Midwest Chapter Symposium: Understanding and Managing Pain in PD

Check-in, Lunch and Vendor Visits start at 12 p.m.
If you live with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and experience pain, you are not alone. Chronic pain is twice as common among people with PD as it is in people without it. In fact, more than 80 percent of people with PD report experiencing pain and many say it’s their most troubling non-motor symptom. Together with your community, learn about physical pain in Parkinson's disease, including why it happens, tools to manage pain, and the importance of movement.
Speakers
Matthew Wodziak, MD
Rush University Medical Center, A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
Ala Elyaman, DO
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Mary Zalinger, PT, DPT, CLT
Senior Physical Therapist
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Caitlyn Seuschek, PT, DPT, NCS and PWR! Certified Therapist
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community.
Contact Us
Jessica Bartsch
The Parkinson’s Foundation is grateful for the unwavering support of our Program Sponsors. We invite you to view our full list of sponsors and learn more about them by visiting our Chapter Webpage.

COVID SAFETY: The health and safety of our participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff are our top priority. We continue to monitor CDC recommendations and will adhere to state and local COVID guidelines in place on the event day. Adjustments will be made if necessary.
Upcoming Events
2025 Utica Boilermaker Race Weekend
Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular races. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Mindfulness Mondays - Mental Wellbeing
In sessions with Dr. Rush, we explore different dimensions of a mindfulness practice. She will share ways to ground and settle the mind and body.
Exploring the Possibility of Disease-Modifying Therapies
Research aimed at exploring therapies that could possibly change the course of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is rapidly evolving.