Exercise Physiology for Parkinson’s Disease Adelaide
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, coordination, and daily functioning. At Thrive Health Therapies, we specialise in exercise physiology for Parkinson’s disease in Adelaide -empowering individuals to manage symptoms, improve strength, and stay active for longer. Our accredited exercise physiologists offer personalised support through in-clinic sessions, home visits, or in the community, to help you or your loved one thrive.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, which impacts the central nervous system's ability to control movement. While the exact cause remains unknown, a combination of genetic and environmental factors likely contributes.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease presents with motor and non-motor symptoms, including:
Tremors: Involuntary shaking, often starting in the hands.
Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making daily activities difficult.
Rigidity: Muscle stiffness that can affect posture and movement.
Postural Instability: Poor balance, increasing the risk of falls.
Gait Changes: Shuffling steps, freezing episodes, and difficulty with turning.
Non-Motor Symptoms: Cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
The Impact of Parkinson’s Disease
Over time, Parkinson’s can significantly reduce mobility and independence. Exercise physiology helps individuals counteract these effects, promoting physical capacity, functional independence, and emotional wellbeing.
The Role of Exercise Physiology in Parkinson’s Disease
Exercise physiology plays a key role in managing Parkinson’s disease. Our qualified professionals design safe, evidence-based exercise programmes that target both motor and non-motor symptoms. With a strong focus on improving quality of life, our goal is to maintain independence and slow physical decline.
Benefits of Exercise Physiology for Parkinson’s Disease
Improved Functional Capacity: Support strength, flexibility, and endurance
Better Balance & Coordination: Reduce falls and improve movement confidence
Reduced Fatigue: Boost energy through tailored activity
Cognitive & Mental Health Benefits: Exercise supports mood and brain function
Slowed Physical Decline: Maintain mobility and prevent secondary complications
Individualised Programs: Every plan is tailored to your unique needs and goals
Comprehensive Parkinson’s Exercise Physiology Services at Thrive Health Therapies
At Thrive Health Therapies, we are committed to delivering tailored, evidence-based exercise physiology services for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Our approach is holistic, addressing both the motor and non-motor symptoms of the condition to enhance quality of life and promote independence. Below is a detailed overview of our services:
Strength and Conditioning
Muscle weakness is common in Parkinson’s. Our exercise physiologists provide programmes that focus on:
Building Functional Strength: Exercises that support daily tasks like standing, walking, and lifting
Improving Endurance: Cardiovascular training such as walking or cycling to reduce fatigue
Supporting Posture and Mobility: Strengthening postural muscles to improve balance and alignment
Balance and Fall Prevention
Parkinson’s increases fall risk due to changes in balance and coordination. Our services include:
Balance Re-training: Activities to improve both static and dynamic balance
Fall Prevention Strategies: Training in safe movement techniques and obstacle navigation
Confidence-Building: Helping clients feel safe and independent in their movement
Gait and Mobility Training
Mobility and gait often deteriorate with Parkinson’s. Our team supports:
Gait Re-Education: Focused training to improve stride length, rhythm, and foot clearance
Freezing Management: Cueing strategies (visual, auditory, tactile) to manage freezing episodes
Walking Confidence: Clients feel more secure walking in both indoor and outdoor settings
Flexibility and Postural Control
Stiffness and postural changes can impact comfort and function. We help with:
Stretching and Mobility Work: Enhancing joint flexibility and reducing rigidity
Postural Retraining: Strengthening core and postural muscles to encourage upright posture
Preventing Secondary Issues: Minimising the risk of joint pain and mobility restrictions
Cueing and Dual Tasking
Cognitive and movement integration can be supported through:
Cognitive-Motor Training: Combining mental tasks with movement
External Cueing: Beats, rhythms, or markers to guide intentional movement
Movement Sequencing Practice: Training to support smoother movement transitions
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Support
Exercise physiology also addresses respiratory changes and general fitness:
Breathing Exercises: Improve respiratory muscle strength and oxygen intake
Cardiovascular Fitness: Aerobic exercises to improve heart health and energy levels
Education and Empowerment
We support long-term management by educating clients and carers:
Home Exercise Programs: Custom plans tailored to your home environment
Self-Management Strategies: Supporting safe, independent movement
Caregiver Education: Training family members to assist with exercises and mobility
How We Deliver Exercise Physiology for Parkinson’s Disease
We offer community-based, clinic-based and telehealth exercise physiology services to clients throughout Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills:
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based services in your home or at a location convenient to you across Adelaide. Learn more about our mobile exercise physiology services and our home visit exercise physiology services.
1:1 Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised clinic and gym in Findon, which has been designed to be appropriate for a range of presentations and disabilities. Our fully accessible clinic and gym space has a range of specialised equipment, allowing individuals with significant physical disabilities the opportunity to work towards their goals.
Group classes: Our exercise physiologists also run small group classes at our clinic, focused on strength, balance, and conditioning - ideal for those with neurological or physical disabilities who want to build capacity in a supportive environment. Learn more about our exercise physiology group classes.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients in Adelaide with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support. Learn more about our teleheath services.
Funding Options for Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Physiology
We accept a variety of funding options, making exercise physiology for individual’s with Parkinson’s disease accessible for everyone:
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Learn more about the funding options we accept.
Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Physiology?
At Thrive Health Therapies, we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care that makes a difference. Here’s why we’re a trusted provider of exercise physiology for Parkinson’s disease in Adelaide:
No wait time: We can start working with clients straight away!
Expert team: Our exercise physiologists are experienced clinicians with extensive experience in managing clients with Parkinson’s disease.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing exercise physiology across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at their home, or at a location convenient to them.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of neurological presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health.
NDIS Provider: We provide services to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants.
Funding Sources: We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people.
FAQs - Exercise Physiology for Parkinson’s Disease
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Exercise physiology helps manage the physical and functional challenges of Parkinson’s disease through targeted, evidence-based movement programs. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) design personalised exercises to improve strength, balance, flexibility, posture, and cardiovascular fitness. Regular exercise can ease motor symptoms such as stiffness and slowness, and reduce the risk of falls. It can also support mental wellbeing, improve sleep, and boost confidence in everyday activities.
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As early as possible. Research shows that starting a structured exercise program early in the course of Parkinson’s disease can help preserve function and independence, reduce symptom progression, and improve long-term outcomes. Early intervention also allows you to build healthy movement habits before symptoms significantly impact daily life.
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While exercise is not a cure, it can play a significant role in slowing the physical progression of the condition. Regular, structured physical activity has been shown to promote brain health, maintain muscle strength, and reduce the severity of motor symptoms. It also supports neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections—which is especially important in neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
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Exercise programs for Parkinson’s are highly personalised, but common components include:
Aerobic exercise (e.g. walking, cycling) for cardiovascular fitness
Strength training to support posture and functional movement
Balance exercises to reduce falls
Flexibility/stretching to manage stiffness
Cueing techniques (e.g. rhythmic stepping, visual targets) to assist with walking and reduce freezing
Dual-task training to improve coordination between movement and thinking tasks
Every program is tailored to your needs, stage of Parkinson’s, and personal goals.
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Yes. While both professions support people with Parkinson’s, they have different scopes of practice:
Physiotherapists focus on assessment and rehabilitation after injury or during acute decline.
Exercise physiologists specialise in long-term management through exercise prescription, helping clients build strength, fitness, and function over time.
At Thrive Health Therapies, our team works collaboratively. Many clients benefit from both services at different stages.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring or would like to book directly with our team, please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your loved one directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
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Referral Form
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