Physiotherapy For Parkinson’s Disease
Physiotherapy plays an essential role in managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms and improving the overall quality of life for patients. In this guide, we will discuss how physiotherapy can benefit individuals with Parkinson’s disease and the various techniques used by physiotherapists to address specific symptoms, including Parkinson’s disease treatment.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that impacts movement, balance, and coordination. It results from the degeneration of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease
- Improved balance & coordination
- Increased mobility
- Better posture
- Reduced risk of falls
- Management of pain
People with Parkinson’s disease often experience difficulties with balance and coordination due to tremors, stiffness, and rigidity in their muscles. Physiotherapy can help improve balance and coordination through exercises that target specific muscle groups and focus on core stability.
Parkinson’s disease can cause stiffness in the muscles, making it challenging to move around. Physiotherapy uses stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and other techniques to help increase mobility and reduce muscle stiffness.
Poor posture is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease, which can lead to back pain and difficulty with daily activities. Physiotherapy can help improve posture through exercises that strengthen the core muscles and promote proper alignment.
People with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk of falls due to balance issues and impaired coordination. Physiotherapy can help reduce the risk of falls by improving balance, strength, and coordination.
Many individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience muscle pain and stiffness. Physiotherapy can help manage pain through techniques such as massage, heat therapy, and stretching exercises.
Techniques Used in
Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Exercise therapy
This involves performing exercises that target specific muscle groups and help improve strength, balance, and coordination. Examples include resistance training, walking on a treadmill, and tai chi.
Gait training
Parkinson’s disease can affect gait (walking pattern), making it difficult to walk without assistance. Physiotherapists can assess an individual’s gait and provide techniques to improve walking, such as using a cane or walker.
Balance training
Due to balance issues, people with Parkinson’s disease are at a higher risk of falls. Physiotherapists use exercises and techniques to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Manual therapy
This involves hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching to improve muscle flexibility, reduce pain, and increase range of motion.
Education and advice
Physiotherapists can educate individuals with Parkinson’s disease on proper posture, safe techniques for movement, and strategies for managing symptoms. They can also provide advice on assistive devices that may help with daily activities.
What other treatments for Parkinson’s Disease are available?
In addition to physiotherapy, there are other treatment options available for Parkinson’s disease, including medication and surgery.
Medication
The most common type of medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease is levodopa. It helps replace the lost dopamine in the brain and can improve motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. Other medications may be prescribed to manage non-motor symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues.
Surgery
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical intervention that enhances motor symptoms in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Electrodes are implanted in precise brain regions to control irregular electrical signals triggering motor symptoms.
It is essential to work closely with a healthcare team, including a neurologist and physiotherapist, to determine the best treatment plan for an individual with Parkinson’s disease. Physiotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication or surgery to provide the most comprehensive care.
Parkinson’s Disease symptoms and when to start physiotherapy
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder, meaning symptoms can worsen over time.
It is essential to start physiotherapy as soon as possible after diagnosis to slow down the progression of symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Some early signs of Parkinson’s disease symptoms that may benefit from physiotherapy include:
Tremors or shaking in one or more limbs
Muscle stiffness and rigidity
However, there are also non-motor symptoms that individuals with Parkinson’s disease may experience, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems. Physiotherapy can help manage both motor and non-motor symptoms through targeted exercises, education on safe movements, and strategies for daily living. It is essential to discuss any new or worsening symptoms with a healthcare team to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
At Pillars of Wellness, we provide a collaborative approach to treating Parkinson’s disease. Our team of healthcare professionals includes neuro physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, mental health counsellors and a naturopathic doctor to address all aspects of Parkinson’s disease.
How often do I need to do physiotherapy?
The frequency of physiotherapy sessions for Parkinson’s disease will depend on the individual’s specific needs and goals. Generally, it is recommended to attend at least one session per week, but this can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and individual progress.
It is essential to maintain consistency and regularity in attending physiotherapy sessions to see significant benefits. In addition to in-person sessions, physiotherapists may also prescribe at-home exercises and activities to continue the progress made during therapy.
How to find a qualified neuro physiotherapist
When seeking a neuro physiotherapist for Parkinson’s disease, it is crucial to find someone with the appropriate qualifications and experience. Here are some tips for finding a qualified neuro physiotherapist:
Ask for recommendations from your primary care physician or neurologist.
If you live in Burlington or the surrounding area, feel free to contact us. Our physiotherapists are experienced and trained in Parkinson’s disease treatment.
What Are The Causes of Parkinson’s Disease?
The exact causes of Parkinson’s disease are unknown. Some factors that may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease include:
Genetics
Research has shown that genetics may play a role in developing Parkinson’s disease, with some gene mutations being linked to an increased risk.
Environmental factors
Exposure to certain toxins or chemicals may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Age
Parkinson’s disease is more common in individuals over the age of 60.
Gender
Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women.
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment in Burlington
At Pillars of Wellness, we understand that each person’s journey with Parkinson’s disease is unique. That’s why we offer personalized Parkinson’s disease treatment plans that address both motor and non-motor symptoms.
Our team of highly qualified health professionals works together to create a customized treatment plan for each individual, utilizing various techniques such as manual therapy, education, advice, and exercise programs.
We strive to provide comprehensive care for individuals with Parkinson’s disease in Burlington and surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember, early intervention is key in managing Parkinson’s disease, so don’t hesitate to seek support from our team at Pillars of Wellness. So, take action now and start your journey towards better health and well-being.
Reference: For speech therapy treatment, we provide speech therapy treatment using the SPEAK OUT ® program.
Flexibility and accommodation to make your appointment viable and fit to your schedule
Highly recommended for everyone who is looking for friendly, warm and very professional help in physiotherapy. Flexibility and accommodation to make your appointment viable and fit to your schedule. Warm, new and clean environment going very well together with informative and friendly, professional personnel. My therapy clinical notes, invoices and appointment reminders were also available on line and on time. Khizar, Nancy, Thank you.
Feeling better by the day. Thank you so much!
This is the first time I give a review. I cannot say enough about this clinic. They are really amazing. Friendly, great customer service and helped me with a condition I have for years. Feeling better by the day. Thank you so much!
I was very impressed by their customer service and professionalism
I recently used Pillars of Wellness services for my injuries. I was very impressed by their customer service and professionalism. The first time I came to do my assessment, the owner, the physiotherapist and the chiropractor sat with me to help me figure out the best way to feel better and faster. I spent 6 weeks with on-going treatment using different modalities. The end result was no more pain and I was able to move again!! Thank you so much for your help. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone.
Summing it up Pillars of Wellness is a well run top notch health clinic!
Lori and Laurent Pinci who run Pillars of Wellness along with their team are very professional and efficient. They make you feel welcome with a smile and kind words every time you walk through their doors. They truly care. We have not yet had the need to experience the many other services that Pillars of Wellness offers, but if we ever did, we definitely would not hesitate to use them.
I’m feeling very supported during my recovery….
On the advice of a friend, I reached out and booked a series of appointments with their occupational therapist, Lori; physiotherapist, Abida; and their naturopath, Dr. Galantai to help with recovering from a concussion. It has been an excellent experience! They are all incredible practitioners.
This is the first time I’ve ever experienced a longer term injury and their genuine, individualized care has really lessened my stress. I’m feeling very supported during my recovery and highly recommend their clinic. I credit my continual improvement to the holistic way I’m getting treatment for my symptoms and am very grateful.
I went to different clinics I finally found one worth going to.
Friendly, caring and professionals like nothing I have seen around Aldershot//Burlington. Attentive to the needs of their patients. They take the time to listen. Beautiful and well designed clinic that is extremely well maintained. I have had two car accidents in the last year and I went to different clinics I finally found one worth going to.
Additional Physiotherapy Services
Conditions We Treat
Neuro Physiotherapy
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
