Who this article is for
This article explains what Parkinson’s exercise physiology can involve, when to seek help, and how Eurobodalla Health and Fitness can support people locally through assessment, supervised exercise and practical next steps.
This article may be useful if you are:
- recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and unsure how to start exercising safely;
- noticing stiffness, slower movement, reduced balance, freezing, fatigue or lower confidence;
- worried about falls, near misses or getting out and about safely;
- caring for someone with Parkinson’s and looking for practical local support;
- an NDIS participant, family member, support coordinator or referrer looking for exercise physiology in Batemans Bay, Moruya, Ulladulla or the wider Eurobodalla.
Parkinson’s can look different from person to person. Some people want help with balance and walking. Others want to keep strength up, manage fatigue, stay active in the community or feel safer using the gym. A good exercise plan should start with the person in front of us, not a one-size-fits-all sheet of exercises.
Why exercise matters for Parkinson’s
Exercise is widely recommended as part of Parkinson’s care. It can support mobility, strength, balance, fitness, confidence and quality of life. It may also help with some non-movement symptoms, such as mood, fatigue, sleep and constipation.
Current Parkinson’s exercise recommendations commonly include several types of movement:
- aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling or other steady activity;
- strength training for major muscle groups;
- balance, agility and multitasking practice;
- stretching and mobility work;
- task-specific practice for daily activities such as standing from a chair, turning, stepping and walking.
The best exercise is not always the most complicated exercise. For many people, the best plan is the one that is safe enough, specific enough and realistic enough to keep doing.
That is where assessment matters. Parkinson’s symptoms can change during the day. Medication timing, fatigue, falls risk, freezing, pain, other health conditions and confidence all affect what is safe and useful. An exercise physiologist can help match the plan to your current ability and adjust it over time.
What an exercise physiologist can help with
An accredited exercise physiologist uses exercise as part of health care. For Parkinson’s, this usually means building a plan that supports movement, confidence and daily function while respecting medical advice from your GP, neurologist and other treating professionals.
01Strength for everyday movement
Strength training is not just about lifting weights. It can help with practical tasks such as:
- standing up from a chair;
- getting in and out of the car;
- climbing steps;
- carrying shopping;
- maintaining posture;
- feeling steadier during daily activities.
The exercises should be scaled to the person. For some people that might start with supported sit-to-stands and light resistance. For others it may include more structured gym-based strength work.
02Balance and falls confidence
Balance can change with Parkinson’s, and a fall or near miss can make people less confident moving around. Exercise physiology may include:
- stepping practice;
- turning practice;
- balance exercises with safe support nearby;
- changing direction;
- moving on different surfaces where appropriate;
- dual-task practice, such as moving while thinking or responding to cues, when safe.
The aim is not to make exercises risky. The aim is to practise the right challenge in the right environment, with support.
03Walking, mobility and rhythm
Some people with Parkinson’s notice shorter steps, slower movement, freezing, shuffling, reduced arm swing or difficulty turning. A program may include walking practice, cueing strategies, rhythm, large-amplitude movement, treadmill or bike work, and specific drills for the situations that matter most to you.
For one person, that might mean walking more confidently to the letterbox. For another, it might mean staying active in their local community, walking with a partner or keeping up with family.
04Fitness and energy
Aerobic exercise can support general fitness, endurance and confidence. Depending on the person, this may include walking, cycling, treadmill work, rowing, circuit-style exercise or other options that feel safe and sustainable.
Parkinson’s-specific exercise programs also emphasise purposeful, high-effort, high-amplitude (“BIG”) movements. Parkinson’s disease often causes movements to become smaller and slower without people realising it, so practising larger, more powerful movements may help recalibrate movement and improve everyday function. Exercises are often designed to challenge both the body and the brain through dual-task activities, problem-solving and changing environments to encourage neuroplasticity.
However, this should always be individualised based on fitness level, blood pressure, heart history, fatigue, medications, balance and how you respond during the session.
05Flexibility, stiffness and posture
Parkinson’s can contribute to stiffness, smaller movements and changes in posture. Mobility work may include stretching, trunk rotation, posture exercises, large movements and home strategies to keep movement part of the day. While stretching can help manage stiffness, it is generally combined with active movement, strengthening and functional exercise rather than used in isolation.
What happens at the first appointment
The first appointment is not about throwing you into hard exercise. It is about understanding what is going on and finding the safest starting point.
An exercise physiologist may ask about:
- your Parkinson’s diagnosis and current symptoms;
- medication timing and when you tend to feel your best or most fatigued;
- falls, near misses, freezing or balance concerns;
- other health conditions, pain or injuries;
- what you can currently do at home and in the community;
- what you want exercise to help you keep doing.
The assessment may include simple checks of strength, balance, walking, mobility, confidence and daily tasks. From there, we can help decide whether the best next step is individual exercise physiology, supervised gym support, a home program, class-style exercise, or a combination.
Your exercise physiologist may also discuss which activities are most meaningful to you, as practising movements that are personally relevant can improve motivation and may enhance motor learning.
Parkinson’s exercise support across three clinics
Eurobodalla Health and Fitness sees Parkinson’s and neurological clients at Batemans Bay, Moruya and Ulladulla. Individual exercise physiology appointments are available through all three clinics.
EHF also runs a Parkinson’s group exercise class on Wednesday morning in Batemans Bay and Thursday morning in Moruya. Our Parkinson’s classes incorporate principles of Parkinson’s-specific exercise, including large-amplitude movements, strength, balance, functional training, dual-task activities and appropriately challenging exercise tailored to each person’s abilities and goals. Ulladulla clients can access individual Parkinson’s and neurological exercise physiology support; this article does not claim a dedicated Ulladulla Parkinson’s group class.
We can help you work out whether individual exercise physiology, supervised gym support or a group-class pathway is the safest starting point for you.
Local care matters because consistency matters. It is easier to keep exercising when the plan fits your travel, energy, support network and weekly routine.
If you are not sure where to start, you do not need to know the perfect service before you contact us. Tell us what is happening, where you live, and what you are hoping exercise will help with. We can help point you toward the right next step.
Funding, referrals and getting started
EHF accepts Parkinson’s and neurological exercise physiology clients through several access pathways, depending on eligibility, referrals, plans and individual cover:
- aged care funding and service arrangements, including relevant My Aged Care pathways where exercise physiology is included in the person’s assessed services or care plan;
- NDIS funding where exercise physiology relates to the participant’s disability support needs, goals and approved plan;
- a Medicare GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, which many people still refer to as an EPC or chronic disease management referral;
- private health insurance extras where the person’s policy includes exercise physiology; and
- private self-funded appointments.
A referral is not normally required for a private appointment. Medicare, aged care and some funded pathways do require the appropriate referral, plan or service approval. NDIS access depends on the participant’s plan and whether the support meets current funding requirements. Private-health rebates, annual limits and out-of-pocket costs vary between insurers and policies, so clients should check their cover with their health fund.
Funding can be confusing, so we keep this part practical. If you have a plan, referral, care coordinator or private-health details, mention them when you contact us. We can help explain what information EHF needs and the most appropriate next step, without promising eligibility or a particular rebate.
When to check with your doctor first
Speak with your GP, neurologist or treating health professional before starting or changing exercise if you have new or worsening symptoms, recent falls, chest pain, unexplained dizziness, sudden weakness, shortness of breath, or if you are unsure whether exercise is safe for you.
Exercise should sit alongside your Parkinson’s medication and medical care. It should not replace advice from your GP, neurologist, Parkinson’s nurse, physiotherapist or other treating professionals.
Questions for your care team
Parkinson’s exercise physiology: my appointment questions
Eurobodalla Health & Fitness · 02 4472 8008
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FAQs
Is exercise safe if I have Parkinson’s?
Exercise is commonly recommended for people with Parkinson’s, but the right type and intensity depends on the person. Symptoms, medication timing, balance, falls risk, fatigue and other health conditions all matter. An exercise physiologist can assess your starting point and build a plan that is challenging enough to help, but safe enough to continue.
What type of exercise is best for Parkinson’s?
Most recommendations include a mix of aerobic exercise, strength training, balance practice, mobility and task-specific movement. The best exercise is also the one you can do regularly. For some people that might include gym-based strength and cycling. For others it might start with supported balance, walking, sit-to-stand practice and a simple home plan.
Can exercise help with balance and falls?
Exercise may help improve balance, strength, stepping, walking confidence and reaction to movement challenges. If you have fallen, nearly fallen or feel unsafe walking, it is worth getting assessed rather than guessing. Balance work should be done at the right level, with the right support, so you can practise safely.
Should I exercise around my Parkinson’s medication timing?
Many people find there are times of day when movement feels easier or harder. Your exercise plan may need to consider when your medication is working well, when fatigue is highest, and when you feel safest. Bring your usual medication timing to your appointment so the exercise physiologist can help plan around it.
Can I use NDIS funding for Parkinson’s exercise physiology?
NDIS funding depends on your plan, goals and how exercise physiology relates to your functional needs. If you have NDIS funding, bring your plan details or ask your support coordinator to contact us. We can help work out what information is needed and whether exercise physiology fits your plan.
Do I need a referral?
You can contact EHF directly to ask about exercise physiology. Some funding or referral pathways may need paperwork from a GP, specialist, insurer, coordinator or other referrer. If you are unsure, call us first and we can help you work out the simplest next step.
Book or ask a question
Not sure where to start? Call Eurobodalla Health and Fitness or book an exercise physiology appointment and we can help you work out the safest first step at Batemans Bay, Moruya or Ulladulla.
Useful links:
Sources
This article draws on general Parkinson’s exercise guidance from Parkinson’s Australia, Parkinson’s NSW, the Parkinson’s Foundation and American College of Sports Medicine, RACGP HANDI and PD Warrior.