What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that primarily affects movement due to the loss of dopamine producing cells in the brain. Dopamine is crucial for regulating movement and its depletion leads to symptoms like tremors and stiffness. The exact cause of the cell death is unknown and there is no cure, but treatments are available to manage symptoms.
Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease:
Tremors typically begin in a limb, often your hand or fingers, noticeable mainly when at rest.
Parkinson’s disease can slow movements over time, making simple tasks difficult and time consuming.
Rigidity and stiffness in the muscles can occur, limiting the range of motion and causing pain.
Impairments in balance and changes in posture such as stooping are common.
Speech may become softer, faster or hesitant unlike normal speech patterns.
How Physiotherapy Helps with Parkinson’s Disease:
Physiotherapy is a key component in managing Parkinson’s disease through various therapeutic approaches.
1) Improving Movement and Flexibility
Physiotherapists work to enhance muscle strength, flexibility and joint range, helping to improve fluidity and ease of movement. Exercises tailored to individual needs help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.
2) Gait and Balance Training
Specialized training helps tackle walking difficulties in Parkinson’s patients. Physiotherapists might use techniques such as treadmill training or cueing strategies to improve gait and prevent falls.
3) Reducing Fall Risk
Through balance exercises and functional training, physiotherapy helps reduce the risk of falls in Parkinson’s patients. Training might include activities that challenge balance and simulate real life scenarios.
4) Pain Management
Physiotherapy helps manage pain associated with Parkinson’s through techniques such as massage, heat treatment or targeted exercises that relieve muscle tension and enhance joint function.
At Physio Medicare, we have more than 12 years of experience specializing in handling patients with Parkinson’s, providing expert care tailored to each individual’s needs. Contact us today for a free consultation today.
Contact: 0777 123 234 | 0716 123 234
Find Us: No.4, Peter’s Lane, Dehiwala.