Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, particularly the areas of the brain related to movement. PD affects 1% of the population over the age of 55.
PD affects each person differently, though there are a number of common signs and symptoms including:
- Rigidity and stiffness in joints
- Walking: slow shuffling gait, difficulty walking, involuntary movements, difficulty with co-ordination, difficulty turning
- Difficulty initiating movement (e.g. starting to walk, standing from sitting). Freezing, or being unable to move at all temporarily, can be common
- Vocal changes: voice can become quieter, vocal cords may spasm
- Tremor: can affect any area of the body
- Mood changes: depression, anxiety, apathy
- Cognitive changes: confusion, memory difficulty, cognitive decline
Treatment
Medical intervention is important in PD, and can include medication prescribed by a Doctor. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to make an appointment with your GP for appropriate medical assessment.
Our team can assist in PD management through a holistic intervention tailored to you.
How Generation Physio & Allied Health Can Help
- Physiotherapy plays an important role in Parkinson’s Disease, and can assist with alleviating trunk rigidity, improving mobility, falls prevention, advice and education.
- Exercise Physiology can assist with exercise-based therapy to improve mobility and balance.
- Occupational Therapy can assist with providing appropriate assistive technology, and strategies to help with maintaining independence in activities of daily life.
- Due to changes in walking pattern, which can occur in PD, podiatry can assist in assessing the feet and prescribing appropriate footwear to help with mobility.
Though Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative condition, meaning that it progresses more with time, appropriate holistic intervention can help to improve and alleviate the symptoms of PD, and assist in managing the impact of the condition on every day life.
