Most health and social care professionals recommend early referral to their services for assessment and advice, so that they can help you to maintain a good quality of life from the outset and prevent any problems from worsening.
Referral procedures depend on the country in which you live and treatment may or may not be accessible through its national health system. Your doctor or other healthcare professionals should be able to advise you on how to access services in your local area. But if you cannot obtain state-funded treatment, you can also see a therapist on a private basis, this means you have to pay for any treatment and assessment you receive.
When and how often you see the therapist will depend on your symptoms, the services available in your area and your individual treatment plan.
For further information on how to contact therapists in your area see Managing your Parkinson's.
