Parkinson’s Disease Physio-Led Exercise Class
Move Strong with Parkinson’s
Move Strong with Parkinson’s is a physiotherapist-led group exercise class at our Samford clinic, designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, but many people notice changes in balance, strength, walking pattern and confidence with movement over time. Regular, targeted exercise is one of the few things consistently shown to help — and doing it well makes a real difference to how you feel day to day.
At Inline Physio, our physiotherapists run this class as a genuine treatment session, not a general fitness class. Every participant is assessed individually and the program is adjusted as your needs change.
Why exercise matters for Parkinson’s
Research consistently supports exercise as a key part of managing Parkinson’s, alongside medical care. Regular, structured movement has been shown to help with:
- balance and reducing falls risk
- walking pattern and stride length
- muscle strength and power
- freezing episodes and small, shuffling steps
- posture and rigidity
- mood, confidence and quality of life
Exercise does not slow or reverse Parkinson’s itself, but the right kind of movement — done consistently — can meaningfully change how well you move and how confident you feel doing it.
What happens in a class?
Move Strong with Parkinson’s runs as a small group of 4–5 participants, supervised directly by a physiotherapist throughout the session. Each 45-minute class combines:
- balance and coordination work
- strength and resistance-based exercise
- large-amplitude, rhythmical movement patterns to counter freezing and small steps
- functional movement relevant to daily life, such as sit-to-stand, turning and walking
Everyone in the group works at their own level. Exercises are individually modified so the class suits your current ability, not the other way around.
Who does it help?
This class is suitable for people across a range of Parkinson’s stages and ability levels. It’s a good fit if you:
- have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
- want to build strength, balance and confidence in a supported environment
- would prefer group support and accountability over exercising alone
- are looking for exercise that’s actually supervised by a physiotherapist, not just an instructor
Carers and family members are welcome to sit in on an assessment or first class if that helps you feel more comfortable getting started.
Your initial assessment
Before joining the group, you’ll complete a one-on-one Physiotherapy Assessment with one of our physiotherapists. This covers your current mobility, balance, strength and goals, and lets us place you in a group and program that genuinely fits where you’re at.
We use standardised outcome measures at your initial assessment, and repeat these at regular term reviews, so you and your family can see real, measurable changes over time — not just how you feel.
When and where
Move Strong with Parkinson’s runs at our Samford Clinic. Please contact our friendly admin team for current class days and times, as availability depends on group numbers.
How much does it cost?
Move Strong with Parkinson’s is billed like any other physiotherapy consultation, and cost depends on your individual circumstances and health fund. If you have Physiotherapy cover under your private health insurance, you may be able to claim your sessions under Item Code 560 ‘Group Exercise’ — please call your health fund to confirm your rebate.
Please contact the clinic for current session pricing.
Led by our Samford Physiotherapists
Every session is run directly by a qualified physiotherapist with experience in neurological rehabilitation – not a general exercise instructor. That means real-time adjustments, hands-on cueing, and a program that evolves as your needs do.
Ready to get started?
Not quite ready to book yet? Register your interest and our friendly admin team will give you a call with more information and to answer any of your questions.
Expression of Interest - Move Strong Parkinson’s Program
Thank You for your Interest in our Move Strong Parkinson’s Program! Please enter you details and we will be in touch with more details soon.
FAQs
Do I need a referral to join?
No referral is required for private patients. If you’re eligible for an EPC program through your GP, bring that referral along so we can process any rebate.
What if I’ve never exercised in a group before?
That’s completely normal. Your initial assessment lets us match you to a group and pace that feels right, and every exercise is demonstrated and adjusted for you individually.
Can a carer or family member attend?
Yes — carers and family members are welcome to sit in on your first class or assessment if that helps you feel more comfortable.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable, supportive footwear and loose clothing you can move freely in. Bring water and any mobility aids you normally use.
How do I know if this class is right for my stage of Parkinson’s?
Your initial physio assessment is designed to answer exactly this — we’ll talk through your current symptoms and function and recommend the right starting point.
Can I specifically request a male or female Physiotherapist?
Yes. Just let one of our friendly Samford reception staff know your preference when you are making an appointment and they will be happy to help you find an appropriate time with the Physiotherapist of your choice.
Is this class covered by my private health insurance?
Yes. If you have extras cover for Physiotherapy, each consultation can be claimed immediately on site via HICAPS, so you will only be out of pocket the gap between the amount paid by the health fund and the total cost of the treatment. The gap payable will depend on your health fund and level of cover.
If you have any other questions, please contact us!