Physical Therapy For Parkinson's Disease

IS PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE HELPFUL?

That is a common question that we get from patients, family members, and those who are participating in the Rocksteady Boxing Program for Parkinson’s Disease management. The short answer is yes. What we’ve come to realize in near 10 years of working with a range of patients with PD is that everyone is affected differently by the disease. While some patients only experience tremors, others may experience a combination of tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and trouble starting and stopping movements. Physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease is therefore aimed at addressing the specific deficits and impairments that each individual may experience.

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE: BALANCE TRAINING

Physical therapy for parkinson's disease should include balance and coordination training. Often, individuals with Parkinson's disease will experience challenges with coordinating multiple body movements and dual tasking. This exercise can be done both with or without the use of a ball overhead depending on tolerance and control.

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE: STRENGTH TRAINING

Strength training for Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we can incorporate use of TRX straps and body weight resistance for a great upper body exercise in those with PD. This also helps in areas of postural awareness and control as individuals are forced to maintain alignment against gravity.

360 PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS

11830 W Market Pl, Suite D Fulton, MD 20759

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(301) 957-2564

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE: AMPLITUDE TRAINING

Those with Parkinson’s disease often see a gradual decline in the size (or amplitude) of the movements that they make. This is most noticeable in the size of their stride or arm swing when walking. It’s common to hear those receiving physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease say that they particularly don’t feel like they’re moving small movements. Specific exercises focusing on large amplitude movements and coordination are of particular benefit. When certain patterns of movement and exercises are reinforced on a regular basis through physical therapy in the proper manner, incorporating them into daily tasks and activities becomes easier.