KNOWLEDGE BASE
PARKINSON's DISEASE
Parkinsons disease is a kind of movement disorder which occurs due to lack of a neurotransmitter called Dopamine. It is a substance that is produced in the brain and helps in smooth and planned movements.
The symptoms varies from person to person. Primary presentations are :
1. Tremor or shaking of hands, arms, legs, jaw and face
2. Slowness of movement or bradykinesia
3. Stiffness of limbs and trunk or rigidity
4. Impaired balance and co-ordination or postural instability
5. Posture of the patient is bent from trunk, walking in short steps and difficulty in starting a movement(freezing)
It ususally starts with slowness of daily activities and may range uptil the patient not able to do any activity.
As symptoms get worse, people with this disease may have trouble walking,talking or doing simple tasks. They may also have problems such as depression, sleep problems, trouble chewing, swallowing, urinary problems.
Role of physiotherapy in treatment of Parkinson’s disease :
Physiotherapy plays a very important role in rehabilitation of these patients.It can be said that medicine and PT has equal contribution in helping the patient gain back his mobility.
Exercise :
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Reduces stiffness
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Improves mobility,posture, balance and strength
Rehabilitation program includes :
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Strengthening exercise: muscle strength allows an individual to maintain balance, good posture and do activities of daily living.
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Balance and co-ordination exercises to improve balance
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Exercises to reduce stiffness like swinging of arms, rhythmical movements and rotating the trunk
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Learning based exercise activities to improve the ability to do multiple tasks simultaneously and safely without falling
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Exercises to improve walking pattern
General exercise routine is important to keep the brain adaptable and responsive. This will allow the brain to respond better when faced unexpected events.
PD patients have to continue doing the exs lifelong as it is a progressive disorder.With Physiotherapy, we are able to maintain the physical status to an optimum level of function.
With increase in severity of the disease process, there may also occurs certain psychological issues which again hampers movement.Hence therapy ususally changes with time and physical status of the patient.
Depression being a main factor of the disease process should be take care by the care giver.There are various Groups for PD which helps patients meet other patients with similar disease and discuss their problems and experiences.
What do we do at TEAM :
TEAM has experts in treatment f PD and has been able to successfully help many patients regain function through proper and regular exercise regime.
We usually assess the patients strength, balance , functions and walking speed and style.
Then we plan a treatment programme for that individual patient and help him to reach the appropriate functional level. Once the patient is quite independent to do the required function by himself or minimal help, we discharge the patient with a home ex sprog and follow it every week of fortnight as required.
We at TEAM, also conduct group therapy for PD patients which is free of cost.