Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to a gradual decline in physical abilities. The progression rate and specific symptoms vary widely among individuals, but a general pattern of physical decline is common. These limitations can be categorized into a few key areas that worsen over time. Many times, medical professionals spend time on complex rehab when simple solutions often work best. It is important to understand the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
What Seems Simple to Healthcare Professionals is Life-Saving for Others
Sara Kovelski Kraut, PT, DPT, NCS
Something so simple that we do not think is significant, can be life-changing for an individual.
Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
- Tremor: A rhythmic shaking, often starting in a hand or finger, that is most noticeable at rest. It can spread to other limbs, the jaw, or the head as the disease progresses.
- Bradykinesia: A hallmark symptom of PD, it is a general slowness of movement. This makes simple, daily tasks like buttoning a shirt or cutting food become increasingly complex and time-consuming.
- Rigidity: Muscles become stiff and inflexible. This can cause a “cogwheel” rigidity, where a limb moves in short, jerky motions when a person is passively moved.
- Postural Instability: This refers to a loss of balance and coordination. As the disease advances, a person may have a stooped posture and a higher risk of falling, especially when turning.
- Gait Issues: The way a person walks changes. Early on, this might be a reduced arm swing. Later, it can progress to a shuffling walk with short steps, a tendency to lean forward, or a feeling that the feet are “stuck to the floor” (known as freezing of gait).
Learn More about Identifying and Development Rehab for the Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Many ways to Learn
Subscribe to the Healthclick online subscription for access to multiple orthopedic courses.
Take the online course: Treatment Approaches for the Neurological Progression of Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease can lead to a debilitating future. Functional movement and activities that promote motion can assist with maintaining independence. Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers can learn to incorporate Tai Chi, Pilates, and boxing into rehab programs to promote whole-body movement and coordination.
The therapist will learn to identify the appropriate assessment tools and measurement scales utilized for each disease and apply them to create optimal individualized treatment programs that maximize the energy efficiency of their MS and Parkinson’s patients.
Train your clinical team and host a live course with Sara Koveleski Kraut, PT, DPT, NCS, at your facility. Courses will be customized to meet your facility’s needs.
Combine online and live education for the ultimate learning experience.
References
- Luo Y, Qiao L, Li M, Wen X, Zhang W and Li X (2025) Global, regional, national epidemiology and trends of Parkinson’s disease from 1990 to 2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Front. Aging Neurosci. 16:1498756. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1498756
- Su D, Cui Y, He C, Yin P, Bai R, Zhu J et al. Projections for prevalence of Parkinson’s disease and its driving factors in 195 countries and territories to 2050: modelling study of Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 BMJ 2025; 388 :e080952 doi:10.1136/bmj-2024-080952
- Langeskov-Christensen M, Franzén E, Grøndahl Hvid L, et al, Exercise as medicine in Parkinson’s disease, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 2024;95:1077-1088.
- Friedman JH. Staging is Not Important in Evaluating Parkinson’s Disease (https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/stages-in-parkinsons/). apdaparkinson.org. Published March 3, 2013. Accessed 4/15/2022
- Cleveland Clinic. “Parkinson’s Disease: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8525-parkinsons-disease-an-overview
