Parkinson’s disease is called a movement disorder because the tremors, stiffening and balance issues it can create for an individual with the disease can make both small and large motor tasks difficult. As the disease progresses, people living with Parkinson’s can have trouble getting around or completing tasks that were once simple, like getting dressed for the day. Their gestures become smaller and slower over time.

Parkinson’s can impact a patient’s ability to communicate with others. Soft voice, hoarseness, monotone, mumbled speech, and rapid speech are the most commonly reported voice and speech issues associated with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s also affects communication by creating a mismatch between how you think you’re talking and how you actually sound.

If you’ve recently been referred to a physical therapist to help regain movement or strength following an injury or illness, you may feel nervous about what will be asked of you. You may even feel worried that physical therapy may worsen your existing pain.