Intergrative Therapy Wellness Talks About: Physical and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Good Morning Friends, Readers and Clients,

During the years I spent working at the Barrows Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, I worked with so many patients with Parkinson’s Disease I wanted to share this article from Web M.D. https://www.barrowneuro.org

How Does Physical Therapy Help Parkinson’s Disease?

Physical therapy cannot cure Parkinson’s disease, because at this time, neurological damage cannot be reversed. But therapy can help you compensate for the changes brought about by the condition. These “compensatory treatments,” as they’re called, include learning about new movement techniques, strategies, and equipment. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen and loosen muscles. Many of these exercises can be performed at home. The goal of physical therapy is to improve your independence and quality of life by improving movement and function and relieving pain.

Physical therapy can help with:

Balance problems
Lack of coordination
Fatigue
Pain
Gait
Immobility

Important note: Some physical therapists may apply diathermy (local heat application produced by high-frequency electrical current) to relieve muscle aches and pains. This could be dangerous to patients who have deep brain stimulators.

Where Can I Receive Physical Therapy?

Many hospitals offer outpatient physical therapy services. However, you may need to get a doctor’s order to be seen in physical therapy. If you feel you can benefit from physical therapy, do not hesitate to ask your doctor for a referral.

How Many Physical Therapy Visits Will I Need?

Treatments in physical therapy often can be completed in one to three office visits. The first appointment includes an evaluation and recommendations for exercises. The following appointments check your progress and review and expand your home program. Most hospitals can provide additional sessions of outpatient therapy if needed.

What Other Services Does Physical Therapy Provide?

Recommendations. A physical therapist can make recommendations for physical therapy at home, at an outpatient facility, or at a nursing or rehabilitation facility.

Please contact me for more information or a Physical Therapy Evaluation. Integrative Therapy and Wellness, LLC is current accepting new patients in the Phoenix area.

Kim Jacob