7 Signs of Parkinson’s Disease You May Not Know

By: Shannon Hernandez, ATC, CPT, AEFP, PWR! Certified

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. The Parkinson’s foundation defines the disease as a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) usually develop slowly over several years and often vary from person to person, progressing at different rates. Symptoms of PD may include:

  1. Tremors at rest
  2. Bradykinesia – slow and small steps, movements or postural changes
  3. Gait and balance problems
  4. Stiffness and poor posture
  5. Instable posture
  6. Impaired kinesthesia – a diminished ability to sense the position of one’s body in space
  7. Soft and mumbled speech

Any one of these symptoms alone does not mean you have Parkinson’s, but a combination could be an indicator. Consult with your doctor for an official diagnosis if it has not already been confirmed.

The cause of PD is unknown and although there is no cure for the disease, treatment options are available, including exercise. Following a diagnosis, here are some recommendations to get the most out of your exercise plan:

  • Pay attention to which exercises you do and how you do them
  • Don’t go into autopilot to complete your exercises, really concentrate on body alignment
  • Focus on big movements in a safe environment
  • Place emphasis on each individual action to ensure proper form
  • As you become aware of your body and movements, you can challenge yourself with multi-task movements in a safe environment

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, exercising individually or in a group setting can help decrease many symptoms of the disease. If exercising on your own sounds overwhelming or is simply not motivating, group exercise is a great way to combat the common lack of enjoyment with exercise; receiving motivation from others increases enjoyment and helps you stick to an exercise plan.

Sheltering Arms offers a Parkinson’s disease care clinic and several fitness classes and programs specifically designed for people with PD. To learn more about these services, click the button below.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Strengthening Exercises Following Lower-Limb Amputations

During inpatient rehabilitation, your therapy team will guide you through a personalized strengthening program designed to support your recovery. This program focuses on building the key muscle groups needed for safe and effective mobility with a prosthesis. Continuing these exercises at home is essential for maintaining progress and maximizing independence.

Managing Phantom Limb Pain

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the more unexpected and often misunderstood aspects of limb loss is phantom limb pain (PLP). Despite the limb no longer being there, individuals may continue to feel sensations—sometimes painful—where the limb used to be. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.

Spring Into Action with the Proper Garden Tools and Accessories

Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to tend those gardens! Just be careful not to overextend your body into positions that have been dormant all winter. Gardening can require you to bend, lift, and twist in ways that can injure your back, knees, or other parts of your body. While garden tools can make your digging and planting easier, sometimes the use of tools encourages poor positioning or increases the chance of injury.

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.