Parkinson's is a movement disorder that causes gradual deterioration of the brain and nerves controlling the body.
The risk of developing Parkinson's disease naturally increases with age, but it can also occur in young adults. While there is a genetic component, not all cases are hereditary.
CLINICAL FEATURES
Signs and symptoms might begin gradually and go unnoticed, but the cardinal symptoms one must look out for are resting tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement.
TREMOR
When the patient is at rest, the hand or foot is usually trembling, especially in a pill-rolling pattern, and it disappears during activity.
BRADYKINESIA
Slowness of movement persists in patients while performing a task or walking. This is not because of a lack of muscle strength but because of decreased motor control.
RIGIDITY
Patients have two types of rigidity: -
Lead pipe rigidity - constant stiffness while moving a body part
Cog-wheel rigidity - leadpipe rigidity along with tremors
GAIT
Due to rigidity and slowed movements, the patient may exhibit a rigid posture and shuffling gait, it gives the impression of potential loss of balance and risk of falling.
HYPOMIMIA
As the disease progresses, the patient may exhibit mask-like facial expressions with little to no change in facial expressions. If any of these symptoms persist, they must visit a healthcare professional to get diagnosed and begin treatment.
TREATMENT
Parkinson's cannot be completely cured; the symptoms can only be managed, and this varies from person to person.
Medications such as levodopa work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which helps reduce tremors and stiffness.
Deep brain stimulation is an alternative approach used when medications prove ineffective. It aids in alleviating the Parkinson's features.
PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT
1. To reduce tremors
Administration of levodopa
Holding on to weighted cutlery
Hand exercises such as ball squeezing
2. To reduce rigidity
Relaxation techniques such as yoga, biofeedback, and audiotape.
Exercises that include large rhythmic movements like trunk rotation, slow rocking, vestibular stimulation, and swinging movements.
Stretching and joint mobilization to reduce tightness of joint capsule.
3. To reduce bradykinesia
Games with the help of virtual reality
Music therapy
Zumba
4. To train balance
Maintaining position
Include reach-outs and perturbations
Partial wall squats
Heel raises
Vestibular ball exercises
5. To train gait
Walking with the support of parallel bars
Visual and verbal feedback
Spot marching
Treadmill training
6. To correct posture
Stretching flexor muscles
Strengthening extensor muscles
Positioning of the patient by placing a pillow under the upper thorax
Visual and verbal feedback
7. Patient and caregiver education
Encourage patients to perform exercises following the administration of levodopa for optimal benefits during that period.
Improve confidence by reducing risks of falling.
Increase independence in activities of daily living by modifying activities.
Correct lifting techniques.
Decrease depression.
Due to advancements in medicine, individuals with Parkinson's disease can enjoy a near-normal life expectancy and lead lives that are almost similar to those without the condition. So, don't hesitate to contact your nearest physiotherapist today!
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