Experts agree that physical therapy can be very helpful for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Good therapy will help to slow down the physical decline that is common in this disease, and will help the patient to have a much higher quality of life. Physical therapy is important to keep up because the main physical symptoms of the disease – rigidity, tremor, slow movement (bradykinesia), and balance issues – can make it more difficult for the patient to do many of her daily activities:
- Walking
- Getting up from a seated position
- Getting in and out of bed
Fortunately, a good physical therapist will be able to devise exercises that can help the patient to overcome many Parkinson’s symptoms. And, she will be able to continue to enjoy a high quality of life and continue to enjoy her daily activities.
Physical therapy for the Parkinson’s patient will greatly increase mobility and quality of life.
Physical therapists know how physical therapy, exercise, and medications can work together to greatly improve life quality. They will be able to advise the patient and her loved ones on how to help them get the most out of their Parkinson’s treatments.
Your physical therapist will be able to come up with a specialized treatment program that can improve:
- Strength
- Balance
- Range of Motion
She also can do a safety check in your home to ensure that the house is organized the best for the Parkinson’s patient. She can, for example, ensure that the bathroom is fitted with the types of Parkinson’s aids that will make the patient’s life much easier and safer. A good choice for many patients is the Large Telescoping Pivot Grip Grab Bar for the bathtub, or the SerenaSeat Foldable 26 Inch Shower Seat.
The physical therapist also can work with the Parkinson’s patient to help her with walking. Physical therapists often use visual and auditory signals that can help the patient to overcome the ‘freezing’ problem that some patients have. The PT also can give the patient training on how to use these tips on her own. For example, some patients find that a metronome can help them to start to take steps when walking.
Some patients can develop a shuffling gait as they walk. Visual cues on the floor, such as tape lines place by the PT, can help to encourage the patient to step higher and to stride longer. This can reduce chances of trips and falls.
Some PTs incorporate yoga and pilates into the physical therapy regimen for Parkinson’s disease patients. These exercises can help to boost the core strength, balance, and to increase rotational movement to cut down on rigidity. The PT also can determine if the patient is going to need some type of assisting device, and can help to train the patient on how to use the device.
It is very important to make physical therapy a key part of the treatment for Parkinson’s disease. By adding a good PT regimen to the care of the Parkinson’s patient, she will be able to enjoy a much higher quality of life, and will be able to enjoy much more independence.
