Support for Movement Disorders

Movement disorders are chronic conditions that often require lifelong management. Most people who have the disorders are able to control their symptoms with medication

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Specialists at NYU Langone develop an ongoing care plan to help you improve coordination and muscle strength, as well as offer advice on lifestyle modifications to reduce unwanted movements.

Ongoing Care 

NYU Langone doctors provide long-term care for people who have movement disorders. Most people with the condition visit their care team regularly, depending on the severity of their symptoms. People who have their symptoms under control with medication typically follow up with their neurologist every two or three months for medication management and symptom monitoring.

Physical Therapy

Doctors may prescribe physical therapy for people with all types of movement disorders. Physical therapy can improve flexibility, balance, coordination, and mobility. 

A physical therapist can also help you develop strategies to reduce symptoms, such as mentally rehearsing a movement before attempting to do it. Breaking down complex movements into smaller tasks and planning how to perform them can help prevent unwanted movements.

NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation offers physical therapy on an outpatient basis for people who have movement disorders. Although you may initially visit your physical therapist several times a week, once you’ve learned how to do the exercises correctly, you should be able to perform many of them on your own at home or at a gym. 

Diet and Exercise Guidance

Certain foods and drinks, such as those that contain caffeine, can trigger tremors in people with movement disorders, so eliminating or cutting back on these triggers is often recommended. Other lifestyle modifications, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet, can also help control the frequency of tremors. 

NYU Langone specialists can help you develop an exercise and diet plan that suits your lifestyle and helps prevent unwanted movements.

Our Research and Education in Movement Disorders

Learn more about our research and professional education opportunities.