Parkinson’s disease affects a person’s balance, coordination, and ability to move well. It’s a progressive condition, which means it gets worse over time instead of better, even with treatment. To make things even more complicated, people with Parkinson’s often have to manage symptoms like tremors and stiffness. As the disease gets worse, the symptoms become more severe, and patients may find themselves avoiding movement.
There isn’t a cure yet for Parkinson’s disease, but many patients find that physical therapy helps them to manage symptoms and maintain independence.
Improving Mobility and Flexibility
Because Parkinson’s disease affects mobility and flexibility, it’s important to address those issues. Patients with reduced mobility and flexibility tend to experience a reduced range of motion. Stretching exercises and mobility training are two of the recommendations physical therapists may have.
Reducing Falls and Improving Balance
Falls are devastating for anyone, and Parkinson’s patients are more susceptible to falling because of balance problems. Balance training exercises help patients stabilize their bodies while they move, which can help to reduce fall risk. Strength exercises, particularly ones focusing on the core muscles, also support better balance.
Patients start feeling more secure when they walk, further improving their ability to avoid falls.
Alleviating Muscle Stiffness
Tremors and muscle stiffness are part of Parkinson’s disease, but they limit the patient’s ability to perform regular daily tasks. Relaxation techniques can help reduce muscle tension. Range-of-motion exercises can help loosen stiff muscles, making patients more comfortable and improving overall mobility.
Some patients may also benefit from other therapies physical therapists recommend, like massage therapy or hot and cold treatments.
Improving Posture and Gait
People with Parkinson’s disease may shuffle as they walk. This can happen because of poor posture or because they feel uncertain while they walk.
Physical therapy works with patients to improve their walking patterns, which reduces shuffling and helps to correct posture. Core exercises strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, improving balance and reducing fall risk.
Supporting Mental Well-being
It’s tough to deal with any chronic health condition, especially one that is progressive and debilitating. Physical therapy is a treatment people tend to think about because of its physical benefits, but it also helps patients build their confidence as they move more.
Parkinson’s patients often feel isolated and lonely because it is difficult to be as social as they might have been in the past. Patients must find ways to boost their emotional and mental well-being, even while facing physical ailments.
Putting Together Customized Exercise Plans
Physical therapists focus on what their patients need the most to improve their quality of life. They start by looking at what patients with Parkinson’s disease typically need and then branch out from there.
Because every patient’s situation is unique, their treatment plan has to be, too. As patients experience improvements and other changes, physical therapy providers adjust their plans to keep up.
Physical therapy can be a big part of any Parkinson’s treatment plan. Tailored exercise programs, exercises, and other interventions help to address problems that Parkinson’s causes for people. Staying active and engaging in regular physical therapy can help patients stay as independent as they can while preserving their overall well-being.
If you or someone you know needs Physical Therapy in Fairmont, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 525-7742 for more information.