Treatment of Parkinsons Disease
Physiotherapy has a key role to play in Parkinson’s disease treatment. A common problem that people with Parkinsons Disease find is that their movement is more difficult, slower and stiffer than it used to be.
Common activities that are carried out on a daily basis may not be as automatic as they were. These include walking, standing up, rolling or turning over in bed and getting in and out of a car.
There is ongoing research to develop treatments for Parkinson’s disease, but what we do know is that regular exercise is important in delaying disease progression and maintaining quality of life. At Manchester Neurotherapy Centre, all our staff keep up to date with the newest evidence relating to Parkinson’s disease treatment, and we always incorporate specific Parkinson’s interventions into our treatment sessions and the Exercise package we offer people with Parkinson’s disease.
As physiotherapists, we use the Bobath concept to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. This involves re-alignment of the body, loosening stiff joints and muscles to promote more freedom of movement and improving aerobic fitness.
If muscles are used less frequently, they lose strength. As part of our treatment, we give specific exercise, tailored to suit each individual’s needs.
Another feature of Parkinson’s disease maybe a stooped posture which may contribute to balance problems. We can help to retain an upright posture, which will help prevent or reduce the risk of falling. A shuffling gait can often present as a problem in Parkinson’s disease. This affects the quality of walking, reducing speed and confidence and increases the risk of falling. The physiotherapist will help the individual keep their joints and muscles more mobile, which allows the individual to have a better quality of life. It is common with Parkinson’s disease to lose some confidence and feel lower in mood than normal, it is part of our role to encourage and motivate the patient, and any carers involved through any difficult times.
Ultimately, we aim to promote independence and improve quality of life by assisting and advising on how to manage Parkinson’s disease in the most effective way possible.
Links: