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Circle Rehabilitation, Birmingham

Parkinson's treatment

Whether your loved ones has just been diagnosed or are looking for more comprehensive treatment options, our team at Circle Rehabilitation can provide support and help tailored to the needs of each individual patient.

Book a site tour today to see how we can assist in their journey to a more independent life.

Dealing with Parkinson’s

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement but can also have non-motor symptoms, impacting emotional well-being and daily functioning.  

If you have a family member or loved one who is suffering from Parkinson’s, you may have noticed that they are having difficulty with movement and carrying out everyday activities such as washing themselves and cooking. 

They may also be experiencing:

  • Tremors
  • Rigidity in the muscles of the arms or legs
  • Bradykinesia (slowed movement)
  • Speech and swallowing difficulties
  • Cognitive (mental) decline

There is no cure for Parkinson's, treatments that can help manage symptoms include:

  • medication
  • physiotherapy
  • occupational therapy
  • surgery

What is Parkinson's disease?

How we can help

Rehabilitation for Parkinson's disease (PD) can lead to several potential improvements in various aspects of a patient's condition.

  • Motor Function and Mobility
  • Speech and Swallowing
  • Cognitive Function
  • Memory and Attention
  • Quality of Life
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
  • Pain Management
  • Social Interaction
  • Non-Motor Symptoms such as fatigue

Why choose us?

At our rehabilitation centre, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for Parkinson's patients.

    • Motor therapy
    • Cognitive therapy
    • Speech and language therapy
    • Rehabilitation exercises
    • Rehabilitation exercise for the hand
    • Rehabilitation exercise for the leg
    • Specialist training with LSVT and LSVT
    • Big (Speech and language and Physiotherapy programs designed to treat the Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease)
    • All the tryomotion kit
    • Thera trainer kit
    • VR in particular Strolll and Mindmaze, for both upper limb and lower limb

    • Physiotherapists
    • Occupational therapists
    • Nurses
    • Speech and language therapists
    • Psychologists
    • Neurological rehabilitation consultants

    • Mobility: AlterG anti-gravity treadmill, Lyra, LiteGait, G-move
    • Mobility aids: Walking sticks, quad sticks, walking frames, wheelchairs
    • Balance and agility equipment: Balo and Tymo
    • VR and AR: Stroll, Neurovirt and Mindmaze
    • Motor skills: Myo and Amadeo Mirror therapy tools
    • Gym equipment: Free weights. Exercise bikes
    • Specialist equipment: Equipment useful for PD include all of the walking machines. Atler G, Lyra, Litegait. VR units such as Mind maze and Strolll (designed for PD)

Weekly prices start from approximately £4,900.

Changes that happen with Parkinsons

One of our specialist neurological occupational therapists talks about the changes that can happen when you have Parkinson's and how we can help.

Find out more

Our approach

Rehabilitation for Parkinson's disease is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to address both motor and non-motor symptoms.

The goal is to enhance the patient's quality of life, maintain independence, and slow the progression of disability. Individualised rehabilitation plans, tailored to the specific needs of each patient, can lead to significant improvements in their overall condition.

  • Treatment and support Parkinson’s patients

    If a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease you may be worried that they are getting progressively worse and are unable to carry out basic activities to look after themselves. Whatever your worries, we can help. 

    Living with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging, but various strategies can help manage the condition:  

    • Stay active: Regular exercise can improve balance, mobility, and overall health.  
    • Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health.  
    • Mental health: Seeking support from counsellors, support groups, or mental health professionals can help manage depression and anxiety associated with Parkinson's disease.  
    • Education and support: Learning about the disease and connecting with support groups can provide valuable resources and emotional support. 

    For many people, a rehabilitation programme for Parkinson’s disease can significantly improve their independence and quality of life. Treatments available including physiotherapy and counselling.

    Book an assessment with us

  • Medication for Parkinson’s patients 

    There is no cure for Parkinson's but there is a range of medications that help stimulate the dopamine-depleted nerve cells in the brain. 

    We can prescribe from a range of medications that boost the level of dopamine in the brain (which is depleted by Parkinson’s). 

    The two main types of treatment are dopamine agonists and L-dopa. The former probably has fewer long-term side effects but the latter controls symptoms more quickly so the options need to be discussed with your doctor. 

    Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation is more effective the earlier on you are in the progression of the disease. (The advance from initial diagnosis to severe disability typically takes 15 years.)  

    It is important that someone with Parkinson's keeps fit and active and physiotherapy may be useful to encourage mobility. 

How can we treat Parkinson’s patients? 

At Circle Rehabilitation Centres, our Parkinson’s treatment is targeted at reducing muscle rigidity and slowness of movement. Treatment is not very effective at controlling tremors.

  • Drugs that increase or substitute for dopamine can help reduce symptoms.  

    • Levodopa: The most effective Parkinson's disease medication.  
    • Dopamine agonists: Mimic dopamine effects in the brain.  
    • MAO-B inhibitors: Help prevent the breakdown of brain dopamine.  

  • Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be an option for advanced Parkinson's disease patients.  

    Lifestyle changes: Regular aerobic exercise, physical therapy, and speech therapy can improve mobility and speech problems.  

    Supportive therapies: Occupational therapy, mental health support, and a balanced diet are crucial components of comprehensive care.

  • Nurses conduct initial and ongoing assessments to monitor patients' physical and emotional status, identifying any changes or complications that may arise.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, various treatments can help manage symptoms and are crucial for rehabilitation to be successful.

  • technology

    Technology

    Increase engagement, independence, and outcomes by unlocking your potential with the latest technology.

  • physiotherapy

    Physiotherapy

    Improve balance and mobility and enhance muscle strength while reducing stiffness and pain.

  • occupational therapy

    Occupational therapy

    Guiding individuals with Parkinson's to regain their independence and address challenges in daily life.

  • Rehabilitation medicine

    Restore and enhance functional ability and quality of life with a medication to help your condition.

  • Specialist equipment

    Our cutting-edge Nordic Health equipment, rare to find in the UK, can be used to measure very precisely spinal movements (often affected in Parkinson’s disease) and to improve their range and amplitude.  Other machines allow Parkinson’s patients the opportunity to improve their general fitness in a controlled and safe environment without the risk of falling. 

    As Parkinson’s disease progresses, people are able to move less and big movements become harder. We try to encourage these bigger movements such as stepping, throwing, stretches and so on. Circle Rehabilitation’s physiotherapy gym, stocked with equipment such as therabands, gyms balls, ladders and cones, has a big open floorspace which is ideal for this. 

    Dual tasking (eg doing another task while walking) is a key aspect of Parkinson’s rehabilitation and this can be incorporated into the programme at Circle using the recreational room and therapy kitchen. Patient’s timetables will allow continued practice of skills throughout the day. 

    We also have timetabled recreational activities including rehabilitation nutrition, movement to music and mindfulness.

    See our full range of equipment

What services do we provide? 

Circle’s Rehabilitation Centres were specially designed to facilitate recovery and rehabilitation programmes for problems such as Parkinson’s disease. 

  • Rehabilitation consultant in Parkinson’s disease management plays a multifaceted role, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive, coordinated, and personalised care. They are instrumental in the medical management of the patients' symptoms ensuring medication is optimised for rehabilitation to take place.

  • Our physiotherapists will focus on movement and physical function, helping patients maintain mobility, strength, and balance. Individualised exercise programs are provided to improve:  

    • Strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health
    • Balance and coordination Training: Provide exercises to enhance balance and reduce the risk of falls
    • Gait training: Help patients improve their walking patterns and prevent freezing of gait
    • Postural exercises: Assist in maintaining good posture and reducing the risk of postural instability

  • Help patients maintain independence in daily activities and improve their quality of life this may involve. 

    • Activity Modification: Teach patients how to adapt daily activities to their changing abilities
    • Assistive Devices: Recommend and train patients in the use of assistive devices to aid in daily tasks
    • Home Modifications: Suggest changes to the home environment to enhance safety and accessibility
    • Energy Conservation: Educate patients on techniques to conserve energy and reduce fatigue during daily activities
    • Support with cognition - provide strategies to aid daily functional tasks

  • Address communication and swallowing difficulties that often accompany Parkinson's disease. 

    • Help improve voice volume, articulation, and fluency through targeted exercises
    • Swallowing therapy: Assess and treat dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) to prevent choking and aspiration pneumonia
    • Communication strategies: Teach alternative communication methods and strategies to enhance interaction 

  • Provide nutritional guidance to help manage symptoms and improve overall health.

    • Nutritional assessments: Evaluate dietary intake and nutritional status
    • Provide diet plans: Create individualised diet plans to ensure adequate nutrition and manage symptoms like constipation and weight changes
    • Medication interaction: Advise on dietary modifications to avoid interactions with Parkinson’s medications

  • Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s is a frightening and traumatic experience. Input from a psychologist can be incredibly important. One of our psychologists will discuss their thoughts and feelings and explore ways to manage these appropriately.

    Our Clinical psychologists and Neuropsychologists will:

    • Address the mental health and cognitive aspects of Parkinson's disease
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Provide therapy to help manage depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges
    • Cognitive rehabilitation: Develop strategies to cope with cognitive impairments, such as memory loss and executive function difficulties
    • Support groups: Facilitate support groups to provide emotional support and foster a sense of community.  

  • What is the aim of Parkinson's rehabilitation?

    The objective of Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation is to improve your quality of life, promote your independence and support you and your family members through a difficult time. 

    A combination of rehabilitation and pharmacological treatment maximises your opportunities for independent living, such as by maintaining their job and hobbies, and continuing to drive. The multidisciplinary team at Circle Rehabilitation offers timely intervention in a supportive environment. 

Meet the staff

One key benefit to sending a family member or loved one to be treated at Circle Rehabilitation is its multi-disciplined and friendly staff. The people that the patient comes into contact with, truly care about their overall experience and can help with wider issues, such as providing therapy, and nutritional help. 

Educating patients about the condition in the early stages after diagnosis is essential. At Circle Rehabilitation, you’ll have access to a diverse multidisciplinary team including a neurological rehabilitation consultant, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and dietitians. There are also opportunities to link with the wider clinical team at our hospitals as required. 

Read our staff biographies to find out more about our staff, or click on one of the icons below to find out more about the team that will be helping you or your loved one through their rehabilitation.

  • What causes Parkinson's?

    The exact cause of Parkinson's disease (PD) is not fully understood.

    However, while the precise cause of Parkinson's disease remains elusive, it is clear that a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors plays a role in its development.

    Research continues to explore these factors in the hope of finding more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

  • What can you expect from our care?

    Key areas where rehabilitation can make a difference include: 

    • Improved mobility 
    • Enhanced muscle strength 
    • Speech and communication 
    • Daily living skills 
    • Cognitive function 
    • Emotional wellbeing 
    • Motor skills 
    • Support and advice for carers or family members 

  • Advances in rehabilitation for Parkinson's disease

    Rehabilitation for Parkinson's disease (PD) is an evolving field, incorporating new technologies and innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes.

     With the integration of new technologies, innovative exercise programs, and a multidisciplinary approach, rehabilitation aims to improve motor and non-motor symptoms, enhance quality of life, and support long-term management of the disease. 

    These advances include: virtual reality (VR), wearable devices and equipment that can track movement and provide real-time feedback. In addition new exercise programmes such as dance therapy are widening the scope of rehabilitation options available. 

How to access our services 

If a loved one or family member is experiencing problems with Parkinson’s, get in touch with us today to see how we can help. 

Once we’ve spoken with you, your case will be reviewed by one of our specialist consultants who will be able to assess your requirements. We deal with all enquiries quickly, as we know how important rehabilitation is for those affected by Parkinson’s. 

Contact us for an assessment to help us identify how we might help. It is recommended that you come and visit our site. Tours are available on request. 

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