Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative condition causing tremor and motor impairment. Though PD is not fatal, complications from the disorder can be severe and there is no known cure. Parkinson’s has been related to the loss of dopamine (a hormone) secreting neurons in the midbrain area called the substantia nigra. With a decrease in the production of dopamine, the ability to regulate the body, movements and emotions are lost.
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!
I recently heard someone say, “Parkinson’s is not a death sentence, it’s a life sentence”. I don’t expect exercise to cure PD, but it does help just as it helps many other diseases. I once had a neurologist, who was not keen on my presentation of the Parkinson’s exercise program (his research showed no results with exercise on Parkinson’s disease) tell me, you don’t want to give people false hope. I don’t see it as false hope, I see hope.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is very beneficial for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Nutrition education from a Dietitian can help to address some common nutrition-related complications of the disease such as osteoporosis, constipation and weight loss.
When I was diagnosed in 2002, my symptoms were minimal. On a scale of one to ten, one being no symptoms and 10 being non-functional, I would give myself a 2. Today, eleven years after my diagnosis, I would give myself a 3. I believe my symptoms have remained mild because I ran before and after my diagnosis. Running I am sure has delayed progress both the progression and severity of the disease.