Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? In addition to its many physical and cognitive symptoms, Parkinson’s disease can dramatically increase your risk of falling. Fortunately, balance training for Parkinson’s disease can help reduce those risks–giving you peace of mind.
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological condition that can dramatically impair mobility, especially as the condition progresses. Symptoms vary widely but usually include muscle tremors, slowed movement, and impaired balance.
Because Parkinson’s disease affects motor function, people with the condition are much more prone to falls. Between 45% and 65% of people with Parkinson’s disease will fall each year, and their risk of falling increases dramatically after 40 years of age, much earlier than in people without the condition.
Because Parkinson’s limits mobility, especially among older patients, it can be extremely challenging for people with the condition to receive the care they need, including fall prevention. At First State Rehab at Home, we only offer at-home therapy services–which means we can bring our balance training for Parkinson’s disease right to your front door!
Our experts will work with you to improve your posture, balance, and walking movements, helping reduce your fall risk. And because we’ll be in your home, we can provide environmental modifications to help you stay as safe as possible.
If you’re concerned that your Parkinson’s disease might cause you to fall, request an appointment with us today!
The Relationship Between Falls and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic degenerative disease related to the loss of nerve cells in your brain. It affects everyone differently, both in terms of severity and symptoms, but for most people, it will significantly impact their mobility. In fact, experts initially considered Parkinson’s a motor (movement) disease, although we now understand that it can affect cognitive function as well.
Generally speaking, people with Parkinson’s disease fall into two broad categories:
- Postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD) subtype, in which patients struggle with stooped posture, reduced arm swing, and difficulty walking
- Non-PIGD subtype, in which patients primarily struggle with muscle tremors
Patients with the PIGD subtype of Parkinson’s disease are significantly more likely to experience falls, including falls at home. These falls are generally related to freezing of gait (temporary episodes where the feet become frozen in place) and balance issues.
However, it’s important to remember that anyone with Parkinson’s disease is at a higher risk of falling due to the nature of the disease, no matter how it manifests.
What To Expect From In-Home Balance Training for Parkinson’s Disease
Balance training consists of targeted exercises that improve posture, balance, and stability. Dedicated balance training for Parkinson’s disease will allow you to better perform day-to-day activities without falling and help you feel less fearful of falling, improving your quality of life.
At your initial appointment, our therapists will conduct a thorough physical assessment to determine which exercises will be most beneficial for you. We’ll show you how to perform each, suggesting modifications as needed.
Then, as you work through your therapy, we’ll increase the complexity of your balance exercises, allowing you to see progress and improvements.
In addition to dedicated balance exercises, our therapist will help you rebuild overall strength, particularly in the muscles of your back, core, and hips. By strengthening those muscles, which tend to be adversely affected by Parkinson’s disease, you’ll see improved posture, leading to increased balance and stability.
Additional Fall Prevention Techniques We Might Suggest
While balance training is crucial in preventing falls among Parkinson’s patients, there are also a few other key components.
Gait training focuses on improving your walking patterns. Parkinson’s disease can dramatically impair walking movements, including your arm swing (which plays an important role in balance). Gait training focuses on specialized movements to help you relearn proper walking mechanics.
Our experts will conduct a full gait analysis, helping us to better understand where your exact impairments lie. From there, we’ll offer gentle, hands-on corrections and simple exercises to help you walk with confidence.
Also, because we’ll be in your home, we’ll be better equipped to provide environmental modifications. Our therapists can help you evaluate your home for potential “danger areas” where you might be more prone to falling. We’ll help you rearrange your space to minimize these danger areas and can offer suggestions for modifications around your home to reduce your risk of falling.
We can provide education on any assistive devices, such as walkers, that can help you get around while limiting your fall risk. These devices allow you independence and mobility even as the condition progresses.
If You Have Parkinson’s Disease, Find Peace of Mind Through In-Home Balance Training
Living with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging on its own. Adding on a fall-related injury can make life even more difficult. With dedicated balance training and all prevention from First State Rehab at Home, you’ll decrease your risk of falling and feel much more confident in your mobility!
Schedule a consultation appointment today to learn more about our in-home physical therapy services.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6616496/
- https://www.physio-pedia.com/Postural_Instability
- https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-parkinson-disease
Tags: Physical Therapy, Physical therapist, Natural Treatment, Natural Pain Relief, Pain Relief, balance
