Why Physical Therapy is Important for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's Disease and its Impact

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. It is the second most common age-related nervous disorder after Alzheimer's disease, with an estimated 7 to 10 million people affected worldwide. The disease not only affects physical movement but also has a significant impact on social life and finances, as it requires ongoing treatment expenses. It is important to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease, especially in the UAE where symptoms may take a long time to manifest. Although Parkinson's disease is more prevalent in people aged 50 and older, it can also affect individuals as young as 35.

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

• Rigid muscles
• Tremors
• Impaired balance and posture
• Slowed movement
• Changes in speech
• Loss of automatic movements
• Writing changes

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the management of Parkinson's disease. While there is currently no cure, appropriate medication and exercise can help improve symptoms and overall quality of life. Physical therapy provides the following benefits:

Postural Assessment

Parkinson's disease can cause a drooped posture, which is one of the primary symptoms of the condition. Changes in posture become more prominent in the later stages of the disease, leading to difficulty in standing upright. Postural instability can affect various tasks such as standing up, rising from bed, and turning. It is important to consult a therapist to evaluate and address these posture issues, as physical therapy can help improve or maintain posture and control its progression.

Balance

Balance problems and postural instability are common in middle to late stages of Parkinson's disease. Changes in the brain caused by the disease can affect the part responsible for balance, leading to difficulties in maintaining balance and an increased risk of falling. Physical therapy interventions such as balance training, muscle-strengthening exercises, walking, and movement training can help improve balance. These exercises target specific muscles involved in balance, such as hip extensors and flexors, ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors, and knee flexors and extensors.

Flexibility

Rigidity and muscle stiffness are primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Involuntary muscle stiffness can occur in various parts of the body, including the shoulders, legs, arms, neck, trunk, and hips. This rigidity can make movement difficult and cause pain or discomfort. Physical therapy helps keep the muscles flexible, improves balance, and reduces stiffness. A physiotherapist can design a personalized exercise program that includes strength and range of motion exercises to improve flexibility. Speech therapy may also be beneficial for individuals with rigidity in the facial muscles.

Reduces Fatigue

A significant number of people with Parkinson's disease experience fatigue, which is characterized by deep tiredness that does not go away even with rest. Physical therapy can help reduce fatigue by releasing tension in the muscles, increasing circulation, and promoting relaxation. This can lead to improved energy levels and a decrease in fatigue-related symptoms such as difficulty concentrating.

Pain Management

Pain is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease and can affect various parts of the body. The five categories of pain associated with Parkinson's disease include musculoskeletal pain, dystonia, radicular pain, central pain, and dyskinetic pain. Physical therapy, along with medication, can help manage and reduce pain. Complementary therapies may also be used alongside physical therapy to provide additional pain relief.

If you have Parkinson's disease, it is important to consult with a physical therapist as part of your treatment plan. Physical therapy can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life. To find specialty doctors and therapists in the UAE, you can search for them on ArabiaMD.