Renowned rehab program for PD arrives in Sydney
Wednesday, 03 June, 2020
An internationally recognised rehabilitation initiative known as the PD Warrior program is being offered for the first time in Sydney’s north-west, with the potential to improve the symptoms of patients living with Parkinson’s disease.
The exercise-based program was developed by neurological physiotherapists and designed specifically for people recently diagnosed with Parkinson鈥檚 disease. The PD Warrior program taps into the brain鈥檚 ability to retrain itself by creating new nerve connections 鈥 known as neuroplastic change.
PD Warrior encourages participants to focus on challenging their mind and body to improve movement and overall symptoms of Parkinson鈥檚 disease.
The program is being delivered by rehabilitation provider 鈥檚 specially trained physiotherapists and an exercise physiologist. Group sessions are going ahead, with smaller class sizes to comply with social distancing regulations at Royal Rehab鈥檚 Ryde location.
Royal Rehab rehabilitation specialist Dr Anuka Parapuram said PD Warrior was an exciting new addition to Royal Rehab鈥檚 existing multidisciplinary rehab program for people with Parkinson鈥檚 disease.
鈥淭he group-based program helps both the physical and cognitive symptoms that occur with Parkinson鈥檚 disease, in a fun and social way,鈥 Dr Parapuram said.
鈥淲e think the PD Warrior program could have a number of benefits for those with Parkinson鈥檚 disease who may have been spending more time alone these last few months or not participating in as many of their regular outings or activities.鈥
PD Warrior founder and specialist neurological physiotherapist Melissa McConaghy said she is excited to be partnering with Royal Rehab.
鈥淲ith their reputation for clinical excellence and treating complex neurological cases, Royal Rehab is the perfect fit for the PD Warrior program. We are proud to be working alongside them,鈥 McConaghy said.
According to Royal Rehab鈥檚 physiotherapy professional leader, Sarah Fereday, exercise can be a form of medicine for people with Parkinson鈥檚 disease.
鈥淩ecent evidence shows that early intervention is effective in improving quality of life for people living with Parkinson鈥檚 disease. We look forward to creating a fun, dynamic environment for people with Parkinson鈥檚 disease to exercise in, along with supporting them to incorporate long-term exercise plans into their everyday life,鈥 she said.
A Day in the Life of a rehabilitation physician and burnout coach
Dr Jo Braid is a rehabilitation physician and coach dedicated to transforming burnout recovery...
A Day in the Life of an advanced exercise physiologist
Luke Snabaitis is the first exercise physiologist in Queensland Health history to...
In conversation with AHPA CEO Bronwyn Morris-Donovan
Among the many reforms 黑料吃瓜群网 Professions Australia's Bronwyn Morris-Donovan is...