Parkinson’s Disease is a slowly progressive degenerative disease that inhibits a person’s ability to produce smooth coordinated and purposeful muscle activity. It involves the degeneration and loss of nerve cells. Subsequently, an individual loses the ability to coordinate normal movement.
Most Common Symptoms
Symptoms occur in no particular order and include the following:
- Rigidity
- Slow and rhythmic tremor at rest
- Hypokinesia (Slow movement)
- Impaired gait
- Balance Problems and Impairment of Posture
Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
There are five stages, in general, that describe the functional abilities of the individual.
Stage one: The involvement is usually unilateral minimal or no functional impairment.
Stage five: The individual is usually confined to bed and he/she is totally dependent and requires constant nursing care.
Stages two to four: These stages are more common and involve most professionals in neurology, pharmacology, surgery and/or physical therapy and rehabilitation or any combination of the above.
Nutrition
Patients should receive sufficient fiber and fluids to prevent constipation and enough calcium to avoid osteoporosis. Also, check and balance protein vs carbohydrates as they may affect adversely your intake of medication. Ask us for additional information.
Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
- Treatment should incorporate a multi-approach. An experienced neurologist combining balanced pharmaceuticals with structured exercises through physical therapy tailored to individual’s needs can be quite beneficial in the management of Parkinson’s Disease.
- Exercising in a structured manner has been reported to decrease some of the primary symptoms. Physical Therapy not only provides structured exercises for individuals to increase strength and endurance, but also provides education to the patient and family.
- The Physical Therapy Center of Teaneck, PA (PTC) has protocols for most stages of Parkinson’s Disease. We have been treating individuals with Parkinson’s Disease since the late 1970's. Working closely with experienced neurologists we were able to combine exercise protocols as well.
- In our center (PTC), we are working as a team with the physician , the physical therapist, other health care professionals and the patient’s family. Together , we will continue to fight against Parkinson’s Disease to limit the effects and speed of decline the patient will bear
- For additional information about exercise protocols tailored to the individual’s needs and/or any new trends of research in all areas of treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, please call our center.
