The only thing shown to slow the progression of parkinson’s is forced intense exercise.

Rock Steady Boxing, a worldwide boxing program to help people with Parkinson’s, was started by Scott Newman — who went through rigorous boxing training after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Seeing a vast improvement in his physical health, Scott started a nonprofit boxing class to help individuals in all stages of the disease. While Parkinson’s Disease affects a person’s motor skills, many of the exercises and skills learned in boxing help to strengthen what the disease weakens.

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) represents physiotherapists, physiotherapist assistants and physiotherapist students across Canada. CPA members are rehabilitation professionals dedicated to the health, mobility and fitness of Canadians.

Physiotherapists are primary health care professionals who combine their in-depth knowledge of the body and how it works with specialized hands-on clinical skills to assess, diagnose and treat symptoms of illness, injury or disability.

More than 20,000 registered physiotherapists work in Canada, in private clinics, general and rehabilitation hospitals, community health centres, residential care and assisted-living facilities, home visit agencies, workplaces, and schools.

The CPA presents its educational references as a public service and for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the opinions of the CPA membership.