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How Physical Therapy Can Help Patients with Parkinson’s

February 28, 2023
For people suffering from Parkinson’s or other age-related ailments, physical therapy can be a powerful tool. Many seniors do not realize the full range of benefits physical therapy provides to their physical and mental well-being in treating this condition. Now that there are several resources available, patients and their families can gain a better understanding of how physical therapy can benefit an individual living with Parkinson’s disease. Let's look at how physical therapists can improve the quality of life for those with dementia or memory loss in this post. We will also examine some of the treatments used by specialized care teams that incorporate physical therapy into their treatment plans to give loved ones as much function as possible throughout their illness.


Introduction to Physical Therapy and Its Benefits

There is no doubt that physical therapy plays a crucial role in the lives of seniors, especially those with Parkinson’s disease. As a result, seniors are more likely to improve their balance and mobility, reduce their chances of getting injured from falls, build strength and endurance, and increase their overall flexibility when they do this activity. 

Exercises that may be included in physical therapy interventions include those that focus on: 
  • Coordination and balance
  • Walking training to improve gait 
  • Maintaining daily living skills through functional activities
  • Exercises to improve the alignment of the body and posture
  •  Keeping joints flexible and reducing pain through joint range-of-motion exercises
  • Cardiovascular benefits of aquatic exercise 

Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart failure are also treated by physical therapists. Furthermore, physical therapy may help patients cope with Parkinson’s disease-related behavioral changes. Even in difficult situations, it can provide emotional support and stress relief techniques that can help the patient remain calm and comfortable. Physical therapy interventions tailored to the individual's needs and abilities can greatly improve mobility and quality of life for seniors with Parkinson’s disease.


What is Physical Therapy?

Through therapeutic exercises and activities, physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, helps individuals improve their mobility and quality of life. Treatment plans are tailored to the needs and goals of each patient by physical therapists. 

Physiotherapy can help patients recover from accidents and surgeries or restore basic mobility. Massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, stretching, and strengthening exercises are some of the treatments that physical therapists can use to assist patients in recovering. 

In addition to teaching proper body mechanics and posture, they also provide tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They can also monitor progress throughout treatment to ensure patients are getting the most benefit from physical therapy.


What does a Physical Therapist do?

In physical therapy, physical injuries and chronic conditions are diagnosed and treated by Physical Therapists (PTs). Physical therapists use physical techniques to treat injuries, diseases, and disabilities, such as stretching, exercises, massage, joint mobilization, and postural re-education. Reducing pain, improving range of motion, increasing function and mobility, and restoring health are some of the benefits of these treatments. 

It is the goal of physical therapy to help people return to their daily lives with improved quality of life. Physical therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, private practice offices, schools, and home health agencies. Each patient's treatment plan includes specific recovery goals and the best method for achieving them. Additionally, they provide education on preventive care measures that can prevent future injury.


Benefits of Physical Therapy for seniors with Parkinson’s

Physical therapy is a valuable tool in helping patients with Parkinson's Disease improve their physical and mental well-being. Physical activities can help stabilize the core muscular and skeletal structure of an individual while building strength and reducing pain. Physical therapy works to enhance functional capacity, reduce secondary conditions commonly associated with the disease such as depression, and improve balance and coordination. 

Physical therapists have knowledge of helping individuals with Parkinson's Disease to relax through relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and hydrotherapy. Physical therapy may also be used to teach how to use exercise machines for faster recovery, ultimately assisting patients in better managing their day-to-day activities. Physical therapists can also develop an individualized exercise plan that includes physical activities specifically tailored to each patient's unique needs, helping them to progress further in their rehabilitation.

In addition to physical therapies, occupational therapy is also beneficial for individuals with Parkinson's Disease. Occupational therapists help patients with problem-solving techniques and daily living skills, as well as teaching them how to use adaptive equipment. They can also assist patients in developing better communication and cognitive skills, helping to ensure they are able to participate more fully in their daily activities.

Ultimately, physical and occupational therapy play an important role in the overall treatment of Parkinson's Disease, helping individuals to improve their quality of life and manage their condition more effectively. With the help of physical and occupational therapists, those with Parkinson's Disease can maintain a higher level of independence in their daily activities, ultimately allowing them to continue leading an active and fulfilling life.
 

Contact BrightStar Care of Roseville Sacramento/Carmichael Today!

Looking into caregiving services may be overwhelming, but with BrightStar Care Roseville Sacramento, we ensure to make the process so much easier for you. We are confident that our team of professionals will assist you in looking for the right caregiver to take care of your loved one by keeping you in the loop and more. Contact us today to learn more about caregiving services! Our office proudly serves Roseville and Sacramento.  Our office is located at 151 N Sunrise Ave Suite 1011, Roseville, CA 95661, United States. You may also call us at 916-781-6500. We look forward to hearing from you!