Role of physiotherapy in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is really a condition in which the amounts of chemical messengers in the brain are reduced. Many times, it causes reducedmobility, memory problems, muscle tremors, and difficulties performing everyday tasks. Physiotherapy for those who have Parkinson’s disease concentrates on increasing and looking after mobility whilst lowering the risk of falls.
Physio provide neurological physiotherapy treatment specific towards the needs of the individual. Our specialist physiotherapists know how Parkinson’s affect an individual and people close to them. Consequently, the majority of patients with Parkinson’s are noticed in their home environment with partners, relatives or carers present. 
Parkinson's disease affects approximately One in 500 of the general population. It's a progressive neurological condition affecting activities for example walking, talking, and writing.
Parkinson's disease occurs as a consequence of a reduction of nerve cells within the part of the brain referred to as substantia nigra. These cells have the effect of producing a chemical referred to as dopamine, which assists in the transmission of messages delivered to the parts of the brain that co-ordinate movement. Using the significant reduction in the amount of dopamine-producing cells, these areas of the brain are unable to function normally.
Classify the results of Parkinson's disease as motor and non-motor. 
Common motor symptoms observed in Parkinson's disease are:
• Tremor - usually begins in a single hand (the first symptom for 70% of individuals with Parkinson's disease).
• Slowness of motion - people with Parkinson's disease usually see that they have difficulty initiating movements or that performing movements takes longer.
• Stiffness or rigidity of muscles - individuals with Parkinson’s disease often find they have problems with activities for example standing up from a chair or allowing this to continue in bed.
• Postural instability - results in impaired balance and falls.
• Gait and posture disturbances:
o Shuffling gait.
o Decreased arm swing
o Stooped, forward-flexed posture
o Gait freezing - happens in tight, cluttered spaces, doorways or when initiating gait
• Other motor symptoms:
o Fatigue
o Mask-like, expressionless face with infrequent blinking
o Micrographia (small, cramped handwriting)
Various non-motor symptoms can also be experienced, for example:
• Sleep disturbance
• Constipation
• Urinary urgency
• Depression
Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease at the moment, drugs are used to attempt to control the symptoms. Within the majority of newly diagnosed people considerable improvements is possible by careful introduction of anti-Parkinson drugs. When only mild symptoms can be found, individuals may decide, along with their GP/consultant, to delay medications until their symptoms increase and instead depend on a healthy lifestyle, focusing on exercise, relaxation and diet. As Parkinson's disease is an extremely individual condition medicine is prescribed and adapted to individual needs. Reaction to medication varies from individual to individual and not every medication is going to be considered suitable for everyone.
Kinds of medication commonly used are:
• Levodopa
• Dopamine agonists
• COMT inhibitors
• MAO-B inhibitors
• Glutamate antagonists
• Anticholinergics
Surgery
Surgical treatment is available for some people with Parkinson’s disease, determined by symptoms. This includes:
• Deep brain stimulation
• Lesioning
Parkinson’s Disease Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapy is essential in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease usually have mobility problems and therefore are often at high-risk of falls. Physio try to increase mobility and recommend changes to the home environment to improve independence and safety. Consequently, patients with Parkinson’s disease can cope better from day-to-day and keep their independence.
Independence is increased with balance, stretching and strengthening exercises and provision of walking aids and equipment. Our physiotherapists will assess how a person performs activities for example; walking, going up and down stairs, getting away from a chair and becoming in and out of bed. Our physiotherapists canteach patients, their loved ones and carers, special strategies how do deal with common the signs of Parkinson’s. Family and carers usually see this advice and the practical handling techniques particularly helpful, with regards to helping individuals up out of bed, walking and overcoming freezing. 
Physio recommend a house assessment is performed so advice could be given regarding any changes which may be required. This will boost the safety and independence from the patient with Parkinson’s disease. In the home assessment our physiotherapists will give you advice and suitable tips about aids and adaptations to increase the independence and safety from the patient.
A specific falls prevention programme can be produced to be completed between treatment sessions. The house assessment, along with a falls prevention programme, will greatly increase safetyat home and lower the risk of falls.
Physio offer acupuncture,hydrotherapy, seating / wheelchair assessments and suggestions about postural management for people with Parkinson’s disease. Patients with Parkinson’s disease often enjoy physiotherapy because it increases their independence and reduces their anxiety about falling.