The answer is that physical therapy can do a lot for people with Parkinson’s disease, and learning how this treatment option can help is especially important for the approximately 60,000 Americans who are diagnosed with this condition every year.
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that affects the brain. Typically, the symptoms of this disorder appear gradually over time. People who have it tend to experience difficulty walking and talking, decreased muscle strength and function and behavioral changes. An important point about physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease is it can help patients manage their symptoms.
How can physical therapy for Parkinson’s help you?
Many physical therapists have special training that allows them to provide care for people with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. Your therapist will start by getting to know you and your symptoms. Then, they will develop a therapy plan that’s customized to your needs. Your therapy plan may focus on:
- Improving your ability to move — Parkinson’s disease can affect your movement in several ways. It can cause patients to take smaller, shuffling steps. This condition may also make it harder to perform reciprocal movements. An example of this is swinging your arms as you walk. Physical therapists can work with you to increase the size of your movements and improve your ability to do reciprocal movements.
- Maintaining good flexibility — It’s common for Parkinson’s patients to develop stiffness in their muscles. Your hip flexors, hamstrings and calf muscles are especially likely to become less flexible. Your physical therapist can work with you to reduce the stiffness in your muscles. In addition, they can help you create a flexibility routine you can use daily.
- Improving muscle strength — While most people’s muscles weaken as they age, muscle weakness can be a much bigger problem for Parkinson’s sufferers. Your physical therapist can help you find ways to strengthen your muscles.
One option your therapist could suggest is aquatic therapy sessions. These take place in a pool, and the water can help you remain stable. Also, water creates a natural resistance to movement, which your therapist can use to improve your muscle strength.
Find effective physical therapy for Parkinson’s at Border Therapy Services
Keen to try physical therapy for your Parkinson’s disease symptoms? Our therapy specialists at Border Therapy Services are ready and willing to help you with this condition. We can do a free screening to learn just how Parkinson’s is affecting your body. In addition, our team is adept at building personalized therapy plans designed to help you manage your symptoms. You can even work with a physical therapist from home if you sign up for an at-home care or virtual therapy session.
Contact our team today for more information about how we can treat Parkinson’s or other neurological disorders or to schedule an initial appointment.