Parkinson’s Disease

Apr 4, 2023

Health, Treatments, Health & Wellness

Dr. Jonathan Evans

PT, DPT, CMTPT, VRC, PDNC

Chief Executive Officer, Orthopedic & Vestibular Physical Therapist

What is Parkinson’s disease?

• A chronic, progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body
  controlled by the nerves.
• It can cause stiffness, unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking or
  tremors, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Changes in speech, voice and
  swallowing may also occur.
• Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time.
• The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown.

Symptoms

• Symptoms can be different for everyone. Early symptoms may be mild and go unnoticed.
  They may worsen as your condition progresses over time. Symptoms often begin on one
  side of the body and usually remain worse on that side even as the condition progresses
  and begins to affect both sides.
• Tremors may be present in one hand.
• Hand may shake at rest and the shaking may lessen when you are completing a
  task.
• You may rub your thumb and forefinger back and forth like you are rolling a pill
  between your fingers.
• Stiffness or slowing of movements.
• Arms may not swing when you walk.
• Steps may be shorter when you walk.
• Dragging or shuffling of feet when you walk.
• May have difficulty getting up from a chair
• Stiffness can be painful and limit your range of motion.
• Impaired posture and balance
• Posture may become stooped or hunched over
• May experience falls or have balance problems
• Changes in writing
• May become hard to write
• Writing may appear small
• Changes in speech
• May become soft or slurred
• May hesitate before speaking
• May become more monotone
• Face may show little or no expression

How can physical therapy help?

• Physical activity has been shown to improve symptoms and slow the progression of
  Parkinson’s disease. Physical therapy can help improve your strength, range of motion,
  posture, balance and walking.
  

For more on information, reach out to ProTailored Physical Therapy or call us at (260)739-0300.
Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease
• https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease