How a physio can help with Parkinson’s disease

Muhammad Ali and Michael J Fox are two people in the public eye that are associated with Parkinson’s disease. It is a common condition with over 1,000 cases diagnosed in Victoria each year. At present, the cause for Parkinson’s is unknown.

Parkinson’s is a progressively degenerative neurological condition which affects the control of body movements. Common symptoms include tremor (shaking), rigidity or stiffness and slow movements. As time goes on, the symptoms become more noticeable, and they can have a large impact on the emotional, social and cognitive state of the individual.

Currently there is no cure for Parkinson’s, but medication is designed to alleviate the symptoms. Physiotherapists are experts in the management and rehabilitation of movement. As Parkinson’s disease symptoms relate to movement disorders, physiotherapists play a major roll with Parkinson’s sufferers.

When treating those affected by Parkinson’s disease, Physiotherapists focus on:

• Helping to prevent or manage falls
  • Through balance exercises and techniques to stop falls.

• Staying strong in the core and upright
  

  • Through exercise and the demonstration of correct posture.

• Helping you stay flexible
  

  • Providing education on how to keep joints and muscles flexible.

• Maintaining or improving breathing
  

  • Providing education on breathing techniques and ways to prevent chest infections which come about as a result of weakening chest muscles.

• Pain relief
  

  • Pain may be caused due to involuntary muscle contractions (spasms), cramps or general aches and pain from ageing (eg. Osteoarthritis).  Physios can provide massage, manual techniques or heat therapy to provide relief.

• Improving circulation
  

  • A symptom of Parkinson’s is low blood circulation which means that muscles don’t work as effectively as a regular healthy person. Physios can teach effective ways of managing and improving circulation.

Parkinson’s can greatly affect the mood and confidence of suffers. Teaming up with a physiotherapist to set collective goals aimed at maintaining independence and an active lifestyle.

Image source: http://positivelyparkinsons.blogspot.com.au