47 questions — why it ’ s changing , whether your doctor or therapist can advocate for broader or continued coverage , if different coding for insurance is needed on their end , etc .
+ Do a trial run . Before you make an appointment , chat briefly with a potential provider over the phone , if possible . Ask about their background , education and experience . And ask about their approach — how they work with patients , measure results , etc . If it seems like a fit , try a session or two . But if it doesn ’ t seem to be working , don ’ t feel stuck . You can and should make a change . Many people need to see more than one person before they find their match . And some just want a fresh perspective after a bit of time .
Track Your Progress
Keep an activity log . This shows progress toward goals and helps determine what ’ s too easy or too hard . It ’ s also a place to record what you ’ re learning — about exercise , life or yourself , how you feel before and after exercise , when you seem to exercise best , and even which foods make a difference .
Mark the date and time ; activity type , length and intensity ; how you felt ; and other relevant information , like whether you had pain , how you slept the night before , when you ate or took medication relative to when you worked out and any other useful details .
Who and What Can Help ?
+ Start and end with goals . Your therapist should ask what you want to get out of treatment and help you set goals . Goals give meaning and purpose to your hard work . They also help your therapist design and carry out your personal program . And they give you a target , so you know when you ’ re on track or where you need to work to get back on track .
+ Be an active partner in your care . Be curious . Ask lots of questions . What is this exercise meant to do ? Why do we do it this way ? Is it normal to feel tired , sore , etc .? Make sure they explain until you understand . The more you learn , the more engaged and proactive you ’ ll be .
Start Exercise Early in Disease
Ellis , et al ., Seminars in Neurology , 2021
This paper highlights the growing body of evidence revealing the benefits of physical therapy and exercise to mitigate motor and non-motor symptoms , improve physical function and reduce disability in people with PD . The authors highlight the importance of starting exercise and physical therapy early in the disease course .