Parkinson’s Exercise Programs | Lowcountry PD Support

Exercise Programs

Group exercise programs exclusively for Parkinson’s disease patients.

Research has shown that exercise is the only therapy that may actually slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Properly designed programs may help with a variety of PD symptoms, including but not limited to balance and fall prevention, freezing of gait, slow movements, and even cognitive decline.

Parkinson Wellness Recovery
(PWR!Moves)

Parkinson's-specific exercises that help maintain and restore skills that have deteriorated and can interfere with everyday movements.

Website

Class Location:
Cane Bay Family YMCA
1655 Cane Bay Boulevard
Summerville, SC 29486

Phone: (843) 719-9622

Class Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Parkinson's Pacers

This new exercise group includes both Nordic Walking and Urban Poling participants. It is conducted by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapy assistants. Participation is free for patients and care partners. Participants need to have their own poles (demo/loaners are available at no charge for first-time walkers). This monthly activity may meet at a variety of parks in the Greater Charleston area, depending on the needs and wishes of the participants. One Saturday monthly, October through April (no walk in December).

Class Location:
Park Circle

Saturday, February 28, 9:30 a.m.

Pick It Up for Parkinson's

Pick It Up for Parkinson's is an 8-week instructional program, developed by exercise professionals and Movement Disorders specialists, that teaches people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) the techniques and strategies to play pickleball safely. The goal of the program is to get PwPD excited about the game and teach them key techniques and safety features that enable them to incorporate pickleball recreational play into their PD exercise routine.
Pick It Up for Parkinson's includes a therapist or trainer certified to teach this sport and educated on how to adapt play for safety. Players can also be grouped according to both skill and stage of disease, with increased safeguards or lower intensity for those at higher risk of falls. Contact Cindi Day at dayc@musc.edu for more information, including starting date for next class series.

Website

Class Location:
MUSC Wellness Center
45 Courtenay Drive
Charleston, SC 29425

Phone: (843) 792-5757

Class Times:
Mondays and Wednesdays
2:30 – 3:45 p.m.

Solid Stance Boxing for Parkinson’s

Solid Stance Boxing is a specialized fitness program designed to help individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease improve strength, balance, mobility, and coordination. Our certified trainers , experienced in working with Parkinson’s patients, lead structured, no-contact boxing workouts that promote physical and mental resilience in a supportive community.

Website

Class Location:
Title Boxing Club Nexton
1000 Nexton Square Drive
Summerville, SC 29486

Phone: (843) 900-3522

Class Times:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Parkinson’s Speech Therapy at No Charge

Thanks to a grant from the Parkinson Voice Project, the Montgomery Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic at the University of South Carolina is offering free SPEAK OUT!® evaluations and therapy for people in South Carolina living with Parkinson’s disease. Services are available at no cost, provided individually or in groups, and can be conducted in person or virtually.

Website

For referrals or appointments, contact
Montgomery Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic
(803) 777-2614 or
Email Angela McLeod, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Clinic Director

Rock Steady Boxing Programs

Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact boxing program designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease. It aims to improve quality of life through exercises that enhance balance, strength, agility, and overall fitness. Rock Steady is offered at four locations in the Charleston tri-county area.

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