by, Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnassery -Founder, Prayatna , Kochi
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, and coordination, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult over time. People living with PD face a variety of challenges. On the motor front, tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and balance issues can turn simple actions into frustrating tasks. However, PD isn’t just about physical symptoms; it also brings in its wake, fatigue, cognitive shifts, sleep disturbances, and mood changes, all of which can further disrupt a person’s ability to function smoothly. Even one’s environment, such as a cluttered home or a poorly lit hallway, can magnify these difficulties
While medications and other medical interventions play a crucial role in managing symptoms, though often overlooked, occupational therapy (OT) is a uniquely empowering approach that often goes unnoticed.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Unlike treatments that focus solely on physical symptoms, occupational therapy addresses the broader picture. It considers how Parkinson’s interferes with daily activities such as dressing, eating, working, or pursuing hobbies. These tasks, which may seem routine to others, can become challenging as the disease advances. This is where the occupational therapist steps in, developing strategies that not only improve function but also restore confidence in navigating daily life.
What makes OT so powerful is how tailored it is. For instance, Occupational Therapists might introduce exercises and tools to support fine motor skills so that tasks like writing, using utensils, or managing pills become easier. When cognitive issues arise, they provide practical tools to support memory and organization, such as using visual reminders, simplifying routines, or setting up checklists to make tasks more manageable.
Environmental modifications are another key area where OT makes a significant difference. Therapists might suggest installing grab bars to reduce the risk of falls, adjusting furniture placement, or introducing assistive technologies to create safer, more accessible living and working spaces. And because fatigue is a common and often overlooked symptom of PD, therapists also teach energy conservation techniques, i.e. strategies to help individuals pace themselves, prioritize tasks, and include rest throughout the day to avoid burnout.
Beyond the physical, OT also places a strong emphasis on emotional well-being. Therapists work to ensure individuals can stay connected to the activities and relationships that bring them joy. Whether it’s adapting a favorite hobby or finding new ways to participate in social and work-related roles, OT helps people hold on to their sense of identity and purpose, by working alongside the individual, and often their families too, providing them with tools and insights to better support their loved ones..
Importantly, the benefits of occupational therapy are greatest when introduced early. Addressing challenges before they become severe allows individuals to retain independence for longer, adapt more smoothly to changes, and preserve a better quality of life overall.
Occupational therapy is a reminder that with the right support, life with Parkinson’s can still be full of purpose, activity, and dignity