How Nate is Staying Ahead of Parkinson’s with Covenant Health Therapy

After a life-changing Parkinson’s diagnosis, Nate Wirtz acted fast. He turned to Covenant Health Therapy Centers to help him stay strong and keep moving. Today, he has made significant progress and is moving forward with purpose. 

Nate’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis 

Nate was 39 when he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. 

Leading up to the diagnosis, he knew something was off. His left arm stopped swinging when he walked. He also noticed stiffness, slowness and a tremor in his leg and hand. 

He was grateful when he finally got answers. “It was a relief to know what it was,” Nate said. “Having a name for it helped me move forward.”  

Convenient Care, Close to Home  

After his diagnosis, Nate immediately began therapy. He used Covenant Health’s self-referral option to start care at Covenant Health Therapy Center – Lenoir City, a department of Covenant Health Fort Loudoun. Our self-referral program allows patients to begin physical, occupational or speech therapy without first obtaining a physician referral, helping them access care more quickly. 

“I’m so glad I was able to self-refer,” he shared. “It made it easy to get started right away.” 

Nate also knew early action mattered: “Movement is key, and I wanted to get a baseline for my function and do what I could to help myself.” 

Parkinson’s-Focused Therapy  

Nate worked closely with physical therapist Ann Blackwood-Widner, PT, MPT, a clinical specialist with LSVT and PWR! Parkinson’s certifications.  

Ann designed a plan built just for him. “Nate wanted to learn what he needed to do to help himself,” Ann explained. “That’s what we focused on, giving him the tools and pushing him to use them.” 

For Nate, that support made a lasting impact. “Ann is kind, compassionate and funny,” he said. “She created an environment where I felt encouraged, even on the hard days.” 

Therapy pushed him beyond his comfort zone in the best way. “She challenged me to keep improving,” Nate shared. “Even when it was tough mentally or physically, she helped me stay motivated and moving forward.” 

Seeing the Results 

With consistent therapy, Nate noticed significant improvement. “My life has changed tremendously since starting therapy,” he shared. “I can swing my arm again, and my tremor has decreased.”  

Since Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that requires ongoing management, Nate continues his exercises at home. He plans to return for follow-up care as needed to stay on track. 

Support and a Path Forward 

Nate works as a health unit coordinator (HUC) at Covenant Health Fort Loudoun. Seeing healthcare as a patient gave him a new perspective.   

“As someone who works at Covenant Health, I already knew we had great caregivers,” Nate said. “Experiencing that care firsthand gave me a whole new appreciation for the dedication and support our patients receive every day.” 

What stood out most to Nate during his therapy experience wasn’t just his progress; it was the people behind it. 

“The entire team is phenomenal,” he said. “All the therapists work well together and have great passion for what they do.”  

Inspired by the care and support he received, Nate is now giving back in meaningful ways. He is actively involved in supporting local Parkinson’s initiatives and raising awareness in the community. Through the Parkinson’s Foundation, he has helped raise money to support research and advocacy. 

“My goal is to stay moving and support the work to find a cure,” he said. 

Covenant Health Therapy 

At Covenant Health Therapy Centers, patients benefit from expert therapists, advanced treatment approaches and convenient access to care that help them take control of their health. With most insurance plans, you can start therapy without a physician referral, making it easier to begin care when it matters most. 

Learn more about Covenant Health therapy services and take the next step by calling a location near you to self-refer today.