Best Parkinson's Disease Treatments To Live a Longer Life: Physical Therapy

Best Parkinson's Disease Treatments To Live a Longer Life: Physical Therapy

Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects the movement of the body. The disease occurs due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. The primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but physical therapy treatments can help to manage the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Here are some of the best physical therapy treatments for Parkinson's disease:

Exercise & Mobility Drills:
Exercise is essential for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Formal physical therapy approaches to exercise and Parkinson mobility can help to improve balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility.

A study published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease found that exercise can improve gait and balance in individuals with Parkinson's disease (1). Another study published in the Journal of Neurology found that exercise can improve quality of life and reduce motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease (2).

Some of the best exercises for individuals with Parkinson's disease include walking, cycling, yoga, and tai chi.

LSVT BIG:
LSVT BIG is a specialized physical therapy treatment program designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson's disease. The program focuses on large-amplitude movements, which can help to improve gait and balance. A study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy found that LSVT BIG can improve gait, balance, and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease (3).

Verbal and Tactile Cueing:
Cueing is a physical therapy technique that uses external stimuli to improve movement. Cueing can involve visual, auditory, or tactile stimuli. A study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy found that cueing can improve gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease (4).

High-intensity training:
High-intensity training involves performing exercises at a high intensity for short periods. A study published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease found that high-intensity training can improve balance and gait in individuals with Parkinson's disease (5).

Dynamic and Static Stretching:
Stretching can help to improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness in individuals with Parkinson's disease. A study published in the Journal of Aging Research found that stretching can improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness in individuals with Parkinson's disease (6).

In conclusion, physical therapy treatments are conducted by doctors of physical therapy who are movement experts and specialists in helping clients with Parkinson's.  These treatments can help to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Some of the best physical therapy treatments for Parkinson's disease include exercise, LSVT BIG, cueing, high-intensity training, and stretching. It is important to work with a physical therapist who has experience working with individuals with Parkinson's disease to develop an individualized treatment plan. 


References:
1.) Shu H, Yang T, Yu S, Huang H, Zeng Y. Exercise Therapy Improves Gait and Balance in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Parkinson's Disease. 2019;9(2):301-313.

2.) Li F, Harmer P, Fitzgerald K, et al. Tai Chi and Postural Stability in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2012;366(6):511-519.

3.) Fox C, Ebersbach G, Ramig L, et al. LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG: Behavioral Treatment Programs for Speech and Body Movement in Parkinson Disease. Parkinson's Disease. 2012;2012:391946.

4.) Rochester L, Hetherington V, Jones D, et al. The Effect of External Rhythmic Cues (Auditory and Visual) on Walking During a Functional Task in Homes of People With Parkinson's Disease. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2005;86