Finding Steady Ground: John's Parkinson's Rehab Journey

When John E. was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in the summer of 2025, the news felt overwhelming. Like many newly diagnosed patients, John wasn't sure what to do next. He and his wife, Mary, began searching for answers - meeting with doctors and neurologists and hoping for guidance - but instead encountered very clinical, impersonal interactions that left them feeling uncertain and alone.

"It felt like searching in the dark," John recalls. Appointments often ended with instructions to take medication and return months later, with little discussion about what living WELL with Parkinson's could look like. The fear surrounding the diagnosis - and what the future might hold - made it difficult to even know what questions to ask.

A Turning Point Through Community

Everything changed in August 2025 when John and Mary attended a Parkinson's support group at Allied Services in Wilkes-Barre. The group had been recommended by their daughter-in-law, Leann, who had recently joined Allied Services as a pediatric physical therapist.

At that meeting, they met Kristina Dorkoski, PT, DPT, NCS, CEEAA, a board-certified neurologic specialist and certified exercise expert for aging adults at the Allied Services Wilkes-Barre Rehabilitation Center. Kristina approached John and Mary after the group, and the connection was immediate.

"She was positive, excited, and genuinely interested in teaching us," Mary says. "It was the first time we felt hopeful - and the fact that she was right here in our community meant everything."

Kristina recommended Parkinson's-focused physical therapy, and John began working with her in September 2025.

Building Strength, Confidence, and Momentum

When John started therapy, he struggled with instability, poor posture, a shuffling gait, and the loss of confidence that often accompanies a new diagnosis. From the start, Kristina's approach set a different tone. Therapy sessions were upbeat, engaging, and filled with encouragement - and even laughter.

Kristina notes that John fully committed to his therapy program, following it closely and putting in the effort needed to meet the goals they set together. With each session, progress became increasingly noticeable.

She also connected John with Rock Steady Boxing, a Parkinson's-specific community boxing program, adding another powerful component to his rehabilitation plan.

"Over time, John's steadiness improved dramatically. His concerns about falling diminished, and his hand tremors largely subsided," Kristina notes.

A Life Re-Energized

Today, John's daily routine looks very different. His schedule now includes boxing, physical therapy, pickleball, home exercise programs, and regular walks. His posture and ability to turn have improved significantly - but perhaps most importantly, his confidence has returned tenfold.

Before therapy, John had grown distant from friends and family. His interest in hobbies, music, and joking around faded after his diagnosis. As his mobility and confidence improved, those parts of himself slowly returned as well.

Over time, and through many hours of treatment and communication, Kristina became a trusted friend to both John and Mary. Therapy sessions evolved into a safe space built on trust, vulnerability, and collaboration.

"She filled us with knowledge," John says. "About the disease, how movement can counteract it, how to stay positive, and what to do when things feel heavy."

The Allied Services Difference

For John and Mary, Allied Services offered more than physical therapy - it provided a compassionate, comprehensive approach to care. From the systematic treatment plans to the welcoming environment, professionalism, and local accessibility, they felt truly supported.

"There's no negatives to coming to Allied," John says. "It's the perfect package. We couldn't be happier."

John's journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, education, and movement, a Parkinson's diagnosis doesn't have to define what comes next - it can mark the beginning of a stronger, more connected chapter.

To learn more about Parkinson's care at Allied Services, visit our Parkinson's Disease resources.