Approximately 1 million people in the U.S. are currently living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), with 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Chances are you know someone with this degenerative condition. RVNAhealth Physical Therapist, and Outpatient Practice Manager, Kate Campbell, PT, DPT, SCS, Cert. MDT, CSCS, LSVT BIG is on a mission to spread the word about Parkinson’s treatment and early intervention techniques. “Many PD-diagnosed patients are not aware that exercise and physical activity can have tremendous positive impact on the symptoms and progress of Parkinson’s Disease,” says Campbell.

The Parkinson’s Foundation, along with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), recently published an updated recommendation for exercise and physical activity for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This recommendation includes exercise frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression of exercises that are safe and effective. Its suggested activities span across aerobic activity, strength training, stretching, and balance, agility, and multitasking. It also recommends starting any physical activity program with a visit to a physical therapist specializing in Parkinson’s!

“RVNAhealth has invested in research-backed certifications and rehabilitation therapy and exercise programs for those affected by PD,” says Campbell. “We want people diagnosed with Parkinson’s to understand there are proactive steps they can take, within their control, to help slow the progression of the disease. An RVNAhealth Parkinson’s-specialized therapist can help customize and layout those recommended steps.”

RVNAhealth therapists are certified in LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD – research-based, gold standard programs used in the evaluation and treatment of people with Parkinson’s. In addition to offering home-health treatment programs, we also offer treatment and exercise programs at our Ridgefield-based Rehabilitation & Wellness Center. “In alignment with the Parkinson’s Foundation and ACSM exercise recommendations, RVNAhealth offers many types of programs that can benefit anyone affected by PD.  Our weekly classes are open to anyone in the public that would like to register and drop in for a class. While we encourage anyone with PD to engage in healthy, stage-appropriate exercise routines, we really want to spread the word to encourage individuals to start a routine early and often following a PD diagnosis,” says Campbell.

More information about RVNAhealth’s Parkinson’s programs, please visit our website or contact us at 203.438.7862 or rehab@rvnahealth.org.

Learn More About Our Current Ongoing Class Offerings Open To The Public:

Balance and Beyond   – Every Tuesday & Thursday, 12 – 1pm. An ongoing drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle, restoring balance, and improving your walk or jog, all while giving your brain a great workout! Location: RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Register here to attend. Nominal fee for each class.

Strength & Beyond – Every Tuesday & Thursday, 1 – 2pm. An ongoing drop-in class (come for one or come for all!) that focuses on building muscle and bones, improving cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and beyond!  Location: RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Register here to attend. Nominal fee for each class.

Living BIG – Ongoing weekly drop-in class. Living BIG addresses the problem of patients’ movements becoming smaller and more tentative as Parkinson’s Disease progresses. Each class, the therapist takes the patient through a series of whole-body LSVT BIG exercises aimed at improving strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Exercises are all exaggerated to reinforce that the patient needs to make his or her movements bigger. Location: RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Email RehabCenter@rvnahealth.org to sign up. Nominal fee for each class.

Living LOUD – Ongoing weekly drop-in class. Living LOUD tackles the soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice that often afflict Parkinson’s patients. Structured activities that work the patient’s vocal range teach them to increase volume without straining their voices.  In each session, the therapist takes the class through a series of rigorous vocal exercises that alternate between loud and soft. Location: RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center, 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield. Email RehabCenter@rvnahealth.org to sign up.  Nominal fee for each class.

 

Living BIG addresses the problem of patients’ movements becoming smaller and more tentative as Parkinson’s Disease progresses. Weekly activities will include group work as well as individual exercises with other participants facilitated by an LSVT BIG therapist. Classes take the patient through a series of whole-body LSVT BIG exercises aimed at improving strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. Exercises are all exaggerated to reinforce that the patient needs to make his or her movements bigger.

To learn more about the Living BIG program, please call (203) 438-7862   or email rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.

As an enhancement to RVNAhealth’s Balance & Beyond classes, we are pleased to present our new class, “Strength and Beyond”!

This class, a level up from our original Balance and Beyond class,  is designed to build strength, restore balance, improve your mobility all while giving your brain a great workout!

This higher intensity interval training class will have you moving through a series of upper and lower body strengthening, functional mobility, balance and cognitive stations all customized to meet your fitness level and goals.

This program is geared towards everyone with a focus of those finding it difficult to start an exercise program or those who need help progressing their current exercise program.  Exercises are also specific for osteoporosis treatment and prevention. What a great way to exercise in a group and meet new people. Bring your friends and exercise together!

Andrea de Lange is experienced Physical Therapist and certified LSVT BIG practitioner with a long history of working with the outpatient orthopedic and neurological population. She possesses a strong background in the treatment of spine, extremity injuries and pain, as well as neurological impairment, with a focus on people with Parkinson’s disease.

RVNAhealth’s Strength & Beyond classes are offered every Thursday from 1:30pm-2:30pm at RVNAhealth’s offsite class location – Steel Fitness – located at 62 Danbury Road, Ridgefield. Class fees are $30 per class and registration is required in advance, as attendance is limited. CLICK HERE to register. For questions, please contact the RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Center at 203.438.7862 or rehabcenter@rvnahealth.org.