Parkinsons Disease Rehabilitation | Hackensack Meridian Health

Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation and Therapy in New Jersey

Living with Parkinson's disease presents unique challenges that can affect movement, balance, speech, and the ability to perform daily activities. At Hackensack Meridian Health, we believe that a proactive approach is key to maintaining your independence and quality of life.

Our comprehensive Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation Program at Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute provides expert Parkinson's Disease rehabilitation and therapy in New Jersey. The program is designed to empower patients with a combination of physical, occupational, and speech therapy strategies and skills needed to manage symptoms, improve safety, and stay as active as possible.

Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation Services

We offer a full range of inpatient and outpatient services designed to help patients live well with Parkinson’s disease. Our services include:

We keep patients up to date on the latest available treatments and provide encouragement to maintain or improve quality of life.

Our specialists develop customized fitness plans for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute offers a unique two-week inpatient rehabilitation program for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. The program, called the Parkinson’s Wellness Program, focuses on restoring and maintaining function. We work with you to develop and meet your individual goals, whether it be medication adjustment, decreasing falls, improving voice quality or improving activities of daily living.
We work with you to increase your independence, offering a skilled medical team, caregiver support and personalized training. Initial assessment is completed by:
  • Neurologists specializing in Movement Disorder at JFK University Medical Center’s Neuroscience Institute
  • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitative Physicians at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
A diverse team of specialists then creates your customized treatment plan, including:
  • Exercise Physiologists
  • Nutritionists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Pharmacists
  • Physical therapists
  • Recreation therapists
  • Rehabilitation nurses
  • Rehabilitation psychologists
  • Speech language pathologists
  • Social workers
  • Caretakers are welcomed to participate and will receive support.

Upon completion of the program, you will be transitioned into outpatient services that may be recommended in order to continue living well with Parkinson’s Disease, such as:

  • LSVT BIG®️
  • LSVT LOUD®️
  • ParkinSINGS Choir
  • Parkinson's Wellness Recovery (PWR!)
  • Rock Steady Boxing®️
  • SPEAK OUT!®️ and LOUD Crowd®️

Our goal is to help you achieve your goals, whatever that might be. From dancing with your spouse, to independence in the kitchen or being understood by your grandchildren, we are here to assist you in achieving what is most important in your life.

For more information about the inpatient Parkinson’s Wellness Program, please call 732-321-7070.

We work closely with neurologists to make sure medications are effective and each patient is taking medications properly.

Our registered dietitians provide information on healthy eating tailored to each patient’s condition, lifestyle, cultural needs and preferences.

Our clinics evaluate patients for equipment that may assist with mobility and independence.

Our skilled therapists help patients maintain the highest-possible level of functioning.

We assist patients with the emotional and mental health aspects of living with Parkinson’s disease.

Our supportive services and programs include:

  • Affiliation with NJ Neuroscience Movement Disorder Neurologists: We work closely with movement disorder neurologists to help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.
  • LOUD Crowd®️, SPEAK OUT!®️, LSVT LOUD®️ and Loud for Life®️: Evidence-based treatment programs to improve speech and voice for patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
  • LSVT BIG®️:A physical and occupational therapy program designed to improve quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease.
  • Rock Steady Boxing®️: A fitness program that uses non-contact boxing to improve quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
  • ParkinSINGS: Studies show that singing can help maintain strength in the muscles involved in speech and voice in people with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, scientists have found that singing may reduce anxiety and improve overall quality of life. Through a Parkinson’s Foundation community grant, Hackensack Meridian JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute provided the Parkinson’s community with a fun way to exercise voice, speech and swallowing muscles ― through singing! In August 2019, ParkinSINGS, a choir for people with Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson-Plus syndromes, was established. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please call 732-321-7063 or email alyson.chananie@hmhn.org for further information.

Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health for Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation

Our rehabilitation team includes board certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, movement disorder neurologists, certified rehabilitation registered nurses (CRRN), therapists, case managers and social workers, allowing patients to access a full range of treatments and services to meet their needs. Our specialists are leaders in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation and follow the latest, evidence-based guidelines.

We offer inpatient and outpatient Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation and additional supportive services, promoting seamless transitions between levels of care. Our team will recommend services and support that will provide the most quality-of-life benefits for each patient.

Our specialists are trained and certified to offer a variety of innovative supportive programs at select locations, including LOUD Crowd®, SPEAK OUT!®, LSVT LOUD®, Loud for Life® and LSVT BIG®.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Dr. Roger Rossi and the dedicated staff at the JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute for their incredible support.”

— Hugh McCourt, Edison, N.J.

“One of the most widely studied and effective treatments [for Parkinson’s disease] is a regimen of vigorous exercise.”

— Roger Rossi, D.O., the director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute

Program Videos

The ParkinSINGS Sing the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium

The primary goal of the program is to help individuals with Parkinson's disease manage their symptoms in order to maintain their independence and improve their overall quality of life.

The program uses a combination of specialized therapies to address challenges with movement, daily activities, and communication.


This specialized therapy can help address a wide range of common Parkinson's symptoms, including:

  • Difficulty with balance and walking (shuffling gait)
  • Poor posture
  • Reduced flexibility and strength
  • Trouble with fine motor skills (e.g., buttoning a shirt)
  • A quiet or soft voice
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Cognitive changes that affect daily function

Rehabilitation can be beneficial at all stages of Parkinson's disease. Starting therapy soon after diagnosis can help you establish a baseline, learn proactive strategies to maintain function, and potentially slow the progression of symptoms. However, it is never too late to start, as therapy can help improve safety and function even in more advanced stages of the disease.
We offer Parkinson's Disease rehabilitation and therapy at HMH JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute located at:

65 James Street
Edison, NJ 08820

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