04/29/2026
Treatment for Parkinson’s disease may include things that you do yourself, such as exercise, or things that you do with oversight, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. We asked three of our Northern Light Health rehabilitation therapists who work with PD patients to tell us about how they can help.
“Speech therapy is essential for managing, improving, and maintaining clarity of speech, speaking volume, swallowing safety, and memory/cognitive skills,” says Amy Kennedy, CCC-SLP, from Maine Coast Hospital. “One program that is especially successful is LSVT Loud.”
Physical and occupational therapists help enhance PD patients’ quality of life by improving strength and coordination. One tool both use is the LSVT Big program to slow the progression of functional symptoms.
“In occupational therapy, we address any challenges a patient may be having with self-care, valued daily activities, and hobbies. We can help patients to better understand adaptive equipment and strategies to apply to their unique challenges,” Heather Jellison, OTR/L, from Maine Coast explains.
“In physical therapy, we boost independence by maintaining and improving physical activities. We can prevent injury by enhancing balance and reducing fall risk, support posture to minimize stooping forward, and address freezing episodes,” says Emelia Palmer, PT, from Blue Hill Hospital.
The trio agree that a team approach (including doctors and rehabilitation specialists) is vitally important to support a person with Parkinson's by capitalizing on existing strengths and shoring up areas of challenge early.
