About Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's is a central nervous system disease that affects mobility. It forms slowly, so its effects become more pronounced and difficult to live with over time. Early symptoms include difficulty controlling facial expressions and upper limbs. Tremors in the hands are quite common, and the disease often manifests with a stiffness that limits mobility. As the disease progresses, patients may lose the ability to talk or walk entirely. Patients in the later stages of the disease are at risk for falling and breaking bones.
This disease can last a lifetime, and while some medicines can improve the outcome, that may not be enough to help all patients cope with Parkinson's. The disease can last a lifetime, so finding the right treatment option is important to promote quality of life.
Physical Therapy for Parkinson's Disease Treatment
While Parkinson's disease cannot be cured because it results from neurological damage, physical therapy can help people who have the disease cope with changes that have happened because of it. Learning how to move, cope, and adapt to changes due to Parkinson's as well as how to use equipment to remain mobile fall under the umbrella known as compensatory treatments. Some people can perform certain techniques at home; however, a professional can ensure you're doing therapy correct or provide additional ideas for physical therapy.
Physical therapy for Parkinson's disease can be provided by several types of professionals, including a chiropractor. While you may not think of Parkinson's as something a chiropractor might treat, physical therapy falls within their realm of expertise. A chiropractor can manipulate your body and help you to perform exercises and stretches to promote looseness and strength in your muscles.
These practices can promote balance, a steady gait, coordination, and mobility while decreasing pain, fatigue, and weakness that can be caused by Parkinson's disease. Ongoing studies have found chiropractic treatment to be beneficial to symptoms of Parkinson's. However, it's important to have realistic expectations when it comes to the potential of physical therapy for treating Parkinson's. Not every person will achieve the same success from physical therapy.
If you do find that physical therapy is effective, you can continue to see a Clermont chiropractor for maintenance appointments, which keep up the positive improvements. You may also be instructed to perform specific exercises at home that do not require assistance.
It's important to take any medication and to follow any guidelines prescribed by your doctor. However, if traditional treatments alone are not enough, consider how physical therapy can work for you.
Contact Us for More Information
You can call South Lake Wellness & Injury Center at (352) 241-4111 to find out more or to schedule an appointment.