Parkinson's Disease

21st December 2021

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder. It affects neurons producing dopamine in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Popular celebrities like Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox have had Parkinson related conditions

What are the key features of Parkinson’s disease?

There are 4 key features you may notice in early stages of Parkinson’s disease:

• Tremor, described as pill rolling tremor in hands. Other forms of tremor are possible that are unrelated to Parkinson’s disease.
• Bradykinesia, which is slowness of movements. 
• Limb rigidity, which involves stiffness in limbs and may affect sleep quality.
• Gait and balance problems, which may result in shuffling of the feet, and increase risk of falls.

How can physiotherapy help?

• Physiotherapy can help with improving your balance and strength in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
• The prescription of any mobility aids you may require to assist with reducing risk of falls.
• Provide Stretching programs to reduce limb rigidity.
• Physiotherapy can help you focus on strategies to help pick your feet up with walking and turning.

Contact Your Physio Advantage today and you can get a qualified APA neurological physiotherapist to help you.