How Physical Therapy Treats Parkinson’s Disease

Are you living with Parkinson’s Disease? It is no secret that a neurological disorder such as this can be limiting and debilitating, forcing you to find new ways to manage your daily life. While this can be frustrating, physical therapy can help improve your function so you can get back to living your life on your own terms!

For more information on how our in-home physical therapy plans can help you find relief from the comfort of your own home, contact Therapy Choice today.

Parkinson’s Disease and its accompanying symptoms:

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disease that affects the central nervous system and the ability to coordinate movement in the body. Since Parkinson’s Disease affects many areas of the brain, symptoms can vary in individuals and progression can be either mild, moderate, or aggressive. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are essential for people with Parkinson’s Disease. 

Parkinson’s Disease typically affects one’s ability to walk, with slower movements (bradykinesia) and difficulty with starting or stopping walking. In addition, movements tend to become slower, and it is common for tremors to develop in the hands. Muscles can become quite rigid, leading to loss of motion and poor posture. A dangerous symptom is called retropulsion, where the tendency of an individual is to fall backward with little to no ability to protect oneself.

Speech can also be affected by Parkinson’s Disease, becoming slurred and slow, due to poor activation of the mouth, tongue, and throat muscles. In addition, eating and drinking can become challenging due to difficulty with swallowing.

Common symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include slurred speech, irregular facial expressions, and severe tremors. Fortunately, physical therapy can help slow the progress of Parkinson’s Disease and provide relief for symptoms. Physical therapy helps to improve flexibility and strength by addressing several issues that Parkinson’s disease may cause, including abnormal gait, freezing, and dystonia. Symptoms may also include difficulty with writing, becoming illegible or very small.

How can physical therapy help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease currently, a tremendous amount can be done to improve one’s function and maintain mobility. In coordination with your physician, rehabilitation focuses on improving movement, safety, independence with activities, transfers, cognitive aptitude, speech, and swallowing.

Our dedicated physical and occupational therapists will travel to your home to provide you with the best care for your needs. For Parkinson’s Disease, it is recommended that you seek the help of both physical therapists and occupational therapists. 

Our physical therapists will focus on improving your range of motion, strength, stamina, safety with transfers from low surfaces, posture, and movement, so you can reclaim some independence in your life. Our occupational therapists will focus on movements of the upper extremities, cognitive improvements, coordination with dressing and caring for oneself, and any adaptations that can be made so you can live as independently as possible.

If you are having trouble with speech and swallowing, it is likely that you will also have to seek help from a speech therapist. Speech therapists focus on improving speech, safety with eating and drinking, cognitive abilities, and writing. 

It is important to note that our rehabilitation professionals work together as a team to help you reach your goals. Our main focus is to help you maintain and improve all levels of physical function, so you can reclaim at least some parts of your independence.

If you have been living with Parkinson’s Disease in Philadelphia, don’t hesitate to contact our in-home physical therapy clinic today. At Therapy Choice, our physical and occupational therapists are dedicated to helping you regain your optimum levels of function at home so you can live your life as independently as possible. Reclaim your life by scheduling a consultation today!