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Area of care: Paralysis and the nervous system

Parkinson’s disease

In short

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic disease that progresses slowly: the neurons that make dopamine gradually disappear. It mainly affects movements and walking, but also sleep, mood or digestion.

  • Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

Common signs

  • Tremor at rest, often on one side only at first, absent in some people
  • Slowness in starting and coordinating movements
  • Stiff muscles, sometimes painful, body bent forward
  • Walking with small steps, sudden freezing as if the feet were stuck to the floor
  • Handwriting that gets smaller, a less expressive face, a more monotonous voice
  • Over time, balance problems and falls

When to see a doctor

  • Never stop or change the treatment without medical advice: stopping suddenly can make the whole body stiff all at once
  • Unusual behaviour noticed by you or those close to you, such as urges that are hard to control
  • Side effects of the treatment, or any new and unusual symptom

What physiotherapy does

Physiotherapy helps maintain the muscles and joints. It also helps keep up walking and balance and limit the risk of falls. The physiotherapist works as a team with the GP, the neurologist, the speech therapist and the occupational therapist.

Techniques used at the practice

Work on range of movement, strengthening, endurance, transfers and balance. Visual or rhythmic cues for some walking difficulties; strategies for turning round and for managing freezing.

How the sessions go

Assessment of activities, falls, walking and fluctuations linked to the treatment. A progressive programme, if possible at the favourable times of the day, then reassessments and adaptation to the person’s living situation.

My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your session

Advice

Keep up regular activity and apply the strategies learned. Avoid doing several tasks at the same time when this makes you unsteady. Report fluctuations and do not change your medicines on your own.

Sources

  1. Symptômes, diagnostic et évolution de la maladie de Parkinson (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
  2. Traitement de la maladie de Parkinson (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
  3. Suivi médical et vie au quotidien avec une maladie de Parkinson (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026

Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

This page is for information and does not replace a consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Paralysis and the nervous system

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