 says people with Parkinson’s who have balance or motor function problems should be offered Parkinson’s-specific physiotherapy.
Freezing and walking
Many people find their feet suddenly “stick”, especially when turning or going through doorways. We practise cues such as counting, a steady rhythm or stepping over a line on the floor, to help you start and keep walking, and safer, wider turns.
Big, purposeful movement
Parkinson’s can make movements smaller, slower and more shuffling. We practise big, deliberate movements and apply them to daily life, such as standing up from your armchair with power or swinging your arms as you walk down your hallway.
Posture and stiffness
A stooped posture and stiffness can affect your balance and comfort. We work on strengthening your upper back and core, and on trunk rotation for looking over your shoulder or rolling over in bed.
Balance and falls
Changes in posture and slower reactions can raise the risk of falls. We practise weight shifting and stepping in different directions, with supervision, and look for trip hazards in your home. You can also try our balance check.
A review of 14 trials found that exercise improved physical functioning, quality of life, strength, balance and walking speed. Evidence on falls was less clear, and the best type and amount of exercise is still being worked out.
Try it now
Try a walking rhythm
Counting or a steady beat can help some people start and keep moving. Try one minute, seated first. Nothing you enter is stored or sent unless you choose to message us.
Why home
Practise where you need to move
Rehabilitation works best where you actually need to function.
No tiring journey
No travel, waiting room or parking, so you start each session as fresh as you can be.
Practise in your own space
We practise turning in your own kitchen and standing up from your own armchair, not on a wide, empty clinic floor.
Family and carers
Family or carers can join if you would like, and we can show them cueing strategies and how to help safely.
What to expect
Your first visit, step by step
Every plan starts with your own symptoms and goals, not a generic exercise sheet.
A free 15-minute call
We talk about your symptoms, your medication times and what you want to be able to do, and check we are the right fit.
An assessment at home
Rishee visits for about 45 to 60 minutes. We look at your walking, balance and stiffness, and everyday tasks around your home.
A plan that fits your day
You leave with a tailored exercise plan and clear sheets, and we arrange follow-up visits to progress it. Where we can, we plan visits for when your medication is working well, your “on” time.
Sessions are £110 and last about 45 to 60 minutes. You pay only for sessions that take place, and rescheduling or cancelling is free. See fees and hours.
Questions
Before you book
If your question is not here, call, text or message us on 07777 793832.
Will exercise slow my Parkinson’s?
Exercise helps many people move, balance and feel better. Some early research suggests it may also slow how symptoms progress, but that is not yet established. We focus on what we can help with now.
Can you work around my medication?
Where we can. Tell us when your medication works best and we will try to offer a suitable time, though our visits are on weekday evenings and Saturdays. We do not advise on changing medication. Please speak to your Parkinson’s nurse, specialist or GP about that.
Do I need a GP referral?
Many people see a physiotherapist privately without one. On the free call we ask about your diagnosis and symptoms, and will say if we think you should speak to your GP or Parkinson’s team first.
Sources
References
This page draws on these sources.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Parkinson’s disease in adults. NICE guideline NG71. NICE guideline NG71
- Goodwin VA, et al. (2008). The effectiveness of exercise interventions for people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Movement Disorders. Article
- Parkinson’s UK (2017). Parkinson’s exercise framework: key messages for professionals. Framework (PDF)
- Parkinson’s UK. Freezing in Parkinson’s, and how to thaw. Parkinson’s UK article
Next step
Talk to us about Parkinson’s physiotherapy at home
Start with a free 15-minute call to see whether we can help, or call or message us on 07777 793832. Our contact page has our other details.
This page and the walking rhythm are general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 999. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, call NHS 111.