Combat Parkinson’s Disease With Physical Therapy

Combat Parkinson’s Disease With Physical Therapy Apr10th 2022

Our Rock Steady Boxing Program Can Help You FIGHT BACK Against Parkinson’s!  

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 & Fusion Chiropractic, we understand just how frustrating this disease 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. Incorporating our fitness program, Rock Steady Boxing Williamsburg, will help you to FIGHT BACK against the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

This disease can progress quickly without proper care and attention. For more information about how our physical therapy treatment plans and fitness program can help with symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, contact our clinic in Williamsburg today.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological 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 tend 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/Softening speech
  • Irregular facial expressions
  • Loss of automatic movements
  • Pain from muscle stiffness
  • Lightheadedness and fatigue
  • Bladder urgency and incontinence
  • Moderate to severe tremors 
  • Loss of Balance
  • Gait (walking) deficiencies
  • Loss of Coordination

If you have noticed any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it is 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 management of your symptoms.

How can I benefit from Rock Steady Boxing Williamsburg?

Exercise needs to be a central part in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Staying active leads to major benefits in mood, cognition, and strength in individuals with Parkinson’s.

At Comber Physical Therapy & Fusion Chiropractic, we are proud to offer the first clinically-based boxing program in the state of Virginia. Our fitness program is aimed at improving balance, strength, coordination, speed of movement, flexibility, gait mechanics, mood, speech, and most of all confidence. Rock Steady Boxing Williamsburg is a non-contact boxing style exercises program supervised by certified, knowledgeable, and dedicated coaches. RSBW serves both men and women of all ages and levels of ability.

There may not be a cure to Parkinson’s disease, but there are certainly ways you can fight back against the progression of your condition. Rock Steady Boxing Williamsburg can help you build power, strength, flexibility, speed, and even enhance your overall quality of life.

What is LSVT BIG & Loud®?

Another method of treatment that can help Parkinson’s patients to stay active and independent comes in the form of LSVT®. 

This is a type of treatment Comber Physical Therapy & Fusion Chiropractic offers that may be unfamiliar to you. LSVT® stands for “Lee Silverman Voice Treatment” and is divided into two branches– “BIG” and “Loud.” These treatments are expanded from existing software used to help with speech. At Comber Physical Therapy and Fusion Chiropractic, we focus on “BIG.”

This treatment is based on the principle of neuroplasticity, which refers to the ability of the nervous system to change in response to signals – essentially, the brain’s capability of learning and changing.

In fact, scientific research done on the results of LSVT BIG & Loud® has reported significant progress in several categories for people struggling with Parkinson’s disease, including:

  • Improved arm and leg coordination 
  • Improved balance and balance recovery
  • Increased ability to function independently
  • Increased trunk rotation
  • Faster walking, with bigger steps
  • Improvements in activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and writing 
  • Vocal loudness
  • Intonation
  • Voice quality
  • Articulation
  • Facial expression
  • Swallowing

At your appointment, an evaluation will be performed to test your physical and speech abilities. Eligibility for LSVT BIG & Loud® treatments will be determined by one of our certified Williamsburg providers.

Contact Comber Physical Therapy & Fusion Chiropractic today!

If you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you need a team that is dedicated to your overall well-being, and able to give you the proper care and attention your condition calls for. 

At Comber Physical Therapy & Fusion Chiropractic, our ultimate goal is to help our patients experience the best quality of life possible through the management of their condition and pain symptoms. Our LSVT® and Rock Steady Boxing Williamsburg programs can help you regain a sense of independence and strength. Let us help you FIGHT BACK against Parkinson’s disease. Contact our Williamsburg clinic to schedule an appointment today!

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