Orlando’s Clinic for
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Parkinsons Disease is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that occur because of a loss of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Suffering with this diagnosis, can result in muscle stiffness, poor movement control, and a devastating loss of independence. But our proven treatment approaches will help you manage the movement problems, maintain your independence, and continue to live with reduced pain and better movement. Contact our parkinsons disease expert to schedule your appointment or read below to learn more about our parkinsons disease physical therapy services.
Orlando’s Clinic for
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Parkinsons Disease is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that occur because of a loss of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Suffering with this diagnosis, can result in muscle stiffness, poor movement control, and a devastating loss of independence. But our proven treatment approaches will help you manage the movement problems, maintain your independence, and continue to live with reduced pain and better movement. Contact our parkinsons disease expert to schedule your appointment or read below to learn more about our parkinsons disease physical therapy services.
Check out our latest education video!
Board-Certified
MEET DR. TARA TOBIAS
Dr. Tara Tobias is a board-certified neurologic physical therapy specialist. With 15+ years of experience, Tara has practiced in every setting including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient centers that specialize in a variety of neurologic and balance conditions. Along with this, she has also completed numerous post-graduate courses focusing on the study of neuroplasticity (how the brain learns new skills and forms new connections), motor recovery, and the treatment of balance disorders.
The Five Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that has five different stages. Each stage is characterized by the amount of disability or the amount of assistance a person requires to perform functional mobility skills (ie: walking, transfers, getting in and out of bed)
Stage One
During this stage, symptoms are mild and typical can only be detected on one side of the body (unilateral). These symptoms may include mild tremor or shaking. Additional symptoms that may be noticeable by family and friends is a forward flexed posture, mild balance disturbances, decrease in facial expressions, and handwriting becomes small.
Stage Two
During stage 2, symptoms can be noticed on both sides of the body (bilateral), balance disturbances increase (and may include falls), and daily tasks come more difficult.
Stage Three
In stage 3, symptoms become more severe. Assistance is needed for walking, performing sit to stand and for completing daily activities..
Stage Four
In this stage, symptoms become more severe. Clinical presentation is marked with significant muscle rigidity and bradykinesia (slow movement). Patients in this stage require assistance and usually are unable to live on their own. It is common for tremors noted in the earlier stages to decrease.
Stage Five
A person in this stage of the disease typically requires 24 hour care and may be confined to a bed or wheelchair.
How We Handle
Parkinson’s Disease
We understand the impact Parkinson’s disease, and the related movement problems, can cause in your life. That’s why our treatment approach focuses on using proven techniques to maintain your movement and maintain your quality of life. We do this with a serious focus on getting the most work done during your sessions. You’ll be seen exclusively by a board-certified specialist, never double booked, and we’ll never ask you to do unhelpful, monotonous exercises so that we can catch up on paperwork. Giving you the tools you need to maintain an active lifestyle is our one and only focus.
- One-on-One Patient Care
- Only Board Certified Specialists
- Less Paperwork – More Treatment
How We Handle
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
We understand the impact Parkinson’s disease, and the related movement problems, can cause in your life. That’s why our treatment approach focuses on using proven techniques to maintain your movement and maintain your quality of life. We do this with a serious focus on getting the most work done during your sessions. You’ll be seen exclusively by a board-certified specialist, never double booked, and we’ll never ask you to do unhelpful, monotonous exercises so that we can catch up on paperwork. Giving you the tools you need to maintain an active lifestyle is our one and only focus.
- One-on-One Patient Care
- Only Board Certified Specialists
- Less Paperwork – More Treatment
The Signs & Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that occur because of a loss of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerves to communicate with each other. Dopamine is responsible for getting movement related messages from the brain to the body.
The most common Parkinson’s Disease symptoms are
Bradykinesia/Small Movement
Flexed Posture
Tremors
Speaking issues
Thinking issues
Balance issues
GOT QUESTIONS? We have answers
The Signs & Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms that occur because of a loss of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerves to communicate with each other. Dopamine is responsible for getting movement related messages from the brain to the body.
The most common Parkinson’s disease symptoms are
Bradykinesia/Small Movement
Flexed Posture
Tremors
Speaking issues
Memory loss
Balance issues
Thinking issues
Check Our Our Free Exercise Tutorials For Parkinsons Disease
HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS
“Tara is a great physical therapist. She thinks outside the box and is always inventing new ways to challenge my son and keep him progressing. She goes way above and beyond. We have been in many physical therapy environments over the years, and Tara has had the greatest impact on my son’s recovery. She has pushed him to new limits. He continues to improve and Tara continues to pour hope into him. He loves working with her and loves seeing the functional improvements in his life. We are so thankful for Tara’s practice and all she does for her patients”
“Tara is Awesome! She has helped my Mother stand and walk with assistance after having a major stroke last year. She is the most dedicated person in her profession. She is determined to see that her patients achieve the most they can and continue to strive to meet their goals. She has never given up hope for Mom and we don’t know what we would have done if we had not been introduced to her. Thank you so much Tara for your continued enthusiasm and support!”
My daughter suffered a severe hemorrhagic stroke in February, 2016. She received 6 weeks of inpatient therapy, as well as months of outpatient therapy. She, unfortunately, suffered several falls and broken bones, and also developed severe spasticity of the left foot/ankle. I found Tara on the website around December of 2017 and called her about my daughter. She evaluated her and immediately began a vigorous treatment plan. We, at this time, were becoming quite discouraged and looking for hope. Now, just 6 months latter, the progress my daughter has made is beyond anything we could have imagined at the time we met Tara. Every session Tara works extremely hard, is focused and uses a great bedside manner to elicit results from her patient. She shares the joys of her patient and their family when improvements are made, and she shows great pride in her skills. Tara is the best physical therapist we have had the privilege of working with. When we began with Tara, my daughter was confined to a wheelchair, she now is able to get that left foot flat and walk with assistance. Tara also helped us secure a new brace that actually works. Also, my daughter loves going to her therapy. sessions!
Getting Started is EASY!
No Insurance pre-authorization and you do not need a referral from a doctor
Contact us to start living a more confident, pain-free LIFE!
Call now to speak directly to a therapist
(407) 900-0841