06/08/2026
Good to understand the difference between PD and Essential Tremor.
Good to understand that neurological physiotherapy can help with both. People with Essential tremor also likely have some balance and coordination changes and movement training can help with this.
As part of the Parkinson's Australia community, you know more than most about what it means to live with a movement disorder - or to love someone who does.
That's why we wanted to share something from our sister organisation, Essential Tremor Australia.
Essential Tremor (ET) is actually the most common movement disorder in Australia - affecting over 300,000 people. Yet it's widely misunderstood, frequently dismissed, and often confused with Parkinson's itself. Even doctors sometimes mix them up.
Here's the key difference:
In Parkinson's, tremor typically occurs at rest and stops during movement. In ET, it's the opposite - tremor appears during movement, like reaching for a cup or writing. ET doesn't cause the slowness, stiffness, or freezing of Parkinson's, and treatments are completely different.
Read more about the differences between Parkinson's and Essential Tremor on this page here: https://hubs.la/Q04rWDxV0
They are related enough that the Parkinson's community often has connections to ET - whether that's a friend, family member, or even someone who may have been misdiagnosed.
If someone in your life has a noticeable hand or head tremor, ET may be worth exploring.
Which brings us to some exciting news.
On Saturday 24 October 2026, Essential Tremor Australia is holding its Inaugural National Conference in Sydney - and everyone is welcome.
Whether you're living with ET, supporting someone who is, or simply want to learn more, this is a rare chance to hear directly from leading experts and connect with the Australian ET community for the very first time.
What's on:
Dr Stephen Tisch - neurologist and Head of Neurology at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, specialist in DBS and MRI-guided focused ultrasound
Professor Richard Bittar - neurosurgeon and Victoria's most experienced MRgFUS practitioner
Craig Parrish - Principal Lawyer at Maurice Blackburn, specialising in insurance and disability law for people with neurological conditions
A lived experience panel and practical guidance for managing daily life with ET
Essential Tremor Conference details:
📅 Saturday 24 October 2026, 9am–5pm
📍 Sydney Masonic Centre
Please note this is an in-person event for people living with Essential Tremor and their care partners, or allied health professionals treating ET patients, so if you or someone you know has ET, we'd love to see you there.
Get tickets here: https://hubs.la/Q04rWF1G0
