{"id":1470,"date":"2014-04-25T23:02:54","date_gmt":"2014-04-25T23:02:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/liveyourlifept.com\/?p=1470"},"modified":"2014-04-25T23:02:54","modified_gmt":"2014-04-25T23:02:54","slug":"parkinsons-disease-by-guest-blogger-kristin-johnson-pt-dpt-ncs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/liveyourlifept.com\/blog\/2014\/04\/25\/parkinsons-disease-by-guest-blogger-kristin-johnson-pt-dpt-ncs\/","title":{"rendered":"Parkinson\u2019s Disease by Guest Blogger Kristin Johnson, PT, DPT, NCS"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u2019d like to welcome our guest blogger, Kristin Johnson, PT, DPT, NCS from Struthers Parkinson\u2019s Center. Kristin in an expert in the field of Parkinson\u2019s disease and a wonderful resource to the community and especially to Live Your Life Physical Therapy and myself! Please enjoy her blog about Parkinson\u2019s and how physical therapy can help those who have been diagnosed. Remember that LYLPT will come to you so that you can begin your exercising and therapy wherever you are most comfortable. This also means that we can help design a program based around your personal surroundings.<\/i><\/p>\n

Parkinson\u2019s disease is a complex, degenerative disorder with wide-reaching implications for patients and their families. It progresses slowly in most people, although the rate of progression and severity can vary greatly.\u00a0 Some people have the disease for 20 to 30 years and continue to function independently in the community.\u00a0 For others, the disease progresses more quickly and they may experience difficulty with mobility within 5 to 10 years. Despite advances in medical and surgical interventions, people with PD typically face a decline in mobility and activities of daily living.\u00a0 Often those who are diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s disease will have a loss of independence and a decline in quality of life.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n

While we await the discovery of a cure for PD, its medical management is directed at the control of symptoms and slowing the disease progression.\u00a0 Treatment approaches are individualized, and include a combination of medication, lifestyle modifications (including exercise), physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, support groups and complimentary therapy.<\/p>\n

Exercise<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Parkinson'sOver the last decade, more research is showing significant benefits of exercise for people with PD. \u00a0Exercise is not only healthy, but a vital component to maintaining balance, mobility and daily living activities. A recent review of 20 high quality studies (including bicycling and treadmill training) demonstrated that persons with PD who participated in exercise programs had better quality of life, walking ability, balance, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness compared to those who did not exercise.<\/p>\n

In addition to the impact on movement, research also suggests that exercise may even be \u201cneuro-protective<\/i>\u201d; that is, slowing the progression of PD in the brain.\u00a0 Aerobic exercise can have more global effects that influence general brain health and blood flow.\u00a0 Much research is currently underway, to determine the neuro-protective benefits of exercise in PD. A recent study at the University of Southern California, they found that a combination of aerobic exercise and goal-based exercise was even more beneficial than aerobic exercise alone[1]<\/a>.\u00a0 For aerobic exercise, there are many options, including walking, use of a stationary bike, treadmill, recumbent stepper, elliptical, or participation in an exercise class.\u00a0 For goal-based practice, one may consider developing a challenging program for oneself, such as the acquisition of a skill (dance, piano, golf, tai chi, or perhaps use of Wii games). Consult with a physical therapist to determine which types of exercise you would benefit most from and have the best results utilizing.<\/p>\n

Additional recommended exercises:<\/span><\/h2>\n

Daily stretching<\/b> to maintain full extension and rotation<\/p>\n

Strengthening<\/b>: hip and knee extension, postural support, and core strengthening<\/p>\n

High amplitude exercises<\/b>, aimed at moving \u201cBig\u201d (rather than fast), to counteract the smaller movements experienced with PD<\/p>\n

Nordic walking with poles<\/b>: to support your posture and stability, encourage arm swing and rotation, help you to walk \u201cbigger\u201d with longer steps, increase the intensity of your exercise, and strengthen your core muscles.<\/p>\n

Yoga<\/b>: may help with flexibility, strength, balance, focused attention, relaxation, stamina and posture.<\/p>\n

Tai chi<\/b>: may help with balance, flexibility, focused attention, and confidence.<\/p>\n

Please note that exercising should not be performed alone due to some instability issues that may be present. Utilizing a physical therapist is best as they are trained, not only in specific exercises, but to recognize potential issues with the body that can be addressed as you exercise regularly.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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A Physical Therapist can help you to:<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n