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Neurological physiotherapy for Parkinson's Disease
The neurological physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro physio commonly treat individuals who suffer from Parkinson's disease. One person in every 500 has Parkinson's disease.
- What is Parkinson's disease?
- Types of Parkinson's disease
- Effects of Parkinson's disease
- Physiotherapy treatment for Parkinson's disease
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive (continuous) neurological (involved with the brain) condition. Parkinson's disease mainly affects the way the brain co-ordinates the movements of various muscles in the body. Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss in the number of cells that produce a chemical called 'Dopamine'. Dopamine is the chemical that help to send messages about co-ordination within the body. The cause of Parkinson's disease remains unknown.
Physiotherapy is beneficial for anyone who suffers from Parkinson's disease.
Types of Parkinson's disease
There are several types of Parkinsonism (general umbrella term used for all types of Parkinson's) these include:
Idiopathic Parkinson's disease
This is the most common type of Parkinson's disease. The main symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's are rigidity, tremor and slowness of movement.
Other Parkinson's diseases
Vascular Parkinson's, drug induced Parkinsonism, dementia with Lewy bodies Parkinson's, inherited Parkinson's and juvenile Parkinson's disease.
Effects of Parkinson's disease
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease usually start off affecting one side of the body and eventually may affect both sides of the body. The main symptoms include:
Tremor (shaking)
This is one of the first symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. The tremor tends to be more prominent at rest but less when moving or sleeping.
Stiffness
Stiffness in joints and muscles makes it difficult to move around or carry out daily activities.
Slow movement
This is common with those who suffer from Parkinson's, it can also cause the inability to move.
Posture and balance problems
Because of the stiff muscles and tremor, you may find it difficult to turn or get out of chairs resulting in an increase in falls.
Speech changes
Speech maybe become slurred or to quick making it hard for others to understand.
Loss of facial expression
A person suffering from Parkinson's disease may find it hard to smiles as much or may frown more as they are slower at controlling movements.
Handwriting problems
Some of those with Parkinson's may suffer from loss of co-ordination so their handwriting may become worse smaller and less easily to read.
Other health problems
may include bladder and bowel problems, mental health problems, swallowing, weight loss, increased saliva and sweating, sleep problems and tiredness.
Physiotherapy treatment for Parkinson's disease
Your Physiotherapist at Liverpool Neuro Physio will work with you to produce a treatment programme with goals and targets specific to you and your symptoms. The physiotherapist wants you to get the most out of your treatment sessions. Treatment will vary for each person depending on their symptoms. You treatment may include some of the following:
- Improving transfers (from bed to chair transfer, into the bath transfer)
- Helping you to be more independent
- Work on reducing spasticity and stiffness
- Improving or maintain muscle strength
- Reduce the risk of falls
- Information on pain relief
- Advice on breathing techniques
- Advice and guidance
- Reduce tremor
- Reduce abnormal gait patterns
- Work on fine motor movements
Physiotherapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process of sufferers of Parkinson's disease. Your physiotherapist at Liverpool Neuro Physio will aim to maximise your independence and functional ability as well as minimising secondary complications you may be suffering. Your physiotherapist may work on some things including posture, range of movement, balance, walking and turning and transfers, to help you gain as much independence as you can.
It is extremely important for the Parkinson's sufferer to maintain physiotherapy after being discharged from a hospital. Your physiotherapist at Liverpool Neuro Physio will increase your safety by reducing your risk of falling and injury. Your physiotherapist will also make you as independent as possible.
The physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio understand that mobility maybe one of your main areas of concern. Your physiotherapist will work together with you step by step to improve your mobility to as best as possible. Your physiotherapist understands your condition so will put in place any specific techniques to help you regain your maximum mobility (e.g. providing you with cues during walking to try and make your gait continuous). If necessary your physiotherapist can provide you with mobility aids such as walking sticks or frames to make you more stable and confident on your feet.
Your physiotherapists at Liverpool neuro physio may also provide exercise therapy to strengthen muscle, improve your balance and flexibility. The intensity of exercise will vary from person to person depending on the stage of Parkinson's. Your physiotherapist at Liverpool Neuro Physio will teach you and your family/ carers any exercise plans and give advice and guidance on managing the condition at the stage it is currently at. They will assess your mobility and provide you any necessary equipment that maybe needed and even carry out home assessments if further adaptations are needed in your home.
To arrange an appointment or to speak to one of our specialists, call us on 0151 558 0188 or email office@liverpoolneurophysio.co.uk.