Parkinson’s disease and how physiotherapy can benefit
Parkinson’s disease affects a patient in numerous ways. The most prominent of Parkinson’s disease’s adverse effect is on the movement of the body. The disease is also known to affect voice or speech, swallowing, and even cognitive impairment. It generally affects people 60 years or older but there are instances of even younger people suffering from it.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Handwriting gradually getting smaller
- Loss of smell
- Sleeping disorder
- Movement challenges
Positive effects of physiotherapy
- Increase in flexibility – Physiotherapy by professionals reduces the rigidity and stiffness in the body by means of massage therapy on patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
- Increased strength – Massage therapy by physiotherapists, especially the strengthening techniques, help a patient to gain strength.
- Reduces fatigue – Fatigue is a feeling of chronic tiredness. It generally results in patients avoiding the daily chores. Physiotherapy releases the tension in the muscles and increases the blood circulation. Patients generally feel relaxed afterward.
- Improves movement – One of the many goals a physiotherapist has is to improve the movement of the patient. With aging, human muscles generally work on the principle- “Use it or lose it”. By continuously encouraging the patient to move, a therapist actually improves the movement potential of the patient.
- Reduces stress – Physiotherapy reduces the stress by rectifying muscle imbalance and reducing pain in targeted regions.
- Reduces the risk of fall and statutory pausing – Physiotherapists instruct a patient on how to balance. Additionally, physiotherapists also instruct patients on how to avoid statutory stops.
- Keeps the patient mobile through regular exercises – Regular exercises keep the patient mobile and agile.
- Increased control and movement – The patient gradually gain confidence; the physiotherapist encourages and gradually asks for an increase in movement. The patient feels relatively increased control of his situation and life.
- Boosts self-confidence and improves general well-being – As gradually the patient improves, it boosts his self-confidence too. Physiotherapy uplifts the mood and improves the patient’s overall quality of life.
Physiotherapy can benefit a patient suffering from Parkinson’s in resisting the regressive changes that follow this disease and in recovering from it. A patient suffering from Parkinson’s must be treated with massage therapy and medications. If ignored the disease can deteriorate a patient’s condition into a serious disability.