Recent research findings have shown that a minority of clients with Parkinson’s do fine without any form of rehabilitation. However, the majority of studies have shown that clients improved in their ability to do daily living activities in response to physical therapy rehabilitation. 62% of research participants who received physical therapy intervention had a successful outcome relative to 38% of the participants in the control group who had a successful outcome. (Murphy & Tickle-Degnen, 2011). In another research project, Tests Predict Falls in Parkinson’sPatients, published in the June 23, 2010 issue of Neurology, looked at 101 Parkinson’s patients who were able to walk without aids. They tested for symptoms such as visual function, balance, gait, strength, reaction time and proprioception. Those who did poorly on the balance tests, mobility tests and coordinating multi-joint movements were more prone to falls (42%).
People with minor motor system disorders to severe disorders will find that physical therapy can help with the rigidity, slow movement patterns, postural instability, impaired balance and coordination that seem to evolve along with this disease. The physical therapist will evaluate for Functional Gait Testing, Functional Reach Testing, Timed Get Up and Go Test, Bed mobility screening and orthopedic evaluations for mobility and strength.
After the evaluation, the physical therapist may set up a specific exercise or movement lesson that uses high amplitude movements that overcome bradykinesia and hypokinesia (activating excessively slow motion).
My personal experience with Parkinson’s patients is one of inquiry, fun and resolution. We even use dance as a means of increasing balance and coordination. When it is a mobility problem like getting out of bed, the physical therapist will create a home program with specific exercises for your needs. When it is a postural instability issue, we will work with balance/gait on different surfaces as well as strengthening for your back, legs, abdomen and torso.
Let the field of physical therapy evaluate and assess what we can do for you!
