Julie Andrews’ Parkinson’s Journey and the Role of Physical Therapy

Recent news of actress Julie Andrews making a rare public appearance in a message for the World Parkinson’s Congress has renewed attention on Parkinson’s disease and the role of rehabilitation in long-term care.

In her message, Andrews described the impact of the disease and encouraged continued research, awareness, and support. Her appearance highlights a condition that affects an estimated one million people in the United States and requires ongoing, multidisciplinary management.

What’s Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, often leading to tremors, stiffness, slowed motion, and balance problems. While there’s no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining function over time.

How can physical therapy help?

Physical therapy plays a big role in Parkinson’s disease care. It focuses on improving movement, strength, and safety in daily activities.

Treatment plans may include:

• Gait training to improve walking patterns
• Balance training to reduce fall risk
• Strength and flexibility exercises
• Exercises focused on bigger movements to support control and coordination
• Functional training for activities such as standing, turning, and walking

At Jackson North Medical Center, physical therapist Sabrina Cherelus works with patients living with Parkinson’s disease using exercises designed to translate directly into everyday movement. Her focus is on helping patients restore normal movement patterns, improve independence, and enhance balance while reducing fall risk as symptoms progress.

In one case, a patient participating in a therapy program led by Cherelus reported improved mobility and greater independence in daily activities after consistent rehabilitation. You can read her story here.

While public awareness helps highlight Parkinson’s disease, physical therapy remains a key part of helping patients maintain mobility and function throughout the course of the condition.

Patients can learn more about Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation services available across Jackson Health System at https://jacksonhealth.org/services/rehabilitation

Image: Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons