Aquacare/Fitness Forum Physical Therapy

By Rachel Swick Mavity

When Tom Cosentino of Millville was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nine years ago, he was determined to stay as active as possible for as long as possible.

Tom was living in Howard County, Maryland, at the time. He was working in a high-powered, high-stress executive position.

“As my disease has progressed, I have noticed more muscle aches and pain. I was noticing I was really stiff. I wasn’t really moving, I was just lumbering,” Tom said.

About three years ago, Tom had retired, but his wife was still working as a teacher in Maryland.

“She wanted to move closer to the water and we found our house in Bay Forest. It really changed my life,” Tom said.

He met a group of pickleball players, found trails to ride his bike on, and started feeling better. His wife would come out on weekends and together they started exploring the area and getting involved.

“I added yoga and was playing pickleball several times a week and I was starting to feel better, but I wanted to do more,” Tom said.

He reached out to the Davis Phinney Foundation, a group he is a member of, to find out what others recommend.

“There are a bunch of physical therapists in the group, and they all suggested finding an LSVT BIG program near me,” Tom said. “I was excited to learn that Aquacare provides this powerful program right here in Millville.”

Tom met with Donna Temple, a physical therapist with more than 30 years of experience in the field, including as a certified provider of the LSVT BIG program for those with Parkinson’s.

“The first time I met with Donna, I sort of interviewed her. I needed to make sure she would be honest with me,” Tom said. “I’m always evolving as a human being, so I need to be committed, but I need my therapist to be committed also. That’s how I learned that I can be myself and joke around with Donna. And, that is how I learned how LSVT can help me.”

The LSVT BIG program includes one-hour sessions, four times a week for four weeks. Participants do sessions at Aquacare and then also at home.

“When I first meet with someone, I have them fill out a survey to learn what their goals are,” Donna said. “As you know, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, however more and more people are living longer, healthier, active lives because of what we know about the disease now.”

Tom agreed. He has spent hours researching, engaging in support and research groups, and interacting with Parkinson’s experts across the world. He also helps run a podcast about living with Parkinson’s, called Park Right Here. He co-hosts the podcast with Katrina Rochon. They often bring on expert guests and others who are living with Parkinson’s.

“The more we learn about Parkinson’s, the more it shows that exercise, moving all the time, and a healthy diet or Mediterranean diet … those are the ways people are able to slow the progression,” Tom said. “For me, I focus on continuing to play pickleball. I try to live BIG.”

Living BIG is something you will often hear those with Parkinson’s say. Using the big movements, they learn during the LSVT BIG program, they are able to engage in purposeful movement. The big movements re-engage muscles, helping people continue to be active, instead of losing those muscles to progression of Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease makes people move small and think small movements are normal. They often don’t know they are moving small or slow. The LSVT program recalibrates the brain to know and use bigger movements.

“Tom wants to continue playing pickleball and LSVT BIG can help him with that,” Donna said. “This LSVT program allows people to take control of their lives. It gives them empowerment.”

Tom says, “I was in sales, so it is all about getting the attention. With the LSVT program, I am noticing I am less stiff, less rigid. I can still get out on the pickleball court. I like to do the research and spread the word. I tell everyone in my groups, go see a physical therapist and try the LSVT program. It works.”

Aquacare – Millville is located at 38069 Town Center Dr #15, Millville, DE 19967. To make an appointment or to schedule a free consultation, call (302) 539-3110 or go to www.aquacarephysicaltherapy.com.

Aquacare can also provide in-home physical therapy. Learn more about Aquacare PT PLUS or schedule an appointment by calling 443-359-0562 or go online to www.aquacarephysicaltherapy.com/pt-plus.