Exercise is an important part of home treatment for people with Parkinson's disease. It has benefits in both early and advanced stages of the disease. Regular exercise can help you:

• Maintain muscle strength and improve coordination.
• Maintain and increase endurance.
• Improve flexibility and range of motion.
• Improve cardiovascular fitness.
• Control weight.
• Reduce the likelihood of becoming constipated.

Exercise also can promote a sense of well-being and improve your mood.

A physical therapist can help you learn exercises and stretches to do at home to improve posture, strength, flexibility, and endurance.

A physical or occupational therapist can also help you to:

• Plan more efficient movements for daily living activities (such as bathing and dressing) so that these activities are easier and less tiring.
• Improve balance and walking.
• Use walking aids (such as canes or walkers) correctly.

For more information, see the topic Fitness.