Health

Parkinson’s Disease — How Physical Therapy Can Help

Chances are, you probably know someone living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) — a chronic, neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over the age of 60. In fact, recent estimates indicate that more than one million people in the U.S. are living with the disease, while more than 6 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease. “Because Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder, physical therapy can play an important role in helping people with PD maintain function with a comprehensive exercise and wellness program individually tailored to each patient’s specific needs and goals,” explains UAB Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Matthew Ford, Ph.D., P.T.

Symptoms of PD

Most people are familiar with the motor symptoms of PD, as they are the most noticeable signs of the disease. These symptoms include:

• Resting tremor
• Slowness of movement
• Balance problems
• Rigidity

In addition, some people also experience gait problems and reduced facial expression. “Not all patients with PD experience all of these symptoms,” says Dr. Ford. “Also, the progression of the disease is very individualized.” While the average age of onset is age 60, some people are diagnosed many decades earlier.

Dr. Ford says that it’s best to seek out a neurologist with specific expertise in movement disorders if you experience any symptoms of PD. “Currently, no definitive tests are available to make a diagnosis,” he explains. “Instead, responsiveness to medications is usually evidence that a PD diagnosis is correct.”

Role of Physical Therapy

Dr. Ford says that because the primary role of physical therapy is to address movement or balance-related problems, patients with PD can benefit in the following key ways:

• Comprehensive health and wellness program. When patients are first diagnosed with PD, a licensed physical therapist can develop a health and wellness program that includes consistent exercise to maintain strength and energy. “We know that PD patients benefit significantly from regular exercise,” explains Dr. Ford. “In fact, early animal studies indicate that exercise could slow the progression of PD.” Dr. Ford says that physical therapists focus on creating exercise environments that PD patients will enjoy. “At UAB, we develop a comprehensive program that includes aerobic conditioning as well as strength and resistance training. We help PD patients to understand that their job is to incorporate some form of exercise into their day every day.”
• Acute mobility and balance problems. “Over time, movement and balance will change in patients with PD,” says Dr. Ford. “When a patient begins to experience an acute worsening of movement-related symptoms, a physical therapist can develop an individualized program to help the patient compensate and maintain strength.” Dr. Ford also stresses that it’s important for PD patients to let their physician and/or physical therapist know if they have experienced a sudden change in symptoms.

“A knowledgeable physical therapist can be a valuable source of information — especially if symptoms change rapidly.”