Parkinson’s disease occurs when the nerve cells in an area of your brain that controls movement produce less dopamine. This shortage of dopamine may cause you to move more slowly. You may also experience pain, weakness and stiffness in your muscles and joints. Whilst physiotherapy cannot cure Parkinson’s disease, some patients still undergo this therapy to help them in relieving the pain caused by this condition.

How Can Physiotherapy Benefit Me?

In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, your physiotherapist can provide you with advice on improving or maintaining your fitness and practising proper posture. In most cases, trusted centres of physio in London will draw up an exercise programme for you to follow at home. This may include partaking in activities such as walking, swimming or yoga.

They may show you how to stretch and position your body so that you are able to move more smoothly whilst carrying out these activities. Your physio may also teach you techniques that help make automatic movements, such as sitting, standing and walking, easier. These movements often become more difficult as Parkinson’s disease progresses.

In addition to treating your symptoms, your physiotherapist may give you advice on assistive equipment you could use or alterations you could make to your home to make moving around easier and safer. They may also be able to perform functional capacity evaluations to provide information for any disability claims you need to make.

How Many Physiotherapy Sessions Will I Require?

The number of physiotherapy sessions you will require will depend on the severity of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. At your initial consultation, your physiotherapist will evaluate your condition and determine the number of treatment sessions you may require.

How Can Physiotherapy Help My Carers?

If you need help with moving around, it is vitally important that your carer seeks advice from a physiotherapy in London, like CK Physio. It is essential that they know about safe manual handling so that they do not hurt themselves while tending to your needs.

If it becomes necessary for you to install assistive equipment, such as hoists and grab rails, in your home, a physiotherapist can help your carer to choose the right equipment and learn how to use it safely.

Sources:

Physical and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease, WebMD

Moving and handling the person you care for, NHS

Physiotherapy and Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s UK