This is usually seen when people start to ‘shuffle’ when they walk. But when you look closely enough, everything about a person with this disease starts to become small; their posture, their arm and leg movement, their handwriting, and even their voice gets quiet and small. Most people with this disease are also unaware of how small they have become. Because they are not aware, it can be difficult for them to change or improve. It is common for them to blame other people or things for their problems –;“my wife’s hearing is bad” or “these shoes are too heavy” or “people keep leaving things out of my reach.”
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder causing a variety of movement problems. It is progressive and it does gradually get worse. Parkinson’s affects all types of people and all ages, but it is much more common in older age.
Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease:
- Freezing can be described as a temporary inability to initiate movement. Where your feet may feel stuck in place or you may have difficulty rising from a chair.
- or stiffness of the arms, legs or trunk caused by an increase in muscle tone
- Micrographia- small handwriting
- Hypophonia- low, monotonic or muffled speech
- Loss of facial expression
- Mood disturbances (Anxiety/depression)
- Sleep disturbances
- Swallowing difficulties
- Postural hypotension
Who is affected?
PD may only become evident in the later decades of life as the condition progresses. Typically the average age for onset and diagnosis is 60. However, It is possible for PD to develop as young as 40 at which stage it is referred to as Young-onset PD. PD can affect both men and women but is more commonly seen in males for unknown reasons.
What are the causes?
The exact causes of PD are not well understood. However research continues in this area. The most common type of PD is idiopathic (of no known cause). However, environmental and genetic factors in atypical cases are thought to be the causes. Exposure to industrial chemicals, pollutants, pesticides and heavy metals has been shown to have a weak association. Family history or mutations to specific genes have been found in a small percentage of cases.
Management
The mainstay of all treatment for PD is through drug therapy. However each individual will be placed on a specific drug regime. This is to give optimal control of symptoms throughout the day and to minimise “off” periods. An “off” period is a state of reduced mobility when the medications have least effect. Fluctuations in motor control.
Although Medications are the most effective method for controlling the symptoms of PD, several therapies are beneficial for the long-term management of the condition.
How physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy is beneficial for Parkinson’s disease. One approach to physiotherapy is to address all this “smallness”. However it can specifically address the movement related characteristics of the condition with the aim to maintain mobility and balance and maximise functional independence and quality of life.
A physiotherapist works very hard at getting a person with Parkinson’s disease to:
- Appreciate and become aware of their ‘smallness’
- Make BIG movements to overcome their ‘smallness’
- Maintain their joint range of movement, muscle strength and general fitness that is affected by increasing ‘smallness.’
- Focus more specifically on the daily activities you are struggling with at home. Whether it is getting in and out of bed, climbing stairs, rising from a chair or walking the dog.
- Assess and retrain their walking pattern with or without the use of mobility aids. This is to optimise safe and independent ambulation around your home and community.
Do you have Parkinson’s?
Anyone with Parkinson’s disease should consult a physiotherapist if they are having trouble with any aspects of their daily life. If they are shuffling when they walk or if they have any falls. Early physiotherapy treatment is better than waiting till there is a big problem caused by this ‘smallness.’
References:
Tara Martin- Physical Therapist New Zealand
Portobello Physiotherapy- Ireland
