Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition, but many of its symptoms are physical. The more it progresses, the more difficulty patients face with movement and balance. Physical therapy is a crucial part of restoring and maintaining a person’s mobility. Richmond University Medical Center offers Parkinson’s rehabilitation services at our state-of-the-art Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center in Staten Island, New York. Here, we discuss Parkinson’s physical therapy interventions and how they help patients maintain their quality of life.
How Does Parkinson’s Disease Affect Movement?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the basal ganglia, an area of the brain that controls movement. Under normal conditions, cells in this area produce dopamine, an important neurotransmitter. Dopamine fine-tunes cell signals that tell muscles how to move, allowing for precise movements.
Under the effects of Parkinson’s disease, however, cells in the basal ganglia begin to die off. Fewer producing cells results in a decrease in dopamine production. Without enough of this necessary neurotransmitter, cells can no longer send and receive movement information properly. This causes the movement problems associated with Parkinson’s disease, including:
- Resting shakes or tremors
- Bradykinesia, or an overall slowing of movement
- Hypokinesia, or movements becoming smaller
- Decreased facial expressions
- Muscle rigidity
- A hunched, stooped posture
- Balance issues
- Loss of bowel control
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Changes in speech patterns
- Inability to write
All of these symptoms get worse over time. Eventually, they lead to disability, making it difficult for individuals to participate in everyday life and the activities they once enjoyed.
How Does Physical Therapy Help Manage Parkinson’s?
Clinical research has demonstrated that physical therapy can combat the effects of Parkinson’s disease. With targeted exercises, patients can improve their mobility, control, and balance. These exercises also prevent some of the secondary effects of Parkinson’s, such as muscle atrophy due to lack of use. This overall leads to greater independence and an improved quality of life.
Physical therapy may also have an anti-degenerative effect. Exercise both boosts dopamine production and helps the brain use it more efficiently. This can compensate for reduced dopamine levels caused by Parkinson’s disease. It also strengthens the neurons that produce dopamine, including those in the basal ganglia, making them more resistant to degeneration. In this way, physical therapy can directly combat Parkinson’s disease and slow its progression.
Parkinson’s Physical Therapy Interventions
Because patients with Parkinson’s disease face unique physical challenges, rehabilitation efforts should be specialized for their condition. Physical therapy for Parkinson’s is typically personalized based on the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health condition, and their goals for treatment. It typically involves some combination of the following:
Amplitude Training
Also known as LSVT BIG training, amplitude training is a type of physical therapy specifically designed for patients with Parkinson’s disease. It encourages patients to practice exaggerated physical movements, like high steps and wide arm swings. This slows the progression of hypokinesia, the small, shuffling movements associated with Parkinson’s and retrains the body for larger movements.
Reciprocal Movements
Reciprocal movements refer to side-to-side or left-to-right movement patterns, like swinging the arms while walking. These patterns are related to balance and are often affected by Parkinson’s disease. Physical therapists use recumbent bicycles, elliptical machines, and dance classes to reinforce reciprocal patterns, thus improving stability for a smoother, more balanced gait.
Balance Work
Parkinson’s disease often makes walking unstable, leading to balance issues and a higher risk of falls. Physical therapy combats this problem with focused balance exercises. Gait training, which retrains the walking muscles, can help improve stability while walking. Physical therapists may also teach patients how to compensate for balance issues by changing how they walk or using an assistive device.
Flexibility
Muscle rigidity is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Stretching at frequent intervals throughout the day is an effective way to combat stiffness, helping muscles stay mobile and functional. Physical therapists who specialize in Parkinson’s rehabilitation can demonstrate the correct stretches and stretching frequency, helping patients maximize benefits while eliminating the risk of injury.
Strength Training
Muscle weakness is a natural consequence of aging, and even more so for people with Parkinson’s disease. Together with other symptoms of Parkinson’s, this weakness contributes to reduced muscle control. Strength training is important to rebuild and maintain mobility. Depending on the stage of the disease, physical therapists may recommend weightlifting, exercising with resistance bands, or aquatic exercise classes.
Learn More About Physical Therapy Interventions for Parkinson’s Disease
Physical therapy is an important way to maintain strength, mobility, and balance for patients with Parkinson’s disease. This and other services are available at Richmond University Medical Center, an award-winning comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation center in Staten Island, NY. Contact us to learn more about our rehabilitation services or to schedule an appointment for Parkinson’s physical therapy interventions.
