For people with Parkinson’s disease, research has shown that:
Physical activity is critical to maintaining balance, mobility, and activities of daily living.
People who exercise a minimum of 2-3 hours per week have shown a slower decline in quality of life compared to those who don’t.
Regular exercise may also facilitate a reduction in non-motor symptoms such as depression, fatigue, and constipation.
As movement experts, physical therapists can design exercise programs for people with a variety of health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.
By designing an exercise program that includes all aspects of fitness, including strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and endurance, Physical Therapists enable people with Parkinsons’s to maintain their function for as long as possible and work towards specific improvements in mobility. By focusing on functional movements that support ones capacity for typical daily activities, people with Parkinson’s are able to maintain, and possibly prolong their ability to safely live independently.
Although starting an exercise program may seem intimidating and overwhelming, remember that you physical therapist’s role is to guide and coach you through this process to ensure you are comfortable with exercises you are performing and the pace at which you are performing them. More specifically:
Stretching and Strengthening: Your Physical Therapist can coach you on a variety of exercises that can be done while lying in your bed before you get up, while sitting in your favorite chair, or while moving around your home or apartment.
Get Walking – Walk around your home. If in an apartment, walk the hallways. Invite a friend to walk with you. If you’re not sure how much walking will be right for you, your Physical Therapist can guide you!
Be Realistic – Your physical therapist will support you in setting realistic goals to ensure you are able to see progress without burning out.
It’s all about FUN – Physical therapists can guide you in how to incorporate, or get the most physical benefit, out of the activities you enjoy.
Contact our team today to find out how you can do more and feel better!
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