09 Jan What is Parkinson’s Disease?

What is Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive movement disorder due to damage at the nerve cells in the brain causing dopamine (a chemical in the brain) levels to drop. This drop leads to the symptoms seen in a person with PD. Some symptoms seen in a person living with PD include a tremor in one hand, shuffling when walking, stiffness, poor balance, and handwriting that trails off when writing. Other symptoms may include feeling as though feet “freeze” to the floor, making it hard to take a first step. It may physically become difficulty to speak loudly and close friends may notice that there is less expression in the face. If you notice these signs and symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you should speak to your primary care doctor. If you are diagnosed with PD, there is help!

Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists can support the quality of life for a person living with Parkinson’s disease. At Trio Rehabilitation & Wellness Solutions in Boerne, TX, our therapists are certified in the LSVT Big & Loud ® program. This program teaches people with PD how to improve speed and quality of their body movements and vocal loudness.

In addition, your therapist will provide you with education about PD, the stages of PD, and what each stage may look like. A physical or occupational therapist will partner with you at the time of diagnosis and as the condition changes! Your therapist will start you on a program to help you:

• Improve your flexibility
• Develop strategies to get into/out of a chair or the bed
• Stand up and turn in small spaces
• Improve your coordination
• Decrease your risk for falling
• Determine any equipment needs (weighted utensils)

Finding the Right Kind of Therapists

When looking for a therapist, remember that all therapists are trained through education and experience to work with people who have PD, but you may wish to consider the following:

• Some therapists are more experienced in treating people with neurological disorders.
• Some therapists are board certified in Geriatrics (the older adult) or hold special certifications in movement disorders such as LSVT Big & Loud®.

Remember, the best intervention is early intervention with any disease process. Should you need more information about living with Parkinson’s Disease, please visit lsvtglobal.com or call us today at 830.755.6091!