Every year, about 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and this does not include what medical professionals consider as thousands of unidentified cases.
Parkinson's Disease occurs when the nerve cells in charge in the generation of dopamine are affected. This is a neurotransmitter responsible for movement control.
This is a degenerative disease that only gets worse over time. Patients with Parkinson's Disease may exhibit the following signs and symptoms: tremors, muscle rigidity, and changes in gait and speech. It can run in families and is common among the aging group.
The intensity of the symptoms and the progression of the disease may vary from one patient to another. Other people have slow progression of the symptoms while others experience a fast progression of the disease, suffering from significant changes in the quality of life.
The current available treatment for Parkinson's Disease include drugs like levodopa, dopamine antagonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and anticholinergics and surgical procedures like deep brain stimulation.
Physical Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Physical therapy can make a significant difference among patients with Parkinson's disease. It turns out that it can help them in relieving symptoms like weakness, balance problems, and coordination issues. It also has a positive effect in relieving pain.
When choosing a physical therapist to help a loved one with Parkinson's Disease, it's important to look into the therapist's experience. It's best to look for someone who has a wide range of experience in dealing with degenerative diseases like Parkinson's Disease.
You may even want to check if they're certified in a plan called LSVT. It is a groundbreaking occupational and physical therapy system that enhances the motor skills of individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Patients with Parkinson's Disease who finish this program are able to walk quicker and are more capable of taking larger steps.
Typically, the physical therapist and physician will assist the patient and family in identifying the specific issues to address as the case of Parkinson's Disease and its severity can vary from one patient to another.
Before the therapist starts his/her work, he/she will usually conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's current medical status including problems in walking, coordination, balance, and flexibility. The therapist may also look into other health conditions that may interfere with the therapy's outcome.
The physical therapist can also help the patient's family or primary caregiver create a more conducive environment for the patient. This is through giving of tips to improve the house environment so it can be safer for the patient.
