Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that causes significant movement impairments in addition to non-motor symptoms such as cognitive changes, fatigue, pain, and mood disorders. Over 10 million people around the world, and almost one million people in the U.S. alone, suffer from Parkinson’s disease. Some of the most common presentations of the disease can be remembered by using the word “TRAP”:
- Tremors: Resting “pill rolling” tremor/shaking that is seen when the body part is at rest and not actively engaged in purposeful movement
- Rigidity: Muscle and joint stiffness that may be present in the limbs and/or the trunk
- Akinesia/bradykinesia: Slowed movements or a lack of voluntary movement
- Postural Instability: Poor balance and posture with increased fall risk
Each of these symptoms can make completing everyday tasks, such as getting in and out of bed, standing from a chair, walking, or getting dressed, extremely difficult and time consuming. This can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and limit their independence. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but treatments do exist to help manage symptoms and allow individuals to maintain as much independence as possible. Physical therapy is one treatment option that has been shown to slow the progression of PD. Physical therapists specialize in treating musculoskeletal and movement disorders, and as a result there are many benefits of physical therapy for persons with PD.
| Physical Therapy Intervention | Benefits for PD |
| Stretching Exercises | Increase muscle flexibility (especially in the hips, hamstrings, and calves), decrease rigidity and pain |
| Strengthening Exercises | Slow the onset of muscle weakness, increase strength to improve mobility |
| Balance Training | Decrease fall risk |
| Transfer Training | Improve the ability to change positions, helping to maintain independence |
| Gait Training | Improve the smoothness and safety of walking |
| Coordination Training | Make fine motor skills and hand movements needed for daily tasks easier to perform |
| Patient Education | Learn compensatory strategies to allow for safe and effective movement and other helpful tips for living with PD |
The symptoms of Parkinson’s may differ between people, but the goals of physical therapy for persons with PD remain the same: reduce symptoms, improve mobility, help maintain an independent and active lifestyle for as long as possible, and enhance overall quality of life.
If you are living with Parkinson’s Disease or another movement disorder, call Respire Physical Therapy at (703) 671-1871 or click here to schedule a one-on-one evaluation with our trained physical therapists and begin a personalized plan of care to achieve your goals today!
Tags: springfieldva, fallschurchva, ptworks, fairfaxva, Physical Therapy, annandaleva, Respire Physical Therapy, gait training, physical therapist, balance training, parkinson's disease, choosept, neurological conditions, arlingtonva, movementismedicine, alexandriava
