Wellness Works Program: Managing Parkinson's Disease

The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center at BIDMC has developed a modified Tai Chi Wellness Program for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Our instructors for this program teach our participants many of the traditional gentle movements and mind-body exercises associated with Tai Chi while also utilizing many specific movements focused on improving Parkinson's disease symptoms. The program features weekly individual classes that are designed to meet the needs of individuals with Parkinson's disease who will be able to stand for the entire 60-minute class.

If you have any questions about Tai Chi classes, please email us.

Upcoming Events 

For those with a passion for golf, join us to learn techniques and improve your game! This program runs twice a year, in the Spring and the Fall. Clinics are taught by Bob Beach, PGA at the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course. Care partners are also welcome! A Wellness Works membership is not required for PD Golf, but there is a one-time fee. For questions about the next session, email us.

BIDMC is proud to partner with Rock Steady Boxing to provide this popular, high-energy wellness program.

We will use the team teaching approach offered by Cheryl Marconi, owner and coach of LIFT PERSONAL TRAINING, and her co-coach Max Marcoux. As an experienced Certified Rock Steady Boxing instructor, Cheryl understands Parkinson’s inside and out: her husband was diagnosed with PD and fights hard using fitness to hold back the disease. Cheryl and Max are inspired by helping one person at a time in their energized RSB classes with the philosophy that physical strength builds confidence and emotional resolve. To find out more about Cheryl and Max check out the news story “Meet Trailblazer Cheryl Marconi”.

Upcoming Events

Yoga is an adaptable practice, with both functional and psychosocial benefits that can be suited to a variety of abilities. Yoga moves all the joints and muscles in your body. It improves posture, balance and gait. Yoga deepens your breathing and your body awareness. It gives you greater physical confidence and peace of mind. With creative support of props like chairs and the ballet barre, simple postures can be accessible and enjoyable to most everyone. We offer two options for yoga.

Dynamic Yoga

Students in this class need to feel comfortable standing and getting up and down from the floor. We will practice standing poses to strengthen legs and spinal support along with twists, gentle back bends and balancing poses. Class will begin and close with awareness practices and time to rest and integrate the movement.

If you have any questions about Dynamic Yoga classes, please email us.

Upcoming Events

Yoga with Chairs

This class is designed for people who need more postural support and may use walkers and wheelchairs to get around. The class will include many of the same movements as the Monday class but at a slower pace and with more support. Students will begin class on the floor but will need to be able to come to a standing position during the class utilizing the support of a chair. Partners and care givers are encouraged to take the class also.

If you have any questions about Yoga with Chairs classes, please email us.

Upcoming Events

Community and Meditation: Self-Care for Care Partners

Reduce stress, build community and practice self-care. This class is part support group, part meditation practice, and is for anyone who identifies as a care partner for a person with PD. We begin each meeting with time to share experiences, challenges, and rewards of being a care partner. We end each session with a period of seated, guided meditation. The meditation practice is awareness based and requires no previous experience.

This class will help you joyfully increase your strength, mobility, flexibility and balance. It is taught with seated and standing choices (50/50) and is set to upbeat music that you will love moving to. Modifications and movement suggestions are provided to help you to personalize your experience and feel your very best. Rosanne Russell, Nia and experienced Parkinson’s instructor, specializes in helping people move in ways that are just right for them.

Upcoming Events

Wellness Works is collaborating with Central Rock Gym in Watertown, MA. We are excited to announce that we will begin to bring indoor Rock Climbing to PWP and Care Partners! There is literature to demonstrate that this form of aerobic exercise may have benefits for PWP helping with symptoms such as bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity. Safety of the climber is maintained by the use of the harness and belay system. Importantly, rock climbing is fun and builds community; another way of “fighting back." The literature on Rock Climbing and PD has descriptions of the success of PD Rock Climbers who accomplished goals they didn’t think possible, building confidence. A Wellness Works membership is not required for Rock Climbing, but there is a one-time fee. For questions about the next session. Please email us for more information.

This program is for adult children of a parent with Parkinson's disease. We are offering this educational opportunity for adult children to meet the members of the PD treatment team, ask questions, and talk with other adult children. We know that PD affects the whole family, but what does this mean for adult children?

Please contact us for more information and upcoming dates.

What sparks your artistic talent? How do you continue to express your creativity while managing PD? Join us for a virtual meeting via Starleaf to discuss art and creativity as a means of coping. Artists of all kinds are welcome to discuss, network and share together. To register, email us.

See Our Work

Art Calendar

Watch our Calling All Artists 2023 video

Virtually Tour the Museum of Fine Arts

Join us for a free, virtual interactive tour and discussion of artwork currently housed at the Museum of Fine Arts. Space is limited.

For and About Women is a virtual networking group that brings together women with Parkinson’s. Some participants are relatively newly diagnosed while others have been living with PD for longer. The supportive environment of monthly meetings allows women to share experiences. Women within the group discover they share similarities as well as differences in terms of the impact of PD and how each member copes. Meetings promote learning about issues unique to women.

Participants share “life hacks” and strategies for daily living. They provide new and different perspectives with understanding and a sense of humor. Periodically guest speakers are featured who offer their expertise on relevant topics. Group meetings encourage and empower participants to live well with PD and build community within a strong group of women.

Upcoming Events

This orientation session is offered to learn about the broad range of services and programs offered through BIDMC's PD Center of Excellence. It is open to patients and care partners new to our center as well as anyone else interested in learning more. Sessions are run by Lissa Kapust, LICSW, our Social Work Coordinator and Wellness Works Program Coordinator.

Email us with any questions or to register.

Upcoming Events

This discussion group brings people with Parkinson’s and related disorders together to consider the challenges of the “middle years,” when medications may no longer be as effective, and new symptoms may mean additional lifestyle changes. These meetings take place every 2-3 months. Email us for more information.

Are you 50 years or younger and diagnosed with Parkinson’s or a related disorder? This collaborative program between Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital provides an opportunity to connect with others and discuss the unique challenges that come with a young diagnosis. Discussion is facilitated by Lissa Kapust, LICSW and Katrina Rudd, LICSW. Email us for the next meeting date.