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Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation

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Current research demonstrates rehabilitation can alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. At Capital Health, we provide a full complement of therapies to help patients manage symptoms and improve overall function. Our occupational, physical, and speech-language therapists team is trained and certified in top treatment protocols for Parkinson’s disease.

Do you notice any of the following symptoms?

  • Walking problems (changes in gait patterns)
  • Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
  • Falls, trips, slips (loss of balance)
  • Tight and spastic muscles (muscle rigidity)
  • Problems with coordination
  • Coughing, choking with swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Difficulty with clear speech (dysarthria)
  • Difficulty eating, weight loss (dysphagia)
  • Reduced voice loudness (dysphonia)
  • Pain
  • Increased confusion/slow thought processing (cognitive changes)
  • Handwriting getting smaller (micrographia)
  • Shaking (tremors)
  • Problems with everyday activities (thinking, handwriting, dressing, bathing, etc.)

Therapy may help you:

  • Improve walking and balance
  • Increase speed and motion
  • Improve coordination
  • Increase flexibility
  • Increase the ability to be understood when speaking
  • Improve swallow function and safety
  • Enhance cognition
  • Decrease pain
  • Improve size and legibility of handwriting
  • Increase strength
  • Improve performance in everyday living

We will design a therapy program especially for you. Therapy may include:

  • Large coordinated movements with arms, legs and body under careful therapist supervision
  • Programs such as LVST BIG, LSVT LOUD and PWR! (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery)
  • Enhancing awareness, improving ability to self correct body positions
  • Enhancing ability to spontaneously react to challenges provided by the environment
  • Learning new walking techniques
  • Dynamic balance training
  • Speech therapy
  • Swallowing therapy
  • Cognitive – language therapy
  • Training in everyday and leisure activities

Therapy sessions are generally three to four times per week for up to 6 weeks duration. Personalized home exercises and activities are usually given as homework. Obtain a prescription for therapy from your physician and schedule time for an evaluation so your therapist can address your concerns and evaluate your performance.

References:

Parkinson's Disease Foundation 

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research