The Biggest Challenges with Parkinson’s & How to Overcome Them

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It can make simple everyday tasks more difficult and impact confidence, independence, and overall quality of life. However, with the right approach, many of these challenges can be managed to help people with Parkinson’s stay active, strong, and in control.

At Simpson Physiotherapy, we work with individuals at all stages of Parkinson’s, offering expert physiotherapy and PD Warrior classes to help improve movement, strength, and confidence. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the biggest challenges people face with Parkinson’s and how to manage them effectively.

1. Difficulty with Movement & Stiffness

One of the most common and frustrating symptoms of Parkinson’s is slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and muscle stiffness (rigidity). These symptoms make daily tasks—like getting dressed, standing up from a chair, or walking—more difficult.

How Physiotherapy Helps:

✅ PD Warrior exercises encourage big, exaggerated movements to counteract stiffness.
✅ Stretching routines improve flexibility and help maintain range of motion.
✅ Targeted strengthening exercises keep muscles engaged and working effectively.

💡 Tip: The key is to move with intention—thinking about making movements bigger and stronger helps overcome stiffness and hesitation!

2. Walking & Balance Issues

People with Parkinson’s often struggle with shuffling gait, freezing episodes, and poor balance, increasing the risk of falls. This can make walking feel unsafe, leading to reduced confidence and mobility.

How to Improve Walking & Balance:

🏃 Gait retraining: Focusing on longer strides and arm swings helps counteract shuffling.
🦵 Strength training: Building leg and core strength improves stability.
🚶 Balance exercises: Working on weight shifts, single-leg stands, and postural control helps prevent falls.

At Simpson Physiotherapy, we offer personalised balance training and walking exercises to help individuals move with greater ease and confidence.

💡 Tip: Practicing walking towards a target (like a marker on the floor) can help improve step size and reduce freezing episodes!

3. Fatigue & Low Energy Levels

Many people with Parkinson’s experience extreme fatigue, which can make even small tasks feel exhausting. This is caused by the extra effort required to move, poor sleep, and changes in the brain’s ability to regulate energy.

How to Combat Fatigue:

🛌 Good sleep hygiene: Keeping a regular sleep schedule and reducing screen time before bed helps improve rest.
🏋️ Gentle exercise: Regular movement improves circulation and energy levels without overexertion.
🥗 Balanced diet: Staying hydrated and eating nutrient-rich foods supports overall energy.

At Simpson Physiotherapy, we help clients create manageable exercise routines that boost energy rather than drain it.

💡 Tip: Short bursts of activity followed by rest periods can help maintain energy throughout the day!

4. Hand & Arm Weakness

Fine motor control is often affected by Parkinson’s, making it difficult to button a shirt, hold a pen, or grip objects. Weakness and stiffness in the hands, wrists, and arms can reduce independence.

How to Strengthen the Hands & Arms:

🖐️ Grip-strengthening exercises: Using a stress ball or therapy putty improves hand function.
💪 Wrist and arm strengthening: Gentle resistance exercises build strength for daily tasks.
🛑 Hand stretching: Keeps the fingers flexible and reduces stiffness.

Our PD Warrior classes include exercises specifically designed to improve hand function and dexterity.

💡 Tip: Regularly using your hands for tasks like folding laundry or gripping a towel can help maintain function!

5. Postural Changes & Back Pain

Many people with Parkinson’s develop a forward-leaning posture, which affects balance and causes back pain. This happens due to muscle tightness, stiffness, and postural instability.

How to Improve Posture:

✅ Core-strengthening exercises: Help keep the trunk upright and prevent slouching.
✅ Stretching the chest & back: Reduces tightness and improves alignment.
✅ Postural awareness training: Teaches how to actively maintain a taller, more stable stance.

💡 Tip: Using a mirror to check posture while standing or sitting can help you stay aware of alignment throughout the day!

6. Speech & Swallowing Difficulties

Because Parkinson’s affects muscle control, many people experience a softer voice, slurred speech, or difficulty swallowing. This can make communication harder and impact eating and drinking safety.

How to Improve Speech & Swallowing:

🗣️ Speaking exercises: Practicing louder, more exaggerated speech can help maintain vocal strength.
🍽️ Chewing & swallowing techniques: Learning safe swallowing strategies reduces the risk of choking.
💡 Hydration & nutrition: Keeping the throat lubricated can help with swallowing.

💡 Tip: Reading aloud or singing can help maintain speech strength and clarity!

7. Mental Health Challenges & Motivation

Living with Parkinson’s can bring emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, and a lack of motivation. This can make it harder to stay active and engaged.

How to Stay Motivated & Mentally Strong:

💙 Join a supportive community – Exercising with others boosts motivation!
🧘 Practice mindfulness & relaxation – Reduces stress and helps with focus.
🎯 Set small, achievable goals – Progress builds confidence over time.

At Simpson Physiotherapy, we create personalised programs to keep clients engaged, motivated, and supported throughout their Parkinson’s journey.

💡 Tip: Surrounding yourself with supportive people and celebrating small wins can make a huge difference!

Take Control of Parkinson’s with Expert Support

While Parkinson’s presents challenges, the right exercises, expert physiotherapy, and a positive mindset can make a life-changing difference. You don’t have to do this alone.

At Simpson Physiotherapy, we offer:
✅ PD Warrior Classes – Targeted exercises to keep you moving strong.
✅ Personalised Physiotherapy – 1-on-1 sessions to help with strength, balance, and confidence.
✅ Home Visits – Get expert care in the comfort of your home.

📞 Call us today: 0141 530 2092
💻 Learn more: https://simpsonphysio.co.uk/

💡 Your movement matters—let’s take the next step together!