Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from one person to the next, but in general, they include stiff muscles, coordination challenges, restless sleep, and poor balance.
Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Services Can Alleviate Parkinson’s Symptoms
At Colorado In Motion, our physical therapy clinic can address these and other symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Learn how to work with a physical therapist to alleviate the typical indications of this disease.
Variety Is Key
A varied exercise routine customized to the individual’s specific needs can be extremely beneficial. A physical therapist can introduce a wide range of exercises to work on over time, and having this variety actually promotes greater neuron health.
Since neurons become impaired in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, it’s important to do exercises that will promote the health of these nerve cells. Your physical therapist can tailor an exercise routine to your symptoms, incorporating different activities that stimulate the body and mind for improved performance. A physical therapist can incorporate dance or martial arts motions to increase variety and promote greater well-being.
Retraining The Muscles
One key area that physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease addresses is muscle memory. With the nerve impulses affected, it’s important to continually retrain the muscles so that they’re able to respond better. Amplitude training is especially helpful as a key component in Parkinson’s exercises. This involves doing exaggerated movements to maintain greater muscle flexibility and slow down the effects of this and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Balance Work Helps With Gait
A noticeable sign of Parkinson’s is a slower gait accompanied by shuffling movements, combined with a decreased sense of balance. A physical therapist will work with you to improve your balance and coordination so you can walk more confidently. Gait training exercises address a range of balance issues; the therapist will teach you ways to compensate for any balance deficiencies so that you can walk with a greater sense of assurance, improving your speed and coordination while adopting a more natural gait and better posture.
For Strength And Flexibility
Your physical therapist will also guide you through a series of stretches designed to minimize muscle stiffness and improve overall flexibility. Doing stretches throughout the day can be very helpful in relaxing muscles and reducing stiffness. In addition, strength training addresses the issue of muscle weakness seen with Parkinson’s disease, with resistance exercises serving to strengthen muscles in the arms, legs, neck, hips, and other regions. A therapist may have you work with weights, resistance bands, or everyday props to help your muscles become stronger and more flexible.
Physical Therapy In Northern Colorado
Colorado In Motion offers a world-class physical therapy clinic that addresses and alleviates the common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Our physical therapists continually research the latest findings to develop treatment routines that incorporate exercises offering the greatest benefits to individuals with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and similar neurodegenerative conditions.
If you’re ready to explore physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease, contact Colorado In Motion today. We have several Northern Colorado offices to better serve you; choose the location nearest you. Call us to make your appointment today.