Physiotherapist and wellness services provider Bai Med has hosted a workshop for people in the community living with Parkinson’s Disease who want to get out and socialise while strengthening their physical and mental skills.

The team at Bai Med started off with a warm-up exercise, with the team throwing the ball to one another and counting as they threw to each other. Then, increase the difficulty by counting and combining a Christmas theme. “Okay! We’re going to count Christmas items! Try to think of something Christmas-y as you throw it to the next person.” Mia Bia Med’s physio explained to the group.

The group, during their warm-up

After the warm-up, everyone jumped into action for their next set, with Matt from Bai Med demonstrating the Christmas-themed sets, which were appropriately named, such as rope slams, which were renamed "Ride the Slay" and crab walks dubbed "Geese-A-Laying". These workouts are engaging both mentally and physically, which gets the participants moving and thinking.

Physiotherapist Matt's demonstration

The participants really enjoy these workouts; you can really see the joy and happiness that this class brings to them. The team and physios (Matt and Mia) did a great job organising and demonstrating.  

Mia and her group performing

In 2020, exercise physiologist Sarah Clemm and physiotherapist Ryan Parker joined forces to establish the PD Power Program, aiming to address the regional gap in health services for individuals living with Parkinson's disease. Initially launched in Kiama, the program garnered support from BaiMed Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinics, along with the local Kiama PD Support Group.

Following PD Warrior training, the program's inaugural group therapy class took place in mid-2021 with five dedicated participants. Empowered by the addition of PD Warrior-trained exercise physiologist Ashleigh, PD Power expanded its reach to BaiMed clinics and community spaces in Figtree, Wollongong, and Nowra. The program offered personalised assessments, individual consultation management plans, and community engagement with local support groups, establishing itself as a vital resource.

In just one year, PD Power transformed into a strong evidence-based program, serving the Parkinson's communities in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions. The multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, PD nurses, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and administrative staff, grew from five initial participants in Kiama to over 200 across three regions, operating in five BaiMed clinics.

"Ride the Slay" aka rope slams

The success of PD Power can be attributed to the support of the integrated communities and the dedicated multidisciplinary team. The team's commitment to patient-centred care has allowed participants to achieve remarkable milestones, from maintaining employment to engaging in activities such as travel, piloting aircraft, local sports, bushwalking, and socialising at cafes and restaurants.

By 2022, PD Power had become a beacon of advocacy, highlighting the need for ongoing support from the government and Parkinson's organisations at the state and national levels. The program not only provided access to quality healthcare, information, and care support but also fostered social engagement. PD Power stands as a regional model, enhancing the quality of life for those affected by Parkinson's disease and urging continued support for vital services in rural areas.