Helpful Physiotherapy Tips For Parkinson's

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects motor function. The condition is characterised by symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability, all of which significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. While PD has no cure, physiotherapy has as an essential role in managing these symptoms, improving function, and enhancing overall well-being.

What is involved in physiotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease?

Physiotherapy for PD involves a variety of techniques and exercises designed to address the motor symptoms of the condition. A physiotherapist works with the patient to develop personalised interventions that focus on improving movement, strength, balance, and coordination. Physio for Parkinson’s Disease can help slow the progression of physical symptoms, reduce the risk of falls, and maintain mobility. Your physiotherapist will work with you to form specific treatment goals. Though, the most common goals revolve around improving mobility and gait, improving balance and preventing falls, and increasing flexibility and strength. Here’s how physiotherapy can help you achieve these goals:

1. Improving mobility and gait

Individuals with PD often have trouble walking, with a tendency to shuffle and freeze during movement, which can significantly impair daily functioning and community engagement. Physiotherapists use a variety of strategies to improve gait, including walking exercises, stride length training, balance training, and teaching gait aid use if necessary. Physio for PD often incorporates specific strategies such as cueing, where patients are instructed to use external prompts (e.g., a metronome or visual markers) to help with their walking pattern. All of these techniques are widely supported for improving patients’ walking ability and confidence.

2. Improving balance and preventing falls

Postural instability is another hallmark symptom of Parkinson’s Disease, and increases the risk of falls and injuries. As PD progresses, patients often have difficulty maintaining balance, which can result in falls, fear of falling and a reduction in physical activity. Balance exercises, abdominal strengthening, and proprioceptive training are key components of a physiotherapy program for PD patients. These strategies, along with functional training, have been shown to improve balance and reduce the rate of falls in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Physiotherapists can also work on postural control and teach balance recovery techniques to use in the event of a fall, thus improving overall safety.

3. Increasing flexibility and strength

Muscle rigidity and stiffness are common in Parkinson’s Disease, often limiting range of motion and flexibility. Physiotherapists use stretching exercises to help counteract these symptoms and maintain flexibility in joints and muscles. Due to changes associated with PD, people often have reduced strength and impaired movement control. Strengthening exercises, particularly the muscles of the legs and abdomen, can improve movement efficiency and overall function. Stronger muscles can also better support the body during dynamic movements and in situations where balance is challenged. A combination of stretching and strengthening exercises potentially slows the progression of motor symptoms, and is beneficial for motor function and quality of life for individuals with PD.

Beyond the physical: The other benefits of physiotherapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease can often lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and social isolation due to the physical limitations it imposes. Regular participation has been shown to boost mood, increase self-esteem, and improve social engagement. Exercise is known to release endorphins, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, helping individuals feel more positive about their ability to manage PD. Some physiotherapy interventions can potentially improve or maintain cognitive function, more specifically for people with mild-moderate stages of PD (Pang, 2021).

Embrace movement, improve function – let us make the difference in your journey with Parkinson’s Disease

With excellent equipment and resources available , our physio’s will create a tailored rehabilitation program that aligns with your goals. Check out our NDIS page or contact us for more information.