5 Ways Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease Improves Function

Parkinson’s disease is a serious, long-term chronic illness that grows worse with time. Living with the illness is challenging and often heartbreaking. Those who persevere show a remarkable amount of courage and perseverance.

But did you know that physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease can not only slow decline, but it can also actively improve your function. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the five ways that physical therapy can improve function in those with this disease.

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Why Is Physical Therapy Crucial for Parkinson’s Disease?

We’ll delve into more detail later in this article, but in short, physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease is critical because it helps improve the quality of their lives by:

• Enabling them to keep moving
• Slowing symptom progression
• Providing expertise beyond general exercise principles
• Supports independence
• Helps them remain safe at home
• Reduces the risk of falls

Now, let’s examine in greater detail how physical therapists help those with Parkinson’s disease.

5 Ways Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease Improves Function

1. Physical Therapy Improves Gait

Smaller, slower steps and reduced arm swings are all characteristics of Parkinson’s disease, which can make it difficult to navigate doorways, curbs and even walking through crowds. 

Physical therapists implement something called amplitude training to help retrain the muscles. By encouraging the patients to make exaggerated physical movements, physical therapists can help slow down hypokinesia. Hypokinesia is the medical term for abnormally diminished muscle movements. 

2. Physical Therapy Can Reduce the Risk of Falls

Focused balance exercises, as well as exercises to retrain walking muscles, improve stability. As a result, patients reduce their risk of falling. Physical therapists can also teach patients how to properly use a cane or other assistive device.

Some of the techniques that physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease may implement include: 

• Exercises to stretch muscles
• Exercises to help with position changes (to prevent falls from standing up from a chair)
• Relaxation exercises encompassing elements of yoga and tai chi

3. Physical Therapy Can Reduce “Freezing”

Freezing occurs when those with Parkinson’s suddenly cannot move, almost as if their feet were glued to the floor.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, an estimated 26% of those with mild symptoms experience gait freezing, while 80% of those with advanced Parkinson’s disease experience it.

Physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease to prevent freezing typically involves walking on a treadmill, stretching and resistance training. Education is also critical to help patients understand the best ways to cope with or reduce instances of freezing.

4. Physical Therapy Can Help Protect Your Neurons

What do we mean by that? 

First, let’s take a quick look at what Parkinson’s disease does to your brain.

Your brain has certain cells that make a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or in other words, it helps send signals to your nerves. In Parkinson’s disease, these cells die. Therefore, they affect the signal responsible for the body’s motion. 

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that exercise can increase something called GDNF, which helps protect these dopamine neurons.

Yes, we know that’s a lot of technical information, but long story short, physical therapy exercises can help prevent damage to the brain cells in charge of movement.

5. Physical Therapy Can Improve Strength

Muscle weakness is a huge problem for those with Parkinson’s disease. A physical therapist can tailor an exercise routine to target specific motor functions. This improves quality of life, mobility and can reduce the severity of the disease. 

What Symptoms of Parkinson’s Can Physical Therapy Help Manage?

Physical therapists can help those with Parkinson’s manage difficulties with:

• Walking: slowness, small steps, or freezing (feeling “glued” to the floor or difficulty getting started)
• Balance and stability
• Posture
• Pain
• Moving around the house (getting up from a chair, moving around in bed)
• Getting around in the community (in/out of a car or bus, elevators, stairs, and uneven ground)

When Should You Start Working With a Physical Therapist After a Parkinson’s Diagnosis?

While physical therapy can be beneficial at any stage of Parkinson’s disease, it’s best for those with the illness to begin rehabilitation as soon as they are diagnosed and consistently every six to 12 months. 

What Are the Different Types of Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s?

Some of the most effective types of physical therapy for Parkinson’s disease include:

• LSVT BIG, where overexaggerated physical movements can retrain muscles
• Reciprocal movement, where patients practice side-to-side movements
• Balance exercises
• Stretching and flexibility exercises
• Strength training, which can help combat muscle weakness—a particular problem for those with the illness

What Happens After Discharge From Physical Therapy?

This will depend upon the individual situation and the medical plan of care. However, typically patients are given exercises to practice at home and information on how to safely do so. If you have any questions regarding your discharge from physical therapy, we urge you to speak with your doctor, physical therapist or other health care provider.

Brunswick Cove: Where Excellent Care Thrives in a Home-like Environment

We offer families the flexibility of having both skilled nursing and assisted living on the same campus. If your loved one begins their journey in assisted living, but should need skilled nursing, a move is simple and straightforward.

Our services are all-inclusive, so you’re not met with any unpleasant surprises later. Coupled with the ease of in-house rehabilitation, our philosophy is centered upon our residents. We’re family-owned and operated, which means you will have one point of contact for communication—no more wasting time on impersonal “phone trees.”

Are you ready to take the next step? Have peace of mind and give your loved one the care you can’t provide at home. Contact us today.