Did you know that more than 100 000 Australians are living with Parkinson’s Disease?
Most people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are aged 65 or older, but it can affect adults of any age.
The disease is progressive, meaning early symptoms may be subtle and then worsen over time.
If you’re living with Parkinson’s disease you may have difficulty controlling your movements. You might find yourself struggling with everyday tasks others don’t even think about, like walking, buttering your toast, or getting in and out of the car.
Fortunately, physiotherapy can help those living with Parkinson’s, manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s Disease, the NDIS-registered physiotherapists at Valens care can work with you to create an individualised treatment program. We target your strength, balance, endurance, and general fitness to keep you as active and independent as possible, for as long as possible.
Here we explain Parkinson’s disease, its symptoms, and how physiotherapy can help.
What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological condition. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain, which should be producing dopamine, gradually die. This affects coordination, movement, and balance – both at rest and while active.
At this stage, doctors have not identified what causes Parkinson’s disease. In some cases, the disease is believed to be inherited, in others, head trauma or exposure to environmental toxins may be to blame.
What Are The Symptoms?
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and the rate of its progression, vary from person to person. Symptoms fall into two categories, motor symptoms, and non-motor symptoms.
Motor symptoms can include bradykinesia (slow movement and decreased control), postural instability (feeling unbalanced which causes poor posture, mobility challenges, and increased falls risk), tremors (involuntary shaking), and rigidity (stiffness due to increased muscle tone).
Non-motor symptoms include depression, anxiety, pain, sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, gastrointestinal changes, and problems with memory. These symptoms impact your ability to function independently and your quality of life.
When the condition begins, symptoms can be subtle, perhaps just a slight tremor in one hand. As it progresses, muscles may become stiff, movements may become smaller or slower, and you can feel less steady on your feet. Day-to-day tasks might become increasingly difficult and the risk of having a fall increases.
This is where physiotherapy comes in.
Does Physiotherapy Help Parkinson’s?
The management of Parkinson’s disease and physiotherapy go hand in hand. Your physiotherapist will work with your healthcare team and support network, to maximise your strengths, manage your symptoms and protect your quality of life as much as possible.
At Valens Care, our physios are experts in movement. We support you to keep active and maintain your fitness. We aim to protect your functional abilities and keep good posture and balance as the disease progresses.
Your physiotherapist will start by assessing your movements. They identify areas where you’re struggling and teach you techniques to make daily tasks easier.
They’ll create an exercise plan to improve your strength and flexibility and increase your balance, reducing your risk of falling. They also advise on assistive devices or modifications for your home to make moving around easier and safer.
Physiotherapy may also help you manage pain. Parkinson’s physiotherapy uses techniques such as stretching, dry needling, heat and cold therapy, and massage to manage pain in your bones and muscles.
For some, Parkinson’s disease can cause stiffness and weakness in their chest muscles making breathing difficult. Physiotherapy may improve your breathing through strengthening and breathing exercises.
The Valens Care Difference
At Valens Care, we understand that receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be frightening and overwhelming. While there is currently no available cure for Parkinson’s, physiotherapy can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
At Valens Care, we believe our patients deserve a greater level of support than your traditional physio approach. Our hands-on treatment is tailored specifically to you and your condition. We will continue to work with you as you progress and adapt the plan as your condition changes.
If you receive NDIS funding, you may be able to claim physiotherapy for Parkinson’s disease with Valens Care through your plan.
Are you or someone you love living with Parkinson’s disease? Contact us to learn how physiotherapy could help ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
* All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Valens Care can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.
