Parkinson's disease is a chronic degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects both the motor system and non-motor systems.
Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra.
The symptoms usually emerge slowly, and as the disease progresses, worse.
The 4 Cardinal symptoms are tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement and postural instability.
Other symptoms includes -constipation, anosmia (inability to smell). Dementia and Orthostasis is common in advanced stages.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing Parkinsonism.
Role of physiotherapy in managing Parkinsonism:
1. Improving Mobility and Flexibility: - Physiotherapists work on exercises that target flexibility and mobility. This includes stretching exercises to maintain joint flexibility and improve range of motion.Moving joints through their full range of motion regularly helps to prevent stiffness.
2. Gait Training: - Parkinsonism gait includes- shuffling steps and difficulties in maintaining balance. Physiotherapy involves gait training exercises to improve walking patterns and reduce the risk of falls. visual or auditory stimuli cues can help improve gait. For example, walking to a rhythmic beat can enhance stride length and walking speed.
3. Balance Training: - Impaired balance is a common issue in Parkinsonism. Physiotherapists focus on exercises that enhance balance, coordination, and postural stability to reduce the risk of falls. Exercises like- Heal to toe walk, sideways walking or balancing on uneven surfaces helps in improving balance in individual.
4. Functional Training: - Physiotherapy aims to improve a person's ability to perform daily activities. Therapists work on functional tasks such as getting up from a chair, turning in bed, and reaching for objects to enhance independence.
6. Speech and Swallowing Exercises: - Parkinsonism can affect speech and swallowing. Physiotherapists may include exercises to improve speech articulation and strengthen swallowing muscles. Exercises includes- Practicing vowels, practicing daily reading aloud and tongue exercises etc.helps to maintain speech and swallowing function of the person.
7. Dual-Task Training: - Dual-task training involves performing two tasks simultaneously, such as walking while counting or carrying objects. This helps improve multitasking abilities, which can be impaired in Parkinson's disease. It challenges the brain's ability to multitask during walking.
8. Education and Home Exercise Programs: - Physiotherapists educate patients and their caregivers on the importance of regular exercise and provide specific home exercise programs for individuals to reinforce gains made during therapy sessions so that they can improve early and live independently.