A Voice of Guidance in Parkinson’s Care
Parkinson’s disease often brings uncertainty, yet the right support can change how individuals experience it. 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 work, she continues to offer practical direction that helps people move forward with confidence.
A Career Rooted in Care and Expertise
Dr. Susha Thomas PT, DPT, C/NDT has dedicated her professional life to neurological rehabilitation. After earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Wayne State University, Michigan, she chose to focus on Parkinson’s and stroke recovery, areas where consistent care can make a lasting difference. Today, she serves as Director of Therapy Operations and Program Chair for Parkinson’s at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital.
Dr. Susha’s role extends far beyond her workplace. She volunteers with the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society and actively contributes to raising awareness about the condition. As a CEU instructor, she also trains clinicians across the country, sharing evidence-based methods that improve patient outcomes. Her work reflects a balance of clinical knowledge and a genuine desire to help others regain independence.
Her motivation is shaped by personal values. Inspired by her late mother, Saramma Zacharia, she carries forward a strong belief in supporting those who often feel overlooked. That belief continues to guide her efforts within the Parkinson’s community.
100 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease: Movement with Purpose
In 100 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease, Dr. Susha creates a resource that focuses on movement as a tool for improvement. The book has been selected for display at the World Parkinson’s Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, in May 2026, a recognition that highlights its practical value.
The book offers 100 illustrated exercises designed for different physical positions, including bed, sitting, and standing. This flexibility allows individuals at various stages of mobility to participate safely. Each exercise includes clear instructions, making it easier for readers to follow along and maintain proper form.
Balance training is a key focus throughout the guide. Dr. Susha addresses the risk of falls, which can greatly impact daily life, by providing targeted exercises that strengthen stability. She also introduces strategies to manage freezing episodes, helping individuals regain confidence in their walking patterns.
Beyond physical activity, the book encourages consistency. Dr. Susha provides tips for integrating these exercises into everyday routines, making it easier for readers to stay committed. She also connects exercise with broader aspects of care, including nutrition and medication, creating a well-rounded approach that supports long-term progress.
Parkinson’s Disease: Reclaim Your Life – Practical Steps for Daily Living
In Parkinson’s Disease: Reclaim Your Life – Tips to Help Manage Your Symptoms, Dr. Susha focuses on understanding the condition while offering actionable strategies to manage it. The book was selected for display at the World Parkinson’s Conference in Barcelona in 2023, reflecting its meaningful impact.
Dr. Susha explains the reasons behind common symptoms such as smaller handwriting, tremors, shuffling steps, and freezing. Her explanations simplify complex neurological processes, helping readers better understand what they are experiencing.
The book then shifts to practical solutions. Dr. Susha outlines techniques to reduce freezing at doorways, improve handwriting clarity, and decrease shuffling steps. She also shares methods to momentarily manage tremors, offering immediate support for daily challenges.
Additional sections explore medication management, home safety adjustments, and recovery techniques after a fall. Memory strategies and adaptive equipment recommendations further enhance independence. Dr. Susha consistently reinforces the importance of exercise, noting its role in slowing disease progression and improving overall function.
Her insights come from real patient experiences. Many individuals she worked with initially felt discouraged, yet they saw noticeable improvements after applying her strategies. That transformation inspired her to bring these solutions into a book that could reach a wider audience.
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. She also educates clinicians nationwide through continuing education programs. Both of her books are illustrated by her children, Jaden and Elena, turning them into meaningful family projects that reflect her commitment to awareness and care.
Why This Work Matters
Dr. Susha’s work highlights the importance of knowledge, consistency, and encouragement. Her books show that individuals living with Parkinson’s can take active steps toward improving their daily lives.
Through clear guidance and practical strategies, she continues to support patients and caregivers alike, helping them move forward with greater confidence and independence.
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!
Knowledge grows when shared. Please Pass it on!
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