## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Management & Lifestyle](/living-with-parkinsons/management) - [Activities of Daily Living](/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [Management & Lifestyle](/living-with-parkinsons/management) - [Activities of Daily Living](/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living) # Mobility ## 💡 Quick Summary - Staying active through daily movement, walking, dancing or community [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") programs can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms and maintain confidence. - At-home exercises, reminders to move, and virtual [PD Health @ Home](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth "PD Health @ Home") classes provide flexible ways to stay physically engaged. - Mobility devices like canes, walking poles, walkers and wheelchairs, guided by [physical or occupational therapists](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/physical-occupational-speech-therapies "Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies"), can improve safety and independence. ![Woman linking arms with man using cane walking in a park](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/mobility.jpg?itok=n5rG5JJx) Parkinson’s disease (PD) can make movement more difficult. Staying active can help manage symptoms and boost your confidence in daily activities. ### Tips for Improving Mobility - **Build physical activity into your daily routine.** Choose activities you enjoy and feel comfortable doing, whether it is gardening, housework or preparing a meal. - **Walk with a friend or family member.** Exercising with another person is not only motivating but also a fun way to socialize. - **Join a community exercise program.** Call the Parkinson’s Foundation [**Helpline**](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) to find a local group. - **Move around regularly at home.** If you are sitting while watching television, working on the computer, reading or playing games on your phone, set reminders to get up every 30 minutes and move. Walk around, march in place or stretch for at least 10 minutes if you can. You can also march or stretch while seated if needed. - **Find an at-home exercise routine that works for you.** Enroll in weekly [PD Health @ Home Friday virtual classes](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth "PD Health @ Home") or explore our recorded [on-demand videos](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth "PD Health @ Home"). - **Play upbeat music and dance.** Dancing is a fun way to stay active and express yourself. If standing feels unsafe, try dancing while seated instead. - **Explore the** [Practical Pointers Guide](/library/books/practical-pointers-guide "Practical Pointers Guide") to find practical tips, strategies and tools for everyday movement and staying active. ![deanne_delehanty](/sites/default/files/styles/535x680/public/images/deanne_delehanty.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=cbltvNlb) MY PD STORY: Deanne Delehanty Moving Day was a gift to us and Gary. That day would not have happened if it wasn’t for that walk. [ READ Deanne's STORY ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/deanne-delehanty) ## Getting Around: Canes, Walking Poles, Walkers and Wheelchairs If you are finding it difficult to get around, mobility devices can improve your stability and safety and help you continue to do the activities you enjoy. There are many different types of mobility devices, including canes and walkers specifically designed for people with PD to help with posture and [freezing of gait](/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living/freezing "Freezing"). It is important to work with your healthcare team to choose the options that best meet your needs. [Physical therapists](/blog/awareness/8-occupational-therapy "8 Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask an Occupational Therapist") often recommend, adjust and teach how to use these devices. [Occupational therapists](/blog/awareness/8-occupational-therapy "8 Questions You’ve Always Wanted to Ask an Occupational Therapist") may also suggest devices and strategies to support your daily activities and help you stay as independent as possible. For help finding a physical or occupational therapist with PD experience, call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636). - ### Canes - Canes come in different materials, heights and styles. - The handle should be comfortable and the tip wide enough for support. - Avoid tripod and quad canes (those with 3 or 4-point bases) because they do not offer enough stability and may not touch the ground evenly. - ### Walking Poles - Walking poles or hiking sticks can help with support and may improve posture for some people. - One pole may be enough for to help with balance, or you may find that two give you more stability and encourage even use of your body. - ### Walkers - In general, rollators (a walker with four wheels, a seat and brakes) provide better stability and make turning easier than two-wheeled walkers. - Rollators may have a basket, making it easier to carry items while keeping both hands on the walker for better stability. - Avoid using four-post aluminum walkers or standard walkers. Lifting the walker as you walk can cause you to fall backwards. These walkers are better for people recovering from injuries. - Some walkers can turn into wheelchairs. - ### Wheelchairs - A lightweight, folding transport wheelchair is often ideal for shorter trips or travel. It requires someone else to push, so consider the user’s height and weight and choose a model with a seatbelt. Extra cushioning for comfort and support may be needed. - For more daily use, a physical or occupational therapist may refer people to a wheelchair seating clinic for measurements, training and recommendations on cushioning or back support. - Check with your insurance company to confirm coverage, as some wheelchairs may not be included. *Page reviewed by Heather Cianci, PT, MS, GCS, Physical Therapist at the Dan Aaron Parkinson’s Rehab Center, a partner with the University of Pennsylvania, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence and Julia Wood, MOT, OTR/L, Director of Professional and Community Education at the Lewy Body Dementia Association.* ## Related Materials Podcasts ### [ Episode 90: Movement Strategies: Mobility, Falls & Freezing of Gait ](/library/podcast/90) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/90) Audiobooks ### [ Fitness Counts: A Body Guide to Parkinson’s Disease ](/library/audiobooks/fitness) [Listen Now](/library/audiobooks/fitness) Fact Sheets ### [ Parkinson's Exercise Recommendations ](/library/fact-sheets/exercise-recommendations) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/exercise-recommendations) ## Related Blog Posts ![Couple outdoors stretching](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/UseItLoseIt-Blog.jpg?h=07d237a8&itok=spWDRDXk) Raise Awareness ### [ Use It or Lose It: It’s Never Too Late to Get Moving in Parkinson’s ](/blog/awareness/use-it-or-lose-it) READ NOW ![Women exercising with weights](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/strengthtraining-blog.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=pl35ArGn) Tips for Daily Living ### [ Parkinson’s Disease and Strength Training: Benefits ](/blog/tips/strength-training) READ NOW ![Woman stretching on a mat](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/newexerciserecommendations-blog.png?h=ed9ce7df&itok=TJ4R-9-H) Raise Awareness ### [ New Exercise Recommendations for the Parkinson’s Community and Exercise Professionals ](/blog/awareness/exercise-recommendations) READ NOW ### PD Health @ Home Join us for new, weekly virtual wellness programs! Take part in one or all of our events that cover: mindfulness, interviews with experts and guided exercise. [VIEW EVENTS](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn