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Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in Australia. It is a disease in which the dopamine-producing cells of the basal ganglia fail, resulting in distinct changes in movement quality. The average age at diagnosis is 65 years, but adults of any age can be affected. In Australia there are approximately 80,000 people living with Parkinson’s disease and about 20% are people of working age.

The causes of Parkinson’s disease are still unknown and there are currently no disease-modifying therapies. Medication is the standard treatment, supervised where possible by a neurologist skilled in movement disorders. Physiotherapists can prescribe exercise and give advice to assist with problems with everyday function.  

Parkinson’s disease

What is Parkinson’s disease

It is not clear what causes Parkinson’s disease, but genetic and environmental factors may play a part in a person developing the disease. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are associated with the deterioration and death of neurons (nerve cells) in a region of the brain called the basal ganglia. Healthy neurons produce a chemical messenger called dopamine which helps to control movements. As a result of Parkinson’s disease, neurons become damaged or die and there is not enough dopamine in the system to maintain good movement control.

The core motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:

  • Slowness of movements, called bradykinesia
  • Tremor at rest
  • Rigidity or stiffness in muscles
  • Problems with walking and balance.

However, Parkinson’s disease is different for each person and not everyone will have all of these symptoms. For instance, around 30% of people with Parkinson’s disease do not have a tremor. People with Parkinson’s disease may also have problems with daily activities like walking, standing up from a chair, moving around in bed, and everyday tasks needing fine hand coordination.

Parkinson’s disease also affects other body systems and produces non-motor symptoms such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Constipation
  • Changes in memory and thinking
  • Sleep disorders
  • Hyposmia (poor sense of smell)

These symptoms are experienced to varying degrees by individuals with Parkinson’s disease and can be as difficult to live with as the motor symptoms.

Fortius Allied Health, Parkinson's Disease physiotherapy 01

Physiotherapists are trained to provide treatment plans for people at all stages of Parkinson’s disease. Treatments will vary according to your stage of Parkinson’s disease and individual problems.

Because research evidence suggests that regular, vigorous exercise may delay the onset and progression of disability, exercise and physical activity are very important. Even if you have been recently diagnosed, a physiotherapist can help you devise an activity and exercise program which is appropriate and enjoyable.

Maintaining or increasing physical activity and exercise has many benefits including strengthening muscles, improving balance and reducing stiffness, and maintaining heart health and fitness. A physiotherapist will assess your individual needs and tailor an appropriate program which could include some of the following:

How can Physiotherapy help?

Maintaining or increasing physical activity and exercise has many benefits including strengthening muscles, improving balance and reducing stiffness, and maintaining heart health and fitness.

A physiotherapist will assess your individual needs and tailor an appropriate program which could include some of the following:

Balance training

It is important to train balance skills because people with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk of falls than the general population.

Resistance training

Training to improve muscle strength.

Training of everyday activities

Includes practising specific aspects of walking or common actions like rolling and getting out of a chair.

Cardio-vascular training

Your program may include activities such as treadmill training to improve your fitness level.

Hand training

An exercise program of dexterity exercises may improve your ability to manipulate small objects.

Active Physio Parkinson's

How can you manage your Parkinson's?

If you have Parkinson’s disease, it is important for you to maintain or increase your level of exercise and physical activity. It is not necessary to stop sporting activities as long as you are safe to continue.

As each person with Parkinson’s disease is different, your physiotherapist can help you to develop an exercise and activity regime to suit your needs. Home exercise programs may include walking and balance training, practising daily activities and strengthening exercises.

Many people with Parkinson’s disease experience falls. You may be able to reduce your risk of falls at home by making simple changes such as clearing cluttered areas and removing dangerous obstacles such as loose carpets. If you have more advanced Parkinson’s disease, your physiotherapist may help you to learn movement strategies to make it easier to move around your home.

Are you having a joint replacement?

Joint School is a pre-surgical education program that is delivered by one of our Physiotherapists in conjunction with a Nurse Practitioner from the Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group.

Physiotherapy after knee replacement surgery
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