Parkinson’s disease can reshape everyday life, yet the right guidance can restore confidence and independence. Dr. Susha Thomas, PT, DPT, C/NDT, has written two books on Parkinson’s disease: 100 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease: Reclaim Your Life – Tips to Help Manage Your Symptoms. Through her clinical work and writing, she continues to provide practical solutions that help individuals take control of their health.
A Therapist Driven by Purpose and Real-World Impact
Dr. Susha Thomas, PT, DPT, C/NDT, has built a career focused on neurological rehabilitation, with a specialization in Parkinson’s and stroke recovery. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Wayne State University, Michigan, and currently serves as Director of Therapy Operations and Program Chair for Parkinson’s at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital.
Dr. Susha actively supports the Parkinson’s community through her volunteer work with the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society. She also trains clinicians across the nation as a CEU instructor, sharing evidence-based rehabilitation strategies that improve patient outcomes. Her work reflects a blend of clinical expertise and genuine compassion.
Her inspiration is deeply personal. Dr. Susha’s late mother, Saramma Zacharia, was a nurse who believed in helping those who could not help themselves. That value continues to guide her mission as she works to spread awareness, remove stigma, and empower individuals living with Parkinson’s.
100 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease: Building Strength and Stability
In 100 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease, Dr. Susha presents a structured and practical exercise guide designed for individuals at various stages of mobility. The book has been selected for display at the World Parkinson’s Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, in May 2026, reflecting its growing recognition in the field.
The guide features 100 illustrated exercises that can be performed in bed, sitting, and standing positions. This flexibility allows readers to stay active regardless of their physical limitations. Each exercise includes detailed instructions, helping ensure proper form and safety.
Dr. Susha focuses strongly on improving balance to reduce the risk of falls, which remains a major concern for many patients. She also introduces strategies to overcome freezing episodes and improve walking confidence. These practical techniques address everyday challenges that can affect independence.
The book also includes tips on integrating exercise into daily routines, making consistency more achievable. Dr. Susha connects exercise with other aspects of care, including nutrition, therapy, and medication, offering a well-rounded approach. This guide supports individuals in improving their quality of life while regaining confidence in their movement.
Parkinson’s Disease: Reclaim Your Life – Managing Symptoms with Confidence
In Parkinson’s Disease: Reclaim Your Life – Tips to Help Manage Your Symptoms, Dr. Susha focuses on helping individuals understand and manage the condition more effectively. The book was selected and displayed at the World Parkinson’s Conference in Barcelona in 2023, highlighting its impact.
Dr. Susha explains why symptoms such as smaller handwriting, shuffling steps, tremors, and freezing occur. Her ability to simplify complex neurological concepts makes the information easy to understand. Readers gain clarity on what they are experiencing and why it happens.
The book offers practical solutions, including ways to reduce freezing at doorways, improve handwriting, decrease shuffling steps, and manage tremors. Dr. Susha also provides guidance on managing medications and modifying home environments to improve safety.
Additional sections cover fall recovery techniques, memory strategies, and exercises that support mobility. She also includes recommendations on adaptive equipment that can make daily tasks easier.
Dr. Susha shares insights from her clinical experience, noting how many patients initially felt discouraged. Once they began applying her strategies, they saw meaningful improvements in their daily activities. She emphasizes that exercise remains the only proven method to slow the progression of Parkinson’s, encouraging consistency and effort.
About the Author
Dr. Susha Thomas PT, DPT, C/NDT is a Houston-based physical therapist specializing in Parkinson’s and stroke rehabilitation. She serves as Director of Therapy Operations and Program Chair for Parkinson’s at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital and actively volunteers with the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society. As a CEU instructor, she trains clinicians nationwide in evidence-based care. Both of her books are illustrated by her children, Jaden and Elena, making them heartfelt family projects that reflect her dedication to advocacy and awareness.
A Lasting Impact on the Parkinson’s Community
Dr. Susha’s work continues to inspire individuals to take action and regain independence. Her books and clinical efforts show that progress is achievable with the right approach.
Through education and compassion, she empowers people to improve their daily lives and move forward with confidence.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
I am Susha Thomas, PT, DPT, C/NDT, a Physical Therapist specializing in Parkinson’s and Stroke rehabilitation. I received my Doctor of Physical Therapy from Wayne State University in Michigan and am an active volunteer with the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society. I serve as the Director of Therapy Operations and Program Chair for Parkinson’s at an Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital. I am also a CEU instructor and equip clinicians across the nation with evidence-based rehabilitation strategies to treat Parkinson’s Disease. I mentor and help bring awareness to the disease, dispelling stigma while advocating for the Parkinson’s community. I reside with my husband and children in Houston, Texas. Both my books are illustrated by my children, Jaden and Elena, making it a heartfelt family project advocating for Parkinson’s.
Please tell us about your journey.
My mom was a nurse who loved taking care of patients and giving them the hope they needed. I could see the dedication and passion she had that made an impact on her patients’ lives. My mom passed away in 2003 from colon cancer, and I wanted to continue her legacy by finding the patient population I could give back hope to as a Physical Therapist, and that was the Parkinson’s population. They would come to me thinking they would never get better, but once they started using the tips and strategies I gave them, they were so excited and regained hope. This inspired me to write my first book, “Parkinson’s Disease- Reclaim your life-tips to help manage your symptoms”. This book goes over different symptoms of Parkinson’s and how to overcome them. For example, if you are having small steps, small handwriting, or if tremors are getting in the way of functional movement, I go over strategies to overcome those symptoms. This book was selected and displayed at the World Parkinson’s Conference in Barcelona, Spain, 2023. My second book goes over 100 exercises for Parkinson’s disease, which can be used from the early stages to the advanced stages of Parkinson’s. It includes exercises in sitting, lying, and standing, as well as balance exercises, which I have found beneficial for people living with Parkinson’s. Exercise is a proven way to slow the progression of the disease, and the earlier exercise starts, the better. This book was also selected to be displayed at the World Parkinson’s Conference, which will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, in May 2026.
Any message for our readers
Do not give up hope.
Thank you so much, Dr. Susha, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
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