Parkinson
What’s Parkinson?
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. While tremors are common, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
Symptoms:
- Tremor: A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often the hand or fingers.
- Bradykinesia (Slowed Movement): Over time, Parkinson's disease may reduce your ability to move and slow your movement.
- Muscle Stiffness: Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can limit your range of motion and cause pain.
- Impaired Posture and Balance: Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems as a result of Parkinson's disease.
- Loss of Automatic Movements: You may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling, or swinging your arms when you walk.
- Speech Changes: You may speak softly, quickly, slur, or hesitate before talking.
- Writing Changes: It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.
Causes:
- Genetics: Researchers have identified specific genetic mutations that can cause Parkinson's disease, although these are rare except in cases where many family members are affected.
- Environmental Triggers: Exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors may increase the risk of later Parkinson's disease, but the risk is relatively small.
Risk Factors:
- Age: Young adults rarely experience Parkinson's disease. It ordinarily begins in middle or late life, and the risk increases with age.
- Heredity: Having a close relative with Parkinson's disease increases the chances that you'll develop the disease.
- Sex: Men are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than women.
- Exposure to Toxins: Ongoing exposure to herbicides and pesticides may slightly increase your risk of Parkinson's disease.
Complications:
- Thinking Difficulties: You may experience cognitive problems (dementia) and thinking difficulties. These usually occur in the later stages of Parkinson's disease.
- Depression and Emotional Changes: You may experience depression, sometimes in the very early stages. Receiving treatment for depression can make it easier to handle the other challenges of Parkinson's disease.
- Swallowing Problems: You may develop difficulties with swallowing as your condition progresses.
- Sleep Problems and Sleep Disorders: People with Parkinson's disease often have sleep problems, including waking up frequently throughout the night, waking up early, or falling asleep during the day.
- Bladder Problems: Parkinson's disease may cause bladder problems, including being unable to control urine or having difficulty urinating.
- Constipation: Many people with Parkinson's disease develop constipation, mainly due to a slower digestive tract.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Parkinson's Disease:
1. Improvement of Mobility and Movement:
- Gait Training: Physiotherapists can work on walking techniques to improve stride length, reduce shuffling, and enhance overall gait.
- Flexibility Exercises: Stretching routines can help alleviate stiffness and maintain a range of motion.
- Balance Training: Exercises aimed at improving balance can reduce the risk of falls and increase confidence in movement.
2. Enhancement of Strength and Endurance:
- Strength Training: Specific exercises can help strengthen muscles, which can counteract the muscle weakness often associated with Parkinson's.
- Cardiovascular Fitness: Aerobic exercises like cycling, walking, or swimming can improve overall cardiovascular health and energy levels.
3. Postural Control:
- Postural Exercises: These exercises can help improve posture and reduce the tendency to stoop or hunch over.
- Spinal Mobility: Techniques to maintain or increase spinal flexibility can help with posture and reduce discomfort.
4. Reduction of Pain and Discomfort:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques can relieve muscle tension and pain.
- Pain Management Strategies: Physiotherapists can provide strategies to manage and reduce pain.
5. Improving Functional Independence:
- Task-Specific Training: Practice of daily activities such as getting out of bed, dressing, and cooking can enhance functional independence.
- Energy Conservation Techniques: Physiotherapists can teach methods to conserve energy and reduce fatigue during daily tasks.
6. Speech and Swallowing:
- Facial Exercises: These can improve muscle control for better speech and facial expressions.
- Swallowing Techniques: Physiotherapists can work with speech therapists to address swallowing difficulties.
7. Support and Education:
- Education: Providing information about Parkinson’s disease and its progression, as well as strategies for managing symptoms.
- Caregiver Training: Educating caregivers on how to assist with exercises and daily activities safely.
8. Use of Assistive Devices:
- Mobility Aids: Recommendations and training for the use of canes, walkers, or other assistive devices.
- Adaptive Equipment: Guidance on the use of adaptive tools for daily activities.
9. Key Physiotherapy Interventions:
- Exercise Programs: Structured programs tailored to the individual's needs, focusing on strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness.
- Movement Strategies: Techniques such as cueing (using external stimuli like visual or auditory signals) to improve movement and reduce freezing episodes.
- Group Therapy: Participation in group exercises can provide social support and motivation.
Aug 08,2024