Finding out you have Parkinson’s disease can be frightening. The onset of symptoms can be slow and sometimes go under the radar, unnoticed for a while. Once they become more apparent, however, it can be challenging to establish a way to cope. Aside from the medication your doctor may prescribe, did you know that symptoms can also often be alleviated with physical therapy? Read on to find out more about how physical therapy can assist individuals living with Parkinson’s.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative ailment. Doctors theorize that it is largely genetic, or perhaps triggered by environmental toxins. Symptoms may at first be very hard to detect, however as it impacts the nervous system, the brain will eventually start to have trouble releasing dopamine hormones. This can result in more noticeable effects like impaired movement and thought processes.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s can include the following:
- Slowed or impaired movement
- Tremors
- Differences in speech and writing
- Rigid muscles
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy can be a game changer for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. At Core 3 Physical Therapy, our LVST BIG program is especially designed to meet the needs and improve the lives of Parkinson’s patients. The program is outfitted with plenty of trained professionals, each certified to help begin a remedial routine.
The LVST BIG program focuses on helping patients increase and improve their motor functions, incrementally acclimating them to larger movements and more complex functions until they are performed with greater ease and confidence. Once the patient has mastered basic functions, the method can be used to address more nuanced and specific movements such as handwriting.
The McKenzie method
In addition to the LVST BIG Program at Core 3, we also provide another means of helping patients deal with bodily pain that may result from Parkinson’s. The McKenzie method is designed to help patients redirect and shift their motor patterns to alleviate chronic pain and improve range of motion.
If you or a loved one is dealing with the daily symptoms of Parkinson’s, there is compassionate and effective help available. Give the professionals at Core 3 Physical Therapy a call today for a free consultation, and see what a difference expert physical therapy can make!
