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12/30/2025

A Year of Strength: Celebrating the Victories No One Else Sees

As 2025 comes to a close, social media is flooded with "Highlight Reels"—big vacations, career promotions, and marathon finish lines.

But in the Parkinson’s community, we measure victory differently. We know that true strength isn't always loud. Sometimes, it is the quiet determination to simply keep moving.

This year, we are celebrating the "Small" Victories. Because when you live with a progressive condition, these moments aren't small—they are monumental.

Maybe your victory this year was:

✅ The Motor Win: Buttoning your shirt without help, even if it took five minutes.

✅ The Sleep Win: Finally getting a solid 6-hour stretch of rest after weeks of fragmentation.

✅ The Social Win: Going out to dinner despite the anxiety of tremors or facial masking.

✅ The Emotional Win: Finally accepting help from a caregiver without feeling guilty.

Strength isn’t just about fighting the diagnosis; it’s about navigating life with it.

It’s showing up to the boxing class when your fatigue is screaming at you to stay in bed. It’s finding a way to laugh when the symptoms are frustrating.

"Holding your ground" is a victory. In a world obsessed with "more, faster, better," we honor the profound effort it takes just to maintain your baseline.

If you are still here, still trying, and still hoping—you have had a successful year.

We want to fill this comments section with real wins.

What is ONE "small" victory you are proud of from 2025? Tell us below so we can cheer you on. 👇

12/29/2025

When you are first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the most overwhelming symptom isn't the tremor or the stiffness. It is the isolation.

It’s the feeling that suddenly, you are speaking a different language than everyone else.

You try to explain to friends why you are "freezing" in a doorway or why you feel anxious about a dinner reservation, and they nod politely—but they don't really get it.

This is why Peer Support isn't just a "nice to have." It is a vital part of your treatment plan.

How Community Changes the Game:

1. The "Me Too" Moment

There is a profound biological relief in hearing someone say, "Oh yeah, that happens to me too."

Whether it’s acting out dreams or struggling with buttons, realizing your weirdest symptoms are actually normal for PD reduces anxiety instantly.

2. The Practical Wisdom Doctors know the medication, but other patients know the life hacks.

"Use satin sheets to make turning over in bed easier."

"Take your meds with a cracker to stop the nausea."

"Here is how I explain my tremor to my grandkids." This is wisdom you can't find in a textbook.

3. The Motivation Multiplier Research shows that people who exercise in groups show better adherence and results.

When your motivation is low (hello, apathy), seeing your "Parkie" friends showing up to the boxing gym drags you out the door, too.

You were never meant to carry this weight alone. If you haven't found a support group yet—whether online or in your local community—make 2026 the year you find your tribe.

Tag a friend who has been a source of strength for you, or drop a if you are grateful for this community.

12/26/2025

Joy, Overwhelm & Parkinson’s: Navigating Big Emotions This Season

The holiday season brings a mix of feelings—joy, excitement, connection… but also noise, pressure, fatigue, and overwhelm.

For people living with Parkinson’s, these emotional swings can feel even stronger.

And if you’ve noticed yourself (or your loved one) feeling “off” during this time, you’re not alone.

Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect movement.

It affects how the brain processes emotions, stress, and sensory input.

So big seasons can naturally bring big feelings.

Here’s how to understand—and gently navigate—the emotional highs and lows 👇

➡️ Joy is real—but so is exhaustion

Moments of happiness can coexist with tiredness. Bright lights, routines changing, and social events can drain energy faster than usual.

➡️ Overwhelm can happen without warning

Crowds, noise, or fast conversations may trigger freezing, anxiety, irritability, or a sudden desire to withdraw. It’s the brain protecting itself, not a personal failure.

➡️ Expectations can add pressure

Trying to “keep up,” be social, or match last year’s celebrations can feel heavy.

Remember: it’s okay to adjust traditions to fit your comfort.

Here are gentle, practical ways to make the season emotionally easier:

✔️ Protect your calm

Choose quieter gatherings, visit during less busy hours, or keep celebrations shorter. Peace is not only allowed—it’s healthy.

✔️ Create small emotional breaks

Step into another room, take deep breaths, or sit with warm tea for a few minutes. Mini resets help the nervous system settle.

✔️ Communicate openly

Let loved ones know what might trigger stress or when you need rest. You don’t have to push through discomfort.

✔️ Celebrate small joys

A warm conversation, a slow walk, a favorite winter snack—tiny moments count.

This season doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
Gentle emotions are just as valid as joyful ones.

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays to the Strongest Community We Know 🎄

To our Parkinson’s family: We know that while the world slows down today, Parkinson’s doesn't always take a holiday.

The lights are beautiful, but they can be overstimulating.

The food is delicious, but managing a dinner plate with tremors or medication timing can be stressful.

The laughter is loud, but sometimes facial masking (hypomimia) makes it hard to show the joy you are actually feeling inside.

So today, we are sending you a reminder: It is okay to protect your peace.

It is okay to nap. If the fatigue hits, listen to your body. Your family values your presence, not your stamina.

It is okay if your face is still. To the loved ones reading this: Remember that just because the smile might be subtle, it doesn't mean the love isn't there.

It is okay to simplify. You don't need a perfect holiday. You just need a gentle one.

May your day be filled with moments of rest, ease, and light. We are rooting for you today and every day.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

12/24/2025

When people think of Parkinson’s, they usually think of a tremor.

But PD is actually characterized by a triad of motor symptoms. You don’t need all three to be diagnosed, and they each affect daily life differently.

Let’s break down the confusing terminology: Tremor, Rigidity, and Bradykinesia.

1️⃣ Tremor (The Shaking)

This is the most visible symptom. In PD, it is usually a "resting tremor." This means it happens when the limb is relaxed (like your hand resting in your lap while watching TV) and tends to stop when you actively move to grab something.

It often looks like "pill-rolling" between the thumb and index finger.

2️⃣ Rigidity (The Stiffness)

Imagine wearing a suit of armor that is two sizes too small. That is rigidity. It is a constant state of muscle tension where the muscles won't relax.

It can feel like an internal tightness or ache, making it hard for someone else to move your arm or leg (doctors call this "cogwheel rigidity").

3️⃣ Bradykinesia (The Slowness)

Often the most frustrating symptom. It translates to "slow movement." But it’s more than just moving slowly; it’s difficulty initiating movement.

It’s the brain sending the signal to "stand up," but the body taking several seconds to respond.

It also means movements get smaller as they continue (like handwriting getting tinier across a page).

Understanding the difference is crucial for talking to your doctor about adjusting medication.

Which of the "Big 3" impacts your daily life the most right now? 👇

12/23/2025

The world loves big, loud New Year’s Eve celebrations—fireworks, parties, countdowns.

But for many people living with Parkinson’s (and their caregivers), the real win isn’t staying up till midnight or being in a noisy crowd.

It’s something quieter, softer, and much more meaningful.

Sometimes, the win is simply getting through the day with less stiffness, or not letting anxiety take over, or finding a small moment of joy in the middle of all the noise around you.

And that’s worth celebrating.

Here’s what a quiet win can look like as the year ends 👇

➡️ Showing up for yourself

Maybe you took your walk, stretched, drank water, or rested when you needed to—even if others didn’t understand. Small acts of self-care matter deeply in Parkinson’s.

➡️ Honoring your energy, not the calendar

You don’t have to attend every gathering, eat late, or push yourself because it’s “New Year’s.” Listening to your body is a win.

➡️ Choosing peace over pressure

If loud celebrations trigger discomfort, freezing, or anxiety, embracing a calm evening at home is a powerful, mindful choice.

➡️ Celebrating resilience—not perfection

Living with Parkinson’s brings daily challenges. The strength it takes to keep going, learning, adjusting, and still hoping?

That’s something many people never see, but it deserves recognition.

➡️ If you’re a caregiver—your win matters too

You navigated hard days, supported routines, handled medication timings, and showed patience even when it wasn’t easy.

That is a quiet win of love and endurance.

So this New Year’s Eve, celebrate what truly matters:
The small victories. The gentle progress. The resilience that carried you through.

Wishing you a peaceful transition into the new year—on your terms.

12/22/2025

The pressure of a New Year can feel heavy.

Society screams "New Year, New You," encouraging drastic makeovers and intense resolutions.

But when you are living with Parkinson’s, "intensity" isn't always the answer—consistency is.

This year, instead of setting impossible goals that rely on willpower, let’s focus on Micro-Habits.

Why?

Because in Parkinson’s, the dopamine pathways that control "reward" and "motivation" are compromised.

Relying on "feeling motivated" is a chemical uphill battle.

Relying on routine is science.

Here are 3 ways to prepare for the New Year without the burnout:

1. Audit Your "On" Time ⏰

Don't overhaul your whole life. Just look at your medication schedule.

Are you taking your levodopa at the exact same times?

Even a 15-minute drift can affect your movement for the rest of the day. Make your #1 resolution simply: Tightening the timing.

2. Movement as Medicine, Not Punishment

Forget "getting shredded." Your goal is neuroplasticity. Whether it’s boxing, Tai Chi, or just stretching in a chair—commit to moving your body every single day to signal to your brain that it’s time to connect.

3. Plan for the "Off" Days

Most resolutions assume best-case scenarios. But with PD, symptoms fluctuate. Plan for the bad days now.

Who can you call? What frozen meal is ready? Preparing for the valleys makes them easier to navigate than climbing the peaks.

Let’s enter this new year with less pressure and more grace.

You don't need to be a "new" you.

You just need to support the you that is here right now.

What is ONE small, gentle promise you are making to yourself this year? Drop it below. 👇

12/19/2025

We spend years preparing for the physical changes of Parkinson’s—the tremors, the stiffness, the slowing down.

But very few families are prepared for the day their loved one sees a shadow that isn't there, or asks, "Who just walked by?" when the room is empty.

Parkinson’s Psychosis is often the "elephant in the room."

It is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the disease, yet it affects over 50% of people with PD at some point.

When perceptions shift, it can feel confusing and sometimes frightening. But it is vital to remember: This is a biological symptom, just like a tremor.

➡️ What to Watch For:

Psychosis rarely starts with dramatic visions. It often creeps in quietly with signs that are easy to dismiss:

🔹 Subtle Visuals: It might start as seeing a small animal, like a cat or dog, in the room when you don't own pets. Early on, these are usually non-threatening and pass quickly.

🔹 Illusions: The brain struggles to process visual data in dim light. A coat rack might briefly look like a person, or a pile of laundry might look like a pet.

🔹 The "Sense of Presence": This is one of the most common early signs. Your loved one might feel strongly that someone is standing behind them or sitting in the room, even when they know they are alone. It isn't necessarily scary; just a persistent feeling that they aren't by themselves.

Why does this happen?

It is often a combination of disease progression, medication side effects, and changes in brain chemistry.

Ignoring these signs out of fear or embarrassment can lead to a crisis.

But catching them early changes everything. Often, a simple adjustment to medication helps with these symptoms.

If you recognize these signs, please don't suffer in silence. You aren't "telling on" your loved one by bringing this up to a doctor—you are advocating for their safety and your peace of mind.

Have you noticed any of these subtle shifts in your loved one? Share in the comments.

12/18/2025

Gratitude Post for Caregivers: You Matter More Than You Know

Caregiving is one of those roles the world doesn’t always see… but it feels everything.

And if you’re supporting someone living with Parkinson’s—whether it’s a parent, partner, or friend—you deserve a moment of recognition today.

Because the truth is simple:
You matter more than you know.

Parkinson’s care isn’t just about medications or appointments.

It’s the hundred small things you do every day that make life calmer, safer, and more hopeful for someone you love.

Here are a few things you may not hear often enough 👇

➡️ You make hard moments easier

When stiffness slows someone down, when anxiety rises, when hallucinations or confusion appear—you’re the steady voice that brings comfort.

➡️ Your patience creates safety

Whether you help with walking, dressing, meals, or schedules, your presence keeps routines manageable and predictable. That matters more than you realize.

➡️ You notice what others can’t

The subtle freezing episodes. The change in mood. The little signs that something is off. Your awareness can prevent bigger challenges.

➡️ You carry emotional weight quietly

Fear, exhaustion, frustration, and love—all mixed together. You show up anyway. Every day. That is a strength.

➡️ Your love is medicine too

Science acknowledges the power of emotional support in Parkinson’s—less stress, better function, more confidence. You are part of that healing.

If you’re tired today, or haven’t been thanked in a while, or feel invisible in your role…
Please hear this:

🌸 You are making a difference.
🌸 You are valued.
🌸 And you are not alone.

Take a moment for yourself today.

You deserve it.

12/17/2025

Caregiver Holiday Burnout: Permission to Pause

The holiday season often feels like adding a grand, complex task to a schedule that is already running at 150%.

For family caregivers, this means double-duty: managing essential care routines plus the immense pressure to create a joyful, "perfect" holiday experience.

If you are feeling less cheer and more profound dread right now, please know you are not alone.

Caregiver Holiday Burnout is real, and recognizing the warning signs is the most crucial act of self-preservation you can take:

Recognize the Warning Signs:

🔹Sudden Resentment: Feeling anger or frustration toward the person you care for, or toward others who seem stress-free.

🔹Profound Physical Exhaustion: A deep weariness that sleep doesn't touch. Your body feels heavy and it’s impossible to start the next day.

🔹Loss of Pleasure (Anhedonia): Nothing feels fun; you are simply going through the motions of the holiday.

The Radical Act of Self-Care:

🔺 Saying "No"
Your greatest gift to yourself and your loved one this season is your own peace. Give yourself official, unequivocal permission to protect your energy.

🔺 Decline without Guilt: You do not have to host the dinner, attend the fourth party, or bake the third batch of cookies. Politely decline any event that involves excessive travel or social energy.

🔺 Delegate Ruthlessly: Ask for specific help: "Can you manage the meal prep?" or "Can you handle the gift wrapping?"

🔺 Choose Peace: Schedule a nap instead of completing one more task. Your primary job is to care for the person you love; your secondary job is to care for the person doing the caring.

This holiday season, be kind to yourself. You deserve rest, comfort, and joy.

12/16/2025

Anger and Outbursts in Parkinson’s — What’s Really Going On?

If you or your loved one with Parkinson’s has been experiencing sudden anger, irritability, or emotional outbursts—you’re not alone, and it’s not a character flaw.

Parkinson’s affects far more than movement.

It also impacts the brain circuits that regulate emotions.

And sometimes, that can show up as frustration, mood swings, or unexpected bursts of anger.

Here’s what’s important to understand 👇

➡️ It’s a symptom, not intentional behavior

Changes in dopamine levels, medication fluctuations, and stress can all interfere with emotional control. These outbursts can happen even when the person doesn’t want them to.

➡️ Fatigue and overwhelm play a big role

When someone is already dealing with stiffness, slowness, or pain, even small challenges—like noise, rushing, or confusion—can feel huge. The emotional “threshold” becomes thinner.

➡️ Cognitive changes can add pressure

Difficulty multitasking or processing information can lead to frustration, sometimes building into anger before the person realizes it.

So what can help?

Here are gentle, practical steps:

✔️ Pause instead of reacting

If you’re the caregiver, giving space—even a minute or two—can help the moment pass without escalating.

✔️ Lower sensory overload

Loud environments, too many conversations at once, or sudden changes in routine can be triggering. A calmer space can truly help.

✔️ Identify patterns

Do outbursts happen before medication doses? When the person is tired? After a long day? Understanding triggers makes them easier to manage.

✔️ Encourage open communication

A simple “Do you need a break?” can turn a difficult moment into a supportive one.

Emotional changes are a part of Parkinson’s that often go unspoken.

Talking about them reduces shame—and helps families navigate them with more compassion.

12/15/2025

Winter Can Worsen Stiffness — Practical Tips for Parkinson’s

If you’ve ever noticed that winter makes Parkinson’s symptoms feel heavier, tighter, or harder to manage… you’re not imagining it.

Cold weather can increase muscle stiffness, slow movement, and make daily tasks more challenging for people living with Parkinson’s.

But with a few simple adjustments, winter doesn’t have to take over your routine.

Here are practical, easy-to-apply tips that can make a real difference ⬇️

➡️ Warm Up Before You Move

Just like athletes warm up before a workout, people with Parkinson’s benefit from preparing their muscles before stepping out into the cold.

Try gentle hand stretches, shoulder rolls, or marching in place for 1–2 minutes.

➡️ Layer Smartly

Instead of one heavy sweater, go for 2–3 thin, flexible layers. It helps retain warmth without restricting movement—and makes it easier to adjust if you start feeling overheated indoors.

➡️ Protect Your Extremities

Cold hands = more rigidity. Use warm gloves, thick socks, and a scarf to keep your neck covered.

Warm joints respond better to movement.

➡️ Moisture Matters

Dry winter air can make muscles feel even tighter. Staying hydrated supports muscle function, so keep sips of water going throughout the day—even when you don’t feel thirsty.

➡️ Keep Moving Indoors

If cold weather limits outdoor activity, find small ways to keep your body active inside:

• Walk around the living room
• Do seated leg lifts
• Follow a short online mobility video

These micro-sessions keep stiffness from building up.

➡️ Consider a Warm Bath or Heating Pad

Warmth increases blood flow, helping muscles loosen and move more freely.

Winter brings challenges—but the right strategies can bring comfort, confidence, and better mobility.

Looking to learn more about Parkinson's, including the science behind it, symptom management tips, and latest updates?

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3451 North Triumph Boulevard, Suite 201
Lehi, UT
84043

Telephone

+18017706960

Website

https://photopharmics.com/

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PhotoPharmics: On the cutting edge of Parkinson’s disease treatment

PhotoPharmics is a clinical-stage medical device company developing next-generation treatments for treating neurodegenerative disorders through the eyes. We have 30+ years of research and experience in specialized phototherapy, and are now passionately pursuing the next breakthrough in the treatment of the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Speaking of breakthrough, we are beyond thrilled that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently bestowed Breakthrough Device Designation upon our phototherapy device.

“Very few device companies receive Breakthrough designation. Our device is the first specialized phototherapy device to achieve this status,” said Kent Savage, CEO of PhotoPharmics. “Our focus is to help people with Parkinson’s improve function and return to what they enjoy doing most. We think this recognition by FDA validates our work.”

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, over one million Americans and ten million people worldwide suffer with Parkinson’s disease, a number which is expected to double within the next 20 years. Nearly 60,000 Americans are newly diagnosed each year, and countless others are suffering without a formal diagnosis.