Move like Ali and pack a punch against the fastest-growing neurological disease globally
The late great Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, was more than a professional boxer and social activist – he was a global cultural icon.
His unapologetic confidence, poetic trash talk like “I’m so mean, I make medicine sick!” and unmatched skill in the ring made him a standout athlete. Outside the canvas, his fearless stance against the Vietnam War and relentless fight for civil rights turned him into a symbol of resistance and courage – captured powerfully by Will Smith in the 2001 biopic Ali.
Ultimately, Ali’s charisma, conviction, and commitment to his beliefs resonated worldwide, transcending sports. Unfortunately, after a 40-plus-year bout with Parkinson’s disease (PD), he passed away in 2016. With PD being the fastest-growing neurological disease globally, and ‘World Parkinson’s Day’ taking place every April, it’s only fitting that we shine a spotlight on it this month, especially as the condition has been increasingly affecting Canadians since 2011.
According to Parkinson Canada, PD currently affects more than 110,000 Canadians. PWC forecasts that over 150,000 Canadians will have PD by 2034. The unfortunate truth is that there is no cure for the condition. However, the silver lining is that there are treatments to help manage the symptoms, improve one’s overall quality of life, and provide hope – something Ali pursued post-retirement from 1995.
While I’m not a doctor, and I can’t prescribe specific medications, as a physiotherapist, here are some tips I’ll urge anyone facing PD – or their friends and family – to consider:
Make Movement Medicine
It might not be how Ali “made medicine sick,” but it is certainly true for Parkinson’s.
Movement isn’t just a wellness cliché. It’s a scientifically-backed, brain-rewiring, and symptom-slowing power that comes from regular, targeted physical activity. Research suggests that people with Parkinson’s who engage in structured physiotherapy or aerobic exercise can improve motor symptoms and even, potentially, delay progression. Exercise is key because it helps improve mobility, balance, coordination, and mood – all areas that Parkinson’s tries to steal, just as Ali eventually lost his ability to fight back in the way he once did.
Throughout my career in physiotherapy, I’ve seen firsthand how routines that combine strength training, balance exercises, and functional mobility drills can give people with Parkinson’s more control over their bodies – and their lives. It’s not about “curing” the disease; it’s about reclaiming quality of life, one step, stretch, or squat at a time.
Consistency Is Key
Ali once said, “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'”
While some might treat physiotherapy like a temporary fix, Parkinson’s is a marathon, not a sprint. The gains from physical therapy are cumulative. And that’s why long-term, proactive care, often blending home routines with clinical treatment tends to yield the best outcomes. Despite the benefits, access to physiotherapy in Canada remains uneven.
Coverage can vary wildly depending on the province, insurance, and financial situation. This is frustrating when you consider how vital early intervention is. In fact, across Canada, most people living with the disease face long wait times for specialist appointments and inconsistent access to rehabilitative care.
In a condition where every month can bring subtle (or not-so-subtle) change, this delay can mean the difference between independence and decline. Thankfully, modern-day solutions like homecare can mitigate these wait times. Of course, movement is just one part of the equation.
Support Networks Matter
Parkinson’s is a disease that affects not only individuals but also families, friends and care partners who come together to manage the realities of the condition. That’s why care circles, community programs, and emotional resilience all play a role, too.
But I’d argue that giving someone the tools to move, safely and confidently, is one of the most empowering things you can do — especially in a healthcare system where PD ranks among the top three neurological conditions with the highest direct health care costs in Canada (with annual out-of-pocket expenses averaging $1,100 per person), and one that too often treats chronic illness reactively rather than proactively.
While Muhammad Ali may have been “The Greatest,” Parkinson’s was a challenge he couldn’t overcome. Still, he showed the world how to go down swinging – with grace, grit, and unrelenting courage. If you or your loved ones are struggling with the ramifications of PD, we’d love to help you navigate it. This April, let’s carry Ali’s spirit forward; not just with awareness, but with action.
In the words of Ali, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”