According to statistics from the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately 60,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each and every single year. Worldwide, over 10 million people have been diagnosed with this condition. By the year 2020, it is expected that more than one million people will be suffering from Parkinson’s disease in the United States. It is more important – than ever before – that your physical therapy practice offers assistance for patients with PD. In this guide, you will learn about Parkinson’s disease and how physical therapy aids patients.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease – often referred to as “PD” for short – is a type of progressive disorder of the nervous system. It affects the movements of the body. In the initial stages of the disease, a tremor, body stiffness, and/or slowing may occur.
As the condition progresses, the symptoms worsen. In most instances, the symptoms occur on one side of the body.
Over time, the symptoms may start to affect the opposite side of the body, but typically reflect a higher level of severity on the side of the body that was initially impacted.
Currently, there is not a cure for this disease; however, medication therapy, physical therapy, and certain types of surgeries may provide relief of certain symptoms associated with the condition and may help to optimize a patient’s comfort level.
What are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
Most people that develop PD will experience non-motor symptoms in the onset of the condition. Examples include sleep problems, feeling lightheaded upon standing, and noticing a decrease in the ability to smell. As the condition advances, motor symptoms will start to develop.
These are the symptoms that are directly related to movement.
The most common motor symptoms include rigidity (stiffness of the muscles and joints), tremors or shaking within the hands and the limbs of the body, movements that are slowed, and issues with balance. In later stages, the following symptoms may occur:
- Shuffling while attempting to walk
- Arms that fail to swing normally while walking
- Speaking more softly or quietly
- Postural-based instability
- Posture problems
- Swallowing difficulties
- Not being able to make certain types of facial expressions
- Bladder urgency and even incontinence
- Fatigue
- Cognitive difficulties
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Severe movement problems
How You Can Help Parkinson’s Disease Patients in Your PT Practice
Parkinson’s disease negatively impacts each person in a unique way. You may help these patients in your practice by meeting with each and creating a customized care plan.
You must evaluate the patient’s strength, their ability to walk, their posture, coordination, balance, flexibility, and overall endurance. You may then create a specific program that helps to improve overall fitness level, strength, and flexibility.
Additionally, you may help the patient learn techniques that will allow them to independently perform activities of daily living and maneuver around their homes more easily.
You may also join up with other physical therapists in order to create a network that helps to properly meet the needs of your Parkinson’s disease patients. For more information on the tools, resources, and skills that may stem from a physical therapy network, contact us today at: https://coloradophysicaltherapynetwork.com/contact/
