The “Big Program” is a physical therapy program with 20 years of research that was designed to focus on patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is the most common form of neurological motor system disorder. This program has been created and designed to improve the body’s ability to function while slowing the process of motor deterioration by retraining sensory, motor, and cognitive functions through skilled exercises. The number of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease continues to grow in numbers over the years. Symptoms include diminishing strength and range of motion that leads to balance issues and physical impairments.
The “Big Program” involves exercise sessions over a period of 4 weeks with a physical therapist who is certified in the “Big Program”. The program consists of very large movements to include trunk rotation, swinging arms back and forth and across the body, bending and stretching down to the floor and high stepping. These exercises are designed to improve and increase the small every day slower movements that people with Parkinson’s become accustomed to over time. Studies show the exercises performed can improve walking, gait, balance and everyday daily activities. The “Big Program” can slow down and even reverse some symptoms by retraining the body’s movement.