Empowering Lives: THERAPY for Parkinson's

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that can significantly impact daily life. From tremors and stiffness to challenges with balance and coordination, the symptoms of Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. However, with the right support and therapies, individuals affected by Parkinson’s can experience a better quality of life.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affects the central nervous system, primarily targeting the production of dopamine in the brain. This leads to symptoms such as:

1. Tremors in the hands, arms, legs, or jaw- Shakiness in the limbs as well as body can greatly impact daily activities. As the severity of symptoms increases even self care like Buttoning the shirt or wearing the mittens can get affected due to tremors.
2. Stiffness and Rigidity in the limbs and trunk- Due to Rigidity and stiffness flexibility greatly is impacted like getting in and out of the bed or standing up from seated position.
3. Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) - Means the Brains cognitive function is good but when the brain commands the body to do a movement then the body does not respond quickly. It could be as simple as reaching for water or coffee which normally we don’t even think when we are performing this activity of daily living but with individual with severe Parkinson it could be quite stressful. It could affect one side more than other or both sides.
4. Freezing episodes - As the PD progresses a person get frozen at 1 place. For example, a person gets stuck from coming out of washroom due to narrow passage.
5. Flexed Posture and Shuffling Gait: Due to Reduced Ability to initial Postural muscles the body keeps stooping forward. As body’s centre of Gravity Falls Forward there is forward shuffling gait and difficulty to stop or change directions when an individual with Parkinson’s walk. It makes them also susceptible to Falls.
6. Balance and coordination problems increases the risk of falls.
7. Reduction of Spatial Orientation and Reaction time- Which can impair driving ability as well as Increases the risk of Motor Vehicle Collision.
8. Autonomous Nervous System can get affected as the disease progresses which means it can cause Bowel and Bladder Incontinence which can affect the Confidence as well as mental Well-Being. Many times, there is a lot of under reporting due to lack of understanding and thus individuals do not know when and from whom to seek Help. At Helios Physiotherapy and Rehab, we offer Pelvic Therapy which can help with Bowel or Bladder Incontinence.
9. Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease: While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, therapeutic interventions and Lifestyle Management can play a crucial role in managing symptoms and enhancing overall well-being. We offer Holistic Approach alongside of Medical Intervention which helps a lot to improve the Quality of Life of the Individual with PD as well as Caregiver.

How Helios Multidisciplinary Team Can Help?

Parkinson’s Therapy is a cornerstone of care for individuals with Parkinson’s. At Helios Physiotherapy and Rehab, our tailored programs are designed to address the unique needs of each person. Here are some ways physiotherapy can help:

Improving Mobility and Flexibility

Parkinson’s can cause muscles to tighten and joints to become stiff, making movement more difficult. Our physiotherapists use targeted stretching and range-of-motion exercises to enhance flexibility and ease discomfort.

Enhancing Strength and Balance

Weakness and balance issues are common in Parkinson’s. Through strength training and balance exercises, we help individuals regain stability and confidence in their movements, reducing the risk of falls.

Gait Training

Difficulty with walking is a hallmark symptom of Parkinson’s. Gait training focuses on improving walking patterns, posture, and coordination. With consistent practice, many individuals experience smoother, more natural movements.

Addressing Freezing Episodes

Freezing of gait (FOG) can cause sudden, temporary immobility, often leading to frustration and fear of falling. Our therapists teach techniques to overcome these episodes, such as using visual or auditory cues to restart movement.

Enhancing Cardiovascular Health

Regular aerobic exercise can improve cardiovascular health and overall energy levels. We incorporate safe, enjoyable activities to keep the heart healthy and the body active.

Psychological and Emotional Symptoms

We work very closely with Psychologists, Mental Counsellors, Psychotherapist and Neurologist to address Mental Health and Wellbeing of a person suffering from difficulty navigation the emotions.

Care Giver’s Health and Support

When a loved one is having above issues it takes a lot of tolls on Care Giver’s Physical and Mental Health. Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect the individual; it impacts their family and caregivers, too. We offer guidance and support to caregivers, teaching them techniques to assist their loved ones safely and effectively while maintaining their own well-being.

Multidisciplinary Care for Optimal Results

Parkinson’s management is most effective when it involves a team approach. At Helios Physiotherapy and Rehab, we collaborate with neurologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to ensure comprehensive care. Whether it’s improving physical function or addressing challenges with speech and swallowing, our integrated approach helps individuals thrive.

Technology and Innovation

At Helios, we leverage advanced technologies to enhance outcomes for our patients. Tools like virtual reality for balance training and wearable devices for real-time gait analysis provide innovative solutions for managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of rehabilitation science ensures that our patients receive the best possible care.