Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s: How Targeted Movement Helps Improve Mobility & Confidence
Parkinson’s Disease can have an effect on how someone moves, can affect their ability to maintain balance (therefore it is difficult to maintain stability), track simple tasks over the course of a day, and cause difficulty completing various activities. For this reason, many individuals turn to the internet to find safe forms of exercise to remain active, independent, and experience the self-confidence that they had before being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Here at K 7 Physiotherapy, in Rugby, we provide light and individualised therapy for patients living with Parkinson’s Disease at all stages of the disease; in addition, we offer home visits throughout the Warwickshire and West Midlands area.
This blog explains the benefits of physiotherapy for patients with Parkinson’s Disease, what will be involved/expected at each session, and how having support at an early stage can be beneficial.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease? A Brief Explanation
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the way the brain controls movement. It happens when certain nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra become damaged and produce less dopamine — a chemical that helps coordinate smooth, controlled movement.
With lower dopamine levels, everyday movements can become slower, stiffer, or less automatic.
Common signs may include:
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- Tremor, often in one hand at rest
- Muscle stiffness or rigidity
- Balance or coordination difficulties
People may also notice changes in handwriting, facial expression, walking pattern, or voice. Symptoms vary greatly from person to person.
To Walk and Train Your Gait
People often overuse their muscles and have a hard time walking or moving correctly because, for example, they do not know how to correctly walk or bear weight. With Parkinson’s, people may also find themselves doing the following when walking:
Shuffling their feet
Not moving their arms when they walk Freezing in place if they stop to think
A physiotherapist can help you by giving you cues for movement, safe walking techniques and how to use rhythm to make walking easier and more controlled.
Build Your Strength For Daily Activities
Even simple things such as getting up, turning around and climbing stairs can be more challenging for some people because they are not using their muscles very often. Physiotherapy provides a means of developing the necessary strength to complete these daily tasks and maintain independence and reduce fatigue.
Create Movement Habits That Will Improve Your Well-being
Regular movement is one of the most supportive habits for people who are living with Parkinson’s. When you participate in gentle, guided exercise, you are likely to feel more energised, self-assured and connected to your body.
Through physiotherapy you will develop an exercise routine that will feel manageable and entertaining, rather than overwhelming. Small, consistent movements can also
- Provide overall sense of wellbeing
- Increase your mood and your confidence every day
- Create a feeling of accomplishment in what you are doing
- Make daily living much easier
At K 7 Physiotherapy, we will help you create a movement habit to suit your ability and pace and your desired outcome, so that you can incorporate your well-being naturally into your daily life.
Encourage Safe and Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to take care of yourself while living with Parkinson’s disease. With the help of a physiotherapist you will be able to:
Move safely Exercise safely; and Continue with a programme that you can consistently adhere to Your Experience With K 7 Physiotherapy
At K 7 Physiotherapy in Rugby, your appointment for physiotherapy will include:
- A gentle assessment of your ability to move, balance and walk;
- An exercise program tailored just for you;
- Specific techniques to help reduce the amount of stiffness you experience;
- Strategies to make walking/moving safer; and
- You and your family will receive education on exercises you will be able to do at home or if you choose, we can come to your home and provide that education.!
When to Have Physiotherapy
You do not have to wait until you have a lot of symptoms to start physiotherapy. Early involvement of a physiotherapist can help:
- Maintain mobility longer
- Decrease your risk of falling by not being able to use your legs
- Improve your confidence when moving around
- Maintain your overall health
K 7 Physiotherapy works closely with your current healthcare provider to help ensure that you receive coordinated care.
If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s and are looking for gentle, personal therapy to make movement safe and comfortable every day, then we want to help you take the first step with confidence.
You can schedule an appointment for your physiotherapy assessment today.
Helping Patients from Rugby, Coventry, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Daventry, Lutterworth, Hinckley and surrounding towns & communities.
