Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s disease

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Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s disease

The second most prevalent degenerative brain disorder affecting individuals is Parkinson’s disease (PD). (The most prevalent is Alzheimer’s disease.) All racial and ethnic groups are susceptible to PD.

However, it happens less frequently in populations of African Americans and Asian Americans. Due to their difficulties moving and balancing, people with Parkinson’s disease pathophysiology are more likely to fall and sustain injuries.

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As part of a multidisciplinary approach to care that encompasses other therapies and community-based exercise coaching, therapies involve a combination of medications and physical therapy.

Occasionally, surgery may be required. Physical therapists collaborate with PD patients, as well as their families. They support them in symptom management, fitness maintenance, and continued activity.

Physical therapists are experts in movement. Here is everything you need to know about Parkinson’s physical therapy.

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Physical Therapy Guide to Parkinson’s Disease

Your physical therapist may concentrate on exercises and education to assist you, depending on the type and severity of your condition. Any or all of the following activities could be part of your physical therapy programme:

Cues for movement.

Physical therapists can improve gait and balance outcomes by giving visual, auditory, or technology-assisted feedback and direction when walking or performing particular movements.

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We have integrated health care.

A physical therapist can suggest additional team members help with the different aspects of your life if other motor and nonmotor issues are present.

A Behaviour Change.

Physical therapists can offer guidance on particular behavioural modifications that will increase physical activity, increase safety while performing daily tasks, and enhance the quality of life.

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Types of Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Exercise is done in the community.

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can benefit from exercise classes and opportunities in the community to increase their motor, nonmotor, functional mobility, and quality of life. Your physical therapist can advise you on the kinds of exercise classes that might be beneficial.

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Aerobic activity

This frequently involves doing moderate- to high-intensity cardiovascular exercises. Aerobic exercise is crucial to slow the deterioration in a physical condition that can come with Parkinson’s disease. It needs to start as soon as the disease process begins.

Strength training

Progressive exercises that increase muscle strength in each muscle group can lessen the severity of motor disease in those with Parkinson’s disease. Strength and power can also be increased by it.

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Balance exercises

Balance, gait, and mobility can all be enhanced through standing exercises, difficult walking drills, and agility training.

Parkinson’s disease causes, symptoms, and treatment

What is the cause of Parkinson’s illness?

The basal ganglia, a region of the brain that regulates movement, experiences nerve cell impairment and death, which results in the most noticeable signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

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These nerve cells, or neurons, usually generate the crucial brain chemical dopamine. Movement issues linked to the disease are brought on by decreased dopamine production due to the neurons’ degeneration or death. Scientists are still unsure of what causes neurons to degenerate.

What are the symptoms?

Loss of muscle control is one of Parkinson’s disease’s most well-known symptoms. Today, experts know that Parkinson’s disease can manifest itself in various ways and not just as problems with muscle control.

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Sluggish movements

People who experience it describe their muscles as weak, but there is no loss of strength; instead, it is caused by issues with muscle control.

Resting tremors.

About 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience this rhythmic shaking of their muscles, even when they are not actively moving.

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Stiffness or rigidity.

Parkinson’s disease commonly manifests as cogwheel and lead-pipe rigidity. When moving a body part, lead-pipe rigidity refers to a constant, unchanging stiffness.

Unsteady position.

Parkinson’s disease causes slowness and stiffness, resulting in a hunched or stooped posture.

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A medical diagnosis

Most Parkinson’s patients receive medication therapy to treat their disease’s symptoms. To restore the balance between the chemicals in the brain, these medications either encourage the remaining cells in the substantia nigra to produce more dopamine or inhibit some acetylcholine. Working closely with the doctor to develop a customized treatment plan is crucial.

Conclusion

Low dopamine levels in the brain cause Parkinson’s disease, a progressive condition of the central nervous system.

Slow movement, stiff muscles, freezing episodes, tremors, and unsteady balance are a few symptoms that can occur.

Also Read : FAQs About Physiotherapy

Physical therapy (PT) increases a person’s range of motion, reduces the chance of further damage or disability, and enhances their quality of life.

We investigate the advantages of PT for Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. We also explain when to contact a doctor and give advice.