If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s disease, it will come as no surprise to you that this neurological disorder can be extremely limiting and debilitating. Dealing with this condition can force an individual to find new ways to go about their daily routines.
Here at Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic, we understand just how frustrating this can be. Our skilled physical therapists know how to help maintain your current levels of function so that you can live more independently and comfortably.
This disease can progress quickly without proper care and attention. In addition to our physical therapy treatment plans, we also offer a fitness program called Rock Steady Boxing Williamsburg designed specifically for PD. Schedule an evaluation and start your fight against Parkinson’s disease today.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition, meaning that symptoms tend to get worse over time. This disease affects the central nervous system and a person’s coordination abilities. According to Choose PT, “the exact cause of this disease is not yet known. Family history, aging, or exposure to certain environmental toxins may contribute to the onset of Parkinson’s.”
Typically, people with Parkinson’s will experience difficulty walking, and their movements tend to become slower as the disease worsens. Oftentimes, patients develop hand tremors, and their muscles can become rigid, leading to loss of motion and poor posture. They may also have a tendency to fall backward, which is a symptom referred to as “retropulsion.” This is dangerous and can cause serious injuries and other health complications.
Since Parkinson’s disease affects many areas of the brain, symptoms can vary in individuals and progression can be either mild, moderate, or aggressive. Other common symptoms include:
- Slurred speech
- Irregular facial expressions
- Loss of automatic movements
- Pain from muscle stiffness
- Lightheadedness and fatigue
- Bladder urgency and incontinence
- Moderate to severe tremors
If you have noticed any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to contact a professional as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation of your physical abilities. A physical therapist will be able to do a full assessment of your condition and recommend the best course of action for the management of your symptoms.
How can a physical therapist help?
There currently is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, however, the good news is that there are many measures that can be taken to improve a person’s function and maintain mobility.
Our physical therapists are specialized in the treatment of patients who suffer from Parkinson’s disease. They will work in coordination with your primary care physician to make sure that your physical therapy treatment is focused on maintaining your strength, movement, and safety.
Physical therapy is essential for people with Parkinson’s to ensure that they can maintain control over their bodies and movements. A physical therapist can aid with improving your flexibility and strength by addressing several issues that Parkinson’s disease may cause, including abnormal gait, freezing, and dystonia.
The goal of physical therapy treatment for Parkinson’s is to preserve as much of your normal function as possible. During your therapy appointments, our attentive physical therapists will use different techniques to help you with many different things, including the following:
- Maintain your strength and stamina
- Improve range of motion and flexibility
- Develop better, more manageable ways to get in and out of bed
- Improve coordination
- Lower your risk of falling
- Improve your ability to navigate stairs
- Teach you (or your caretaker) how to do safe transfers from low surfaces
- Improve posture and overall movement
Although there is no known way to prevent developing Parkinson’s disease, it is important to participate in a routine exercise treatment plan with a physical therapist to develop long-term exercise habits to maintain your levels of strength, flexibility, mobility, and range of motion.
What Is Rock Steady Boxing?
Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic proudly offers Rock Steady Boxing Williamsburg. RSBW is the first clinically-based program in the state of Virginia. Our fitness program, aimed at improving balance, speed of movement, flexibility, gait mechanics, and emotional state and speech, incorporates non-contact boxing style exercises as a training modality for movement and balance disorders, especially Parkinson’s disease. Rock Steady Boxing serves both men and women of all ages and levels of ability.
We are learning every day that there are ways in which people with Parkinson’s disease can enhance their daily quality of life and even build power, strength, flexibility, and speed! Some neurologists even report a reduction in medication for RSB participants. Boxing works by moving your body in all planes of motion while continuously changing the routine as you progress through the workout. Call Rock Steady Boxing Williamsburg (757-914-0585) today for a private consultation with a coach to learn more.
Contact Comber Physical Therapy today
Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic specializes in one-on-one specialized treatment for our patients with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. Our physical therapists work closely with neurological experts to provide the best treatment possible for you.
The ultimate goal here in our clinic is to help our patients experience the best quality of life through management of their condition and pain symptoms. We are here to help. If you think physical therapy may benefit you or a loved one living with Parkinson’s disease, call us today to schedule an appointment. We also offer a monthly Parkinson’s Disease Support Group. Email RSBW for more details.
Tags: health and wellness, natural treatment, natural pain relief, Parkinson’s Disease, physical therapy
