Parkinson's Program

Parkinson's disease programs

St Andrew’s specialises in working with people experiencing Parkinson’s disease (PD). Our physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists are accredited in evidence-based, PD-specific programs, including LSVT (Loud and Big), PD Warrior and Speak Out!. We offer a range of services developed in partnership with the person to help manage their Parkinson’s disease symptoms and achieve their individualised goals and function.

PD Hour of Power

The Hour of Power program is a group exercise circuit class for patients with Parkinson’s disease. It is based on high-amplitude, high-intensity exercises that are tailored and specific to improve and maintain physical function and mobility.

Format: 1-hour class, available on Thursdays and Fridays. Bookings are essential as maximum numbers apply.
Cost: The class costs $25 per session or 5 sessions for $100. Rebates may be available via private health insurance extras.

"Apart from exercises, the team provide tips and strategies for managing the disease on a daily basis. In this casual environment, we have a few laughs as we exercise and join in games that challenge our abilities. Many of the exercises can be done at home in between sessions but staff encouragement and support ensures I keep coming back for my weekly dose of Hour of Power.” - Hour of Power Patient

Download our flyer below for more information:

How to participate

No referral is necessary, however, new members require a one-on-one physiotherapy assessment prior to attending this class. To book your physiotherapy session, please call us on 07 3834 4285.

Same-day rehabilitation programs

This is an individualised, one-on-one program consisting of therapy with at least two health professionals. After an initial assessment, your therapists will work collaboratively and in partnership with you to identify your individual goals to create your personalised program. You may see a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, dietitian, gender health physiotherapist, or other allied health discipline as required depending on your individual needs. 

Format: Appointment times vary between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on your health fund requirements. The length of the program will be determined by the multidisciplinary team.

How to participate

A doctor’s referral is required for this program to access funding via your private health insurance. Learn more here.

Intensive Parkinson's disease programs

We offer a range of multidisciplinary, small-group Parkinson’s disease programs, developed in collaboration with each person, focusing on their individualised goals. A doctor’s referral is required to attend these programs. Programs include:

• 4-Week Intensive PD Program: Designed for people who have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or have mild symptoms. Each session will involve speech pathology for communication practice, an exercise session and an education session with our multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and dietetics.  Participants may need a review with an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist prior to starting the program. Format: Participants will be asked to attend for 3 hours each day, 4 days a week for 4 weeks.
• 2-Week Intensive PD Top-Up Program: This program is designed for people who have some background understanding of Parkinson’s disease, may have noticed a recent decline in their level of function, or just want a little bit more therapy. The program involves a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, with daily exercises, communication practice and an educational component included. Format: The program runs for 3 hours a day, 4 days a week for two weeks.
• PD and Falls Prevention Program: This program is designed for people with Parkinson’s disease who are experiencing falls. It involves both education and exercises specifically designed to help address the reasons behind the falls. Format: Attendance is required once a week for a period of 4–6 weeks, dependent upon the persons individualised goals.

How to participate

A doctor’s referral is required. Learn more here.

Individual appointments

If only one specific allied health profession is required, individual one-on-one outpatient appointments are available at a fee for service. HICAPS rebates are available for eligible health funds.

How to participate

Please call 07 3834 4285 or complete the form below.

Enquiries

If you would like further information about St Andrew’s Parkinson’s Program, please complete the form below.