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Ryde

Rehabilitation for Parkinson's Disease in Ryde

Parkinson’s disease

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Therapy designed to support you through the physical and functional challenges related to Parkinson's disease.

We’re here to work with you, one-on-one. Together, we’ll take the time to understand your unique needs, goals, and how your condition is progressing. From there, we’ll create a personalised plan to help you manage your symptoms, stay active, and keep living life your way for as long as possible.

Our specialised Parkinson’s rehabilitation is available at other convenient Sydney locations—Petersham, Penrith, and Collaroy—so you can access expert support closer to home.

Parkinson's therapy targets

  • Mobility and balance: Enhance walking abilities and reduce the risk of falls.
  • Muscle strength: Build and maintain strength to support overall physical function.
  • Tremors and rigidity: Improve control over involuntary movements and ease muscle stiffness to support smoother, more purposeful movement.
  • Coordination and fine motor skills: Improve hand control and precision to support daily tasks.
  • Speech and communication: Develop clearer and more effective communication skills.
  • Swallowing difficulties: Reduce the risk of choking and ensure safe, enjoyable eating and drinking.
  • Cognitive function: Enhance memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
  • Mental wellbeing: Support psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Your program may include

Neurological physiotherapy
Maintaining movement and mobility is key to living well with Parkinson’s. Our physiotherapists focus on exercises and techniques that help you stay active and independent.
  • Task-specific training: Practising real-life movements to retrain the brain, helping with walking, siting, standing, and moving independently.
  • Building strength: Tailored exercises strengthen weakened muscles, improving stability and slowing down further strength loss.
  • Enhancing balance and coordination: Specialised exercises improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and improving ability to engage in functional tasks.
  • Improving arm and hand function: Strengthening and coordination exercises help maintain movement and dexterity in affected limbs.
  • Reducing pain: Physiotherapy helps alleviate joint and muscle pain caused by imbalances or improper movement.
Occupational therapy
Parkinson’s can make everyday tasks more challenging. Your occupational therapist will help you find new ways to maintain independence.
  • Adapting daily tasks: We teach practical strategies for dressing, showering, brushing your teeth, and even using your phone.
  • Personalised home advice: Small changes can make a big difference – our team can suggest modifications to make your home safer and more accessible.
  • Improving arm and hand function: Strengthening and coordination exercises to maintain movement and dexterity.
  • Energy conservation and fatigue management: Learn strategies to pace activities, conserve energy, and prevent overexertion.
  • Independence strategies: We help you develop techniques to continue doing the things you love for as long as possible.
Speech pathology
Speaking and swallowing can become more challenging with Parkinson’s, but the right strategies can make a big difference. Our speech therapists work with you to strengthen your voice, improve communication, and support safe swallowing, helping you stay connected and maintain your quality of life.
  • Clearer articulation: Exercises target slurred speech and imprecise pronunciation to improve clarity.
  • Enhanced intonation: Techniques to help add natural variations in pitch, making speech more engaging.
  • Better breath support: Breath control exercises can boost vocal strength and stamina.
  • Swallowing management: Therapy to address swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), reducing the risk of choking and ensuring safe, comfortable eating and drinking.
  • Communication strategies: We teach pacing, pausing, and facial expressions to make conversations easier and more effective.
PD Warrior® program
Designed specifically for Parkinson’s, PD Warrior® is more than just exercise—it’s a high-energy, neuro-active training program that helps you move better, feel stronger, and stay independent for longer.
  • Dynamic, neuro-active exercises: Targeted movements designed to challenge the brain and body.
  • Strength, agility, and confidence: Training that improves mobility, coordination, and overall movement control.
  • Symptom management: Evidence-based techniques aimed at slowing symptom progression and enhancing quality of life.
SPEAK OUT!® program
The SPEAK OUT! program, created by the Parkinson Voice Project, has extensive research to show it is one of the most effective interventions for helping people with Parkinson’s disease and related conditions improve their speech and swallowing.
  • Personalised evaluation: Your journey begins with a one-on-one evaluation by a Certified SPEAK OUT!® therapist – a speech-language pathologist specially trained in the SPEAK OUT!® method.
  • Learn the power of “INTENT”: You and your loved ones will watch a short video that explains how Parkinson’s affects speech and why speaking with “INTENT” is key to success.
  • One-on-one guidance: You’ll work closely with your therapist to learn the SPEAK OUT!® exercises and set up a home practice routine. Most people reach their goals in 8–12 sessions.
  • Join the group: As you near the end of individual therapy, you’ll transition into a weekly SPEAK OUT!®! Group. This is a great way to keep practicing, stay motivated, and connect with others.
  • Ongoing check-ins: To maintain your progress, you’ll meet with your therapist every 3 to 6 months. These check-ins help fine-tune your plan and keep your speech strong.
  • Keep practicing at home: Daily practice matters! You’ll use the digital Booklet, Flashcards, and online SPEAK OUT!® exercises to stay on track from home.
Dietetics
Good nutrition plays a vital role in managing Parkinson’s, supporting both physical and cognitive health. Our dietitians provide personalised guidance to help you make food choices that enhance wellbeing, maintain energy levels, and address specific symptoms.
  • Managing digestive issues: A diet rich in fibre and fluids can help prevent constipation.
  • Managing weight: Maintaining a healthy weight supports mobility and overall wellbeing.
  • Swallowing-friendly modifications: For those experiencing dysphagia, texture-adapted diets—such as pureed foods or thickened liquids—can make eating safer and more comfortable.
  • Energy and fatigue management: Balanced meals can provide sustained energy while preventing blood sugar crashes that contribute to fatigue.
  • Enhancing muscle health: Adequate protein intake helps maintain muscle mass, which is essential for strength and movement.
  • Non-motor symptom support: Nutritional strategies can also assist with managing mood, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other non-motor symptoms.
Exercise physiology
Using tailored, evidence-based movement programs, our exercise physiologists focus on rebuilding strength, restoring function, and improving overall health and wellbeing.
  • Enhancing physical function: Structured exercise helps regain mobility, endurance, and independence in daily activities.
  • Improving cardiovascular health: Aerobic exercise supports heart and lung function, reducing the risk of future strokes.
  • Building strength and endurance: Targeted resistance training combats muscle weakness and fatigue following stroke.
  • Enhancing balance and coordination: Exercises are designed to improve stability, reducing falls and promoting safer movement.
  • Supporting neuroplasticity: Repetitive, meaningful movement patterns help the brain rewire and adapt for recovery.
  • Managing fatigue: Graded exercise programs are designed to improve energy levels and reduce stroke-related fatigue.
  • Addressing chronic conditions: Programs consider co-existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity.
  • Encouraging long-term self-management: Education and home-based exercise plans empower individuals to maintain their progress.
  • Boosting mood and motivation: Physical activity supports mental health, confidence, and a sense of control over recovery.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, or aquatic therapy, is highly beneficial in Parkinson’s therapy due to the buoyancy and warmth of water.
  • Improving balance and coordination: The buoyancy of water offers support, reducing the risk of falls and allowing you to practice balance exercises with greater confidence, which is key to regaining stability and independence.
  • Increasing muscle strength: Water resistance naturally provides a form of resistance during movement, helping to build muscle strength in weakened areas, even for individuals with limited mobility.
  • Enhancing range of motion: The warm temperature of the water helps relax muscles and reduce stiffness, promoting greater joint mobility and flexibility.
  • Managing pain: The soothing warmth of the water can alleviate muscle pain and spasms, helping to relax the body and reduce discomfort.
  • Improving gait and walking ability: Practicing walking in water can help you with proper gait patterns and improve walking ability by offering a low-impact way to work on movement.
  • Cardiovascular benefits: Aquatic exercises improve cardiovascular fitness, supporting overall physical function and stamina.
  • Enhancing psychological wellbeing: The supportive, weightless environment of water can boost confidence and motivation, helping you maintain a positive mindset.
Adaptive recreation
Adaptive recreation supports wellbeing by promoting physical activity, social connection, and enjoyment through modified leisure and community-based activities.
  • Encouraging physical activity: Recreational activities are adapted to improve mobility, strength, and overall fitness in a fun, engaging way.
  • Rebuilding confidence: Participation in enjoyable, achievable activities fosters independence and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Supporting social connection: Group-based programs help reduce isolation and promote peer support and community engagement.
  • Enhancing emotional wellbeing: Leisure activities provide purpose, reduce stress, and support positive mental health.
  • Improving coordination and motor skills: Recreational tasks like art, games, or sport-based activities help refine fine and gross motor function.
  • Fostering inclusion: Activities are tailored to individual abilities, ensuring everyone can participate meaningfully and safely.
  • Promoting lifelong habits: Encourages sustainable engagement in healthy recreation and leisure beyond the rehab setting.
  • Exploring new interests: Adaptive recreation provides opportunities to discover new hobbies and redefine life post-stroke.
  • Integrating into the community: Programs help individuals access inclusive community facilities and events with confidence.
Driving assessments
Our driver-trained occupational therapists assess and support you in safely continuing to drive, with personalised strategies and training.
  • Assessing driving ability: Comprehensive evaluations identify how your condition has affected the physical and cognitive skills needed for safe driving.
  • Rebuilding confidence: Practical support and gradual exposure help reduce anxiety and rebuild self-assurance behind the wheel.
  • Tailoring interventions: Individualised programs may include in-vehicle assessments or off-road testing.
  • Recommending modifications: Advice on vehicle modifications (either to support vehicle access as a passenger or to return to driving a vehicle) ensures comfort, safety, and ease of use
  • Supporting decision-making: Clear guidance helps individuals and families make informed, safe choices about continuing or returning to driving.
  • Liaising with medical and licensing authorities: Assisting with documentation and communication for fitness-to-drive determinations.
  • Providing alternative transport solutions: If driving is no longer safe, therapists can help explore other mobility and transport options.
  • Promoting long-term road safety: Ongoing support focuses on maintaining safe driving habits and responding to any future changes in ability.
Upper limb program
Our upper limb program offers a comprehensive and evidence-based approach, combining therapy and advanced technology to help you maintain strength, function, and independence in your arms and hands for as long as possible.
  • Movement retraining: Hands-on support from your therapist to improve range of motion to allow for more functional use of your upper limbs including improved ability to grasp and release objects.
  • Strength building: Exercises to strengthen upper limb muscles, including gym programs.
  • Repetitive task practice: Repeating parts of a movement and practicing the full task you’re working towards.
  • Advanced technologies: Use of advanced technology devices including end effector, exoskeleton, virtual reality and sensor-based devices to allow for high repetition of supported movements. The advanced tech devices improve engagement through gamification.
  • Electrical stimulation: Using devices like Neurotrac and Xcite to activate and strengthen muscles.
  • Electromyography: Using devices like Luna EMG to monitor electrical signals and trigger upper limb movements.
  • Equipment prescription: This can include adaptive equipment such as cutlery or supportive equipment like a sling or a splint.
  • Education and pain management: Learning strategies to avoid unhelpful habits, improve positioning, and manage pain.
  • Carer involvement: Training for your support worker or family member to help you continue therapy at home.
Home modifications
Tailored home modifications that improve safety, accessibility, and independence for people living with Parkinson's disease.
  • Expert guidance and home assessment: Your Occupational Therapist will conduct a thorough review of your home to identify areas that may benefit from modification. They will then arrange a joint visit with a qualified builder. Together, they will collaborate with you to explore feasible modifications and ensure proposed changes align with your personal needs and goals.
  • Support with funding and installation: We will provide recommendations for the required home modifications, including preparing drawings and detailed reports to support applications to relevant funding bodies.
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NDIS Funding
Medicare funding
MyAgedCare funding
Health insurance

Meet the team

Neurological rehab is about working with the body and the brain — finding new pathways, building strength, and adapting with purpose. Every step, no matter how small, is meaningful when it helps someone move with more confidence and control.

Iain
Senior Occupational Therapist
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Our locations

New South Wales

Ryde Petersham Collaroy Penrith Ryde-Eastwood Dubbo

Queensland

Cairns Townsville Brisbane Atherton

Victoria

Melbourne
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1800 518 180
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