Top 3 Exercises for People with Parkinson’s Disease

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are looking to start a new exercise program? Research has indicated that exercise can help reduce the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and can provide relief from motor symptoms, stiffness, or mood changes that can be associated with the diagnosis.

It’s recommended to see a physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with Parkinson’s Disease to identify specific areas of improvement and to assist you in establishing a safe, customized exercise program. Below are a few examples of common exercises prescribed to address different elements of physical exercise and wellness.

  1. Flexibility

A common symptom of Parkinson’s Disease is a feeling of stiffness, particularly in the back. This open-book stretch is an easy yet effective stretch to perform in bed or on the floor that will improve mobility in your back. It should be performed at least 10 times on each side in a pain-free range of motion.

 
  1. Aerobic Activity

A walking program is a great way to improve cardio activity, maintain walking capacity, and slow disease progression. A walking program can be performed outdoors, at an indoor track or department store, or on a treadmill. The walking program should be sustained for more than 10 minutes, working up to 30 minutes, and should make you feel winded enough that you are able to talk but not sing. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week for all older adults (who are generally fit). If you feel unsafe performing a walking program, a recumbent bike or stepper can be used.

  1. Strength

Some people living with Parkinson’s Disease tend to have difficulty getting up from a chair. It’s important to practice this skill to maintain strength in your legs. Practice getting up from a chair without using your hands on the armrests. Think about reaching your arms out in front of you if you are having trouble lifting your hips off the seat. If you need more support, you can use one or both hands to get up from a chair. Perform 10 repetitions 1-2 times. If you continue to have difficulty getting out of a chair, consider seeing a physical therapist who has experience in treating Parkinson’s Disease to help you identify other strategies that may be helpful for you.

 

To get started with a physical therapy evaluation, ask your physician for a referral, or contact us directly at https://shelteringarmsinstitute.com/contact-us/  or by calling 804-764-1000 to get scheduled with a therapist experienced in treating Parkinson’s Disease.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Backpack Safety

Backpacks are a convenient way for students to carry around their schoolbooks and supplies throughout the day, but using them incorrectly can lead to serious muscle and joint injuries. Carrying a heavy load can strain the shoulders, back, and neck. As a result, the body tries to compensate by leaning forward or sideways, which can lead to misalignment of the spine and weakening of muscles.

Managing and Preventing Incontinence with Physical Therapy

More than 25 million adult Americans suffer from incontinence. Men and women are often embarrassed to seek treatment for loss of bladder or bowel control. Urinary and fecal incontinence can cause low self-esteem, create social isolation, and impair quality of life. Incontinence is the lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation. There are two major types of incontinence and they are treated differently.

Reduce Pain With These 5 Exercises for Knee Osteoarthritis

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, approximately 14 million people in the United States have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Over time, the cartilage on the bones that form our knees begins to wear away; this causes inflammation, which we refer to as osteoarthritis. As the disease progresses, it can affect surrounding muscle, tendon, and ligaments, therefore, contributing to significant pain and dysfunction.

Occupational Therapy Interventions for Spinal Cord Injury: Innovative Upper Extremity Weight-Bearing Recovery

When you think of body weight support systems in physical rehab, walking probably comes to mind first. But did you know this technology can also transform arm, shoulder, and core recovery after a spinal cord injury? This high-intensity training helps build upper body strength, manage spasticity, improve posture, and boost overall endurance! Learn how we use advanced body weight support technology at Sheltering Arms Institute to help patients safely practice arm weight-bearing and how innovative technology is changing SCI therapy.

How Speech Therapy Can Help Your Cognition

After a stroke or brain injury, everyday thinking skills like memory, attention, and planning can feel overwhelming. Because these skills directly support how we communicate, SLPs use targeted strategies to help patients regain confidence and daily independence. Learn how cognitive-communication therapy can help.

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.