Parkinson’s disease has been considered one of the most important and common neurodegenerative diseases in the world. Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s disease involves an interdisciplinary management of Parkinson’s patients. Early guidance and education encourage self-management, maintain general health, and slow down deterioration. Timely physical therapy can also enhance gait, balance, transfers, manual activities, and lower the risk of falls.
Your physiotherapist will evaluate your mobility, including whether you have any issues with walking, transfers, balance, or falls, as well as your manual dexterity, physical capacity, and the reasons behind these issues. Your physiotherapist will develop goals based on your unique needs with your involvement, and you will both agree on a treatment plan. Typically, this would involve a mix of counselling and instruction, as well as an exercise regimen and methods for better managing your everyday activities.
How can Physiotherapy help Parkinson’s disease?
To assist patients with Parkinson’s regain or stop losing their ability to move, a physical therapist will work closely with them to develop routines and exercises. Parkinson’s disease symptoms and progression differ from person to person, thus a physical therapist will create a treatment plan specifically for each patient.
Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s disease- Early stage:
Physical therapy for Early stage Parkinson’s disease patients focuses on a variety of functions including transfer, posture, balance improvement and fall prevention, gait, upper limb functions, and physical capacity (including cardiorespiratory capacity) required to carry out daily activities.
Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s disease- Mid stage:
At this stage, physical therapy will focus on enhancing the function of the upper limbs, particularly reaching and gripping, as well as posture, balance, walking, and transfers. Exercise therapy, like resistance training, has demonstrated benefits for the improvement of both motor and nonmotor signs and symptoms during the past 20 years.
A variety of exercises, such as hand exercises to improve manual dexterity so you can, for instance, button a shirt more easily, may be recommended by your physiotherapist to assist with these activities. He or she might also work with an occupational therapist to make sure your home is secure and lessen the chance that you will trip and fall.
Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s disease- Late stage
The goal of physical therapy at this stage of Parkinson’s Disease is to avoid any difficulties that could emerge from needing a wheelchair or being bedridden. In order to do this, you must maintain your breathing, prevent pressure sores, and cooperate with your caregivers to ensure that you are positioned correctly and that they don’t hurt themselves while lifting you.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s patients
The symptoms of the illness may worsen as it progresses, making it harder for the patient to do daily tasks. Few may not respond as well and can, over time, become more seriously impaired. Many people respond well to treatment and only endure mild to moderate disability.
The following are some of the main benefits of Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease according to Parkinson’s UK
- maintaining muscles and joints
- gaining strength
- easing stiffness and slowness
- managing pain and discomfort
- enhancing physical processes, motion, and mobility
- maintaining and improving respiration
- preventing falls
- reducing stress and improving mood
When to see a PT after Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
Any stage of Parkinson’s can be helped by the guidance and suggestions a physiotherapist can offer. It is advised that you speak with a physiotherapist as soon as you can following your diagnosis so that they can help you manage your Parkinson’s disease on your own.
Additionally, you ought to consult a physiotherapist if you struggle to exercise regularly or are unsure of what exercises to undertake. A physiotherapist can also help if you have issues with your walking, such as sluggishness, shuffling, hesitancy, or you have trouble getting out of a chair, bed, or car,
Know someone with Parkinson’s Disease?
Iff you know someone sufering from Parkinson’s disease, activities like walking, talking, and even eating can become challenging and time-consuming. Even though they can be your strongest supporters, friends and family can also be a great aid because they understand what you’re going through.
At Caring Hands Physiotherapy, we offer physical therapy services both in-person and at our clinics. We can offer suggestions on tools and equipment you could utilise to simplify things for yourself.
