Resources for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Patients

Living with Parkinson’s disease can feel overwhelming at times. The Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Program offers the broadest range of care options available in the region, helping people with movement disorders cope with physical symptoms, emotional issues, social stigmas and other concerns related to these disorders.

Our Movement Disorders team is dedicated to helping patients improve all aspects of their health and wellbeing as they live through the stages of movement disorders. We strive to offer connections with the services, information and resources patients and their families need — from patient and caregiver support groups to exercise, dance, yoga and tai chi groups.

New Patient Orientation

Our program team understands that helping movement disorders patients and families successfully navigate treatment and learn strategies for optimal living leads to better outcomes. 

New patients with Parkinson’s disease and their family members are encouraged to come to one of our new patient orientation sessions to learn what to expect during their course of care. During this informal session, topics include:

• How movement disorders symptoms are unique for every patient and how they typically progress
• The difference between Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor
• Signs and symptoms
• Treatment options — medications and beyond
• How to have an effective clinic appointment
• How to “live well” with Parkinson’s or other movement disorder
• Deep Brain Stimulation surgery and how it works
• The benefits of physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Resources, such as support groups, exercise groups, community education, symposium and websites

Exercise Class for People With Parkinson's Disease

Join the therapists from the Froedtert & MCW Neurologic Rehabilitation Program for a six-week exercise course designed for those with a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.

Learn More

Community Education

Physicians and other program team members present community education programs on Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders as well as deep brain stimulation (for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, tremors and dystonia). Programs are offered in Milwaukee and surrounding communities.

Two other very helpful educational offerings include:

Living Well with Chronic Conditions — This six-week, community-based workshop is for individuals with chronic diseases. The course covers problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain, and isolation; appropriate exercise; appropriate use of medications; effective communication with family, friends, and health professionals; nutrition; and how to evaluate new treatments.

Stepping On — A seven-week, community-based workshop that empowers participants to carry out health behaviors that reduce the risks of falls, improve self-management, and increase quality of life.

Please ask a member of our team if we can help you meet other needs. Here is a list of some of things patients have found helpful.

Support Groups

Huntington’s Disease Support Group — This group is for individuals, families and caregivers affected by Huntington's disease.

Local Support Groups — The Wisconsin Parkinson's Association provides a list of local support groups, exercise classes and more.

More Resources and Links

• American Parkinson's Disease Association
• Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation
• Davis Phinney Foundation For Parkinson’s
• Dystonia Medical Research Foundation
• Huntington's Study Group
• International Essential Tremor Foundation
• Michael J. Fox Foundation
• National Ataxia Foundation
• National Institutes of Health
• Parkinson's Foundation
• Parkinson's Study Group
• Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation 
• Foundation for PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy)
• Tourette Syndrome Association
• Tyler's Hope for a Dystonia Cure
• Wisconsin Parkinson Association

These links are external sites, provided as a convenience for patients and visitors to this site. We are not responsible for the content of external sites. Whenever you leave our site, we will tell you because we feel it is important to make this distinction as we have not reviewed the privacy policies of any websites we link to from our site, and you should exercise care when visiting any other website.