Nicole Sauve, PTA, CBIS | Feb 20, 2020
A Parkinson’s diagnosis can be daunting. If you—or a loved one—are affected by Parkinson’s, you’re likely familiar with symptoms like stiffness and slowed movements. But, understanding Parkinson’s and its effects helps us understand a practice that may help lessen symptoms: therapy.
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the brain’s chemicals. About 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s, though men are more likely to have the disease. Symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, muscle rigidity, impaired posture and balance, and general loss of automatic movements—all of which can increase fall risk and impact safety. Unfortunately, Parkinson’s disease does not yet have a cure, but there are ways to manage symptoms through healthy lifestyle changes like exercise, medication management, and therapy.
Engaging in therapy focused on exercise and lifestyle changes can counteract symptoms of Parkinson’s. Therapy can also increase overall survival rates, improve cognition, and reduce the severity of motor and non-motor symptoms. A skilled therapist trained in special Parkinson’s programs, such as LSVT Big or PWR!Moves, can provide tools to help manage symptoms successfully.
Therapy is often beneficial to people with a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Through exercise, they can improve walking speed, walking mechanics, balance, and flexibility. Programs vary on length and involvement, but the knowledge gained through exercise therapy can be used throughout life to improve and maintain mobility and movement.
At Walker Methodist, we strive to provide the best care for our residents and community members impacted by a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Partnering with Struthers Parkinson’s network, we equip therapy and rehabilitation staff with up-to-date education and training. Our clinicians specialized in the LSVT and PWR!Moves programs are experts in treating symptoms with specialized, personal care.
To learn more about Parkinson’s therapy programs at Walker Methodist, please ask your primary doctor to fax a referral for therapy to 651.259.2728 for our West St. Paul location or 651.827.8852 for our Minneapolis location.