The Importance Of Rehabilitation Therapy In Managing Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is usually identified by your general physician and your first step towards wellness begins here. You will be referred to a neurologist and a therapy team will plan and oversee your treatment. Parkinson’s rehabilitation can include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Though there are several medical treatments to improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s, the overall wellness is determined and extended throughout life by physical therapy exercises.
Physical therapy for PD
Physical therapists help patients with PD to manage their symptoms better and keep moving.
One of the most effective treatments in PD is the LSVT BIG.
LSVT BIG (lee Silverman voice treatment)
LSVT programs are evidence-based that include speech, physical and occupational therapies. There are LSVT LOUD (voice treatment) and LSVT BIG (movement therapy) therapies carried out on patient’s specific needs.
What is LSVT BIG?
LSVT BIG is a therapy program that uses movement as medicine to reeducate the sensorimotor system. The main aim of this therapy is to focus on producing bigger movements thereby allowing the patient to use their body normally and flexibly.
LSVT BIG exercises are very effective in training your whole-body muscle and minimizing the difficulty in your everyday task like waking up from bed to doing your daily chores. Its proven useful in carrying out small motor tasks like writing on a paper to big motor task like gardening while maintaining balance.
It is necessary to talk to your therapist about the symptoms that keeps you out of doing the daily activities. These exercises are tailored to each patient’s needs and goals and they can be done at any stage, no matter how worse your condition is. LSVT BIG will improve your physical difficulties.
Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR)
Parkinson’s wellness recovery is a science backed exercise program that is designed specifically for treating Parkinson’s disorder. The main component of PWR is said to be aerobic training and functional skill training. PWR moves are designed to focus on four skills that Parkinson’s disease is said to hamper. Antigravity extension, Weight shifting, axial mobility and Transitional movement.
- PWR; UP
- PWR; ROCK
- PWR; TWIST
- PWR; STEP
PWR Moves are said to be based on the principles of LSVT BIG and so these exercises can encourage speedy movement, good balance and coordination and fast processing. These exercises like LSVT Big make the patient to perform better in their day-to-day activities.
Urban poling
Urban poling is a type of walking exercise designed to improve the balance and posture in patients with Parkinson’s. Urban Poling uses patented Activator poles designed to reduce the weight on the lower back and knees thus encouraging good posture and providing better stability. It is also known as Nordic walking or pole walking. Pole walking mimics the motion of cross-country skiing with the specially designed activator poles. The activator walking pole has a bell-shaped tip that helps to maintain an upright posture and provide stabilization. Since Parkinson’s progressive nature leads to stopped posture and slow walking, the use of pole walking creates a steady pace thus encouraging the patient to take longer strides.
A note from balanced gait and pt
Exercise is important to living well with Parkinson’s disease. Walking is a great exercise for patients with Parkinsons and also to spend time outdoors with friends and nature. New inventions are emerging to provide a better life quality for people with Parkinson’s. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any difficulties in your day-to-day activity.