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Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation Brisbane

Parkinson’s disease

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

We understand that Parkinson’s affects everyone differently and that your needs may change over time. That’s why we take a personalised, one-on-one approach — working closely with you to understand your goals, your symptoms, and how your condition is progressing. Together, we’ll develop a tailored plan that supports your function and wellbeing, with a focus on helping you to stay active, engaged, and supported throughout your journey.

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.

Your program may include

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.
  • Adapting to your environments: 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.
  • Conserving energy and managing fatigue: 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.
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.
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.
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.
SPEAK OUT!® program
SPEAK OUT!® is a specialised speech therapy program designed for people with Parkinson’s, combining one-on-one support, education, and ongoing group practice to strengthen and preserve your voice through the power of speaking with “INTENT.”
  • 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
NDIS Funding
Medicare funding
MyAgedCare funding
Health insurance

Meet the team

With Parkinson’s, it’s not just about managing symptoms — it’s about helping people hold on to the routines, roles, and activities that give their life meaning. Our role is to support each person in adapting with dignity, staying engaged, and feeling in control as things change.

Brooke
Senior Occupational Therapist
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