Parkinson’s Awareness on Brain Health Awareness Month

Can Physiotherapy Improve Parkinson’s?

Living with Parkinson’s is a journey that often brings two key priorities: maintaining meaningful connections with loved ones and improving quality of life. These two goals are deeply intertwined—your family and friends want to see you thrive, which means staying healthy, active, and as comfortable as possible. The good news is that physiotherapy can play a major role in making that happen.

Physiotherapy has proven to be a game-changer for people with Parkinson’s, helping them maintain their mobility, increase range of motion, and live with greater independence. Joyce Gordon, CEO of the Parkinson Society of Canada, puts it best: “It’s ironic that the symptoms Parkinson’s is most known for—loss of movement, balance, and rigidity—actually improve with physical activity.”

The Role of Physiotherapy in Parkinson’s

According to Rob Werstine, President of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, “Staying active, improving balance, flexibility, and strength are crucial for everyone, but they’re even more important for those with Parkinson’s.” With Parkinson’s, challenges like rigidity, poor balance, and a heightened risk of falls are common. But with the guidance of a physiotherapist, staying active and safe is entirely achievable. Physiotherapy is the safest and most effective way to get the physical activity needed to manage the condition, all while reducing the risks that come with exercising alone.

Under the careful supervision of trained physiotherapy professionals, individuals with Parkinson’s can enjoy a customized, risk-free exercise routine that helps them stay fit and engaged.

Common Parkinson’s Issues That Physiotherapy Can Improve

• Balance: One of the most challenging symptoms of Parkinson’s is maintaining balance. But balance is crucial—it supports better posture, improves walking speed, and significantly reduces the risk of falls. Physiotherapy is key to stabilizing balance and preventing dangerous mishaps.
• Posture: Poor posture can make simple activities like reaching, walking, or even sitting upright much harder. It can also have a negative impact on confidence and self-image. With targeted physiotherapy exercises, improving posture becomes possible, allowing patients to feel more comfortable and confident in their everyday movements.
• Walking: Many individuals with Parkinson’s notice their walking speed slow down, and the added risk of balance problems can increase the likelihood of falling. Physiotherapy helps improve walking patterns, encouraging better gait and stability.
• Range of Motion: A good range of motion is essential for staying independent, even if the person needs to use a wheelchair. Physiotherapists use specialized techniques to help patients maintain and even improve their range of motion, giving them greater flexibility in daily life.
• Muscle Weakness: Muscle strength, especially core strength, plays a huge role in maintaining independence. Physiotherapy targets muscle strengthening, focusing on improving strength to support mobility and reduce fatigue.
• Abnormal Movement Patterns: Parkinson’s can lead to abnormal movement patterns, which can be frustrating and difficult to manage. Physiotherapists can’t eliminate these patterns entirely, but they can teach patients strategies to cope and move more naturally.
• High Risk of Falls: A combination of improved balance, strength, posture, and range of motion can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Physiotherapy also teaches practical methods for preventing falls, and provides a safe, supportive environment for exercising to minimize the risk of injury.

Home Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s

For those living with Parkinson’s, there are many basic exercises that can be done at home to help increase activity levels and target specific challenges. Some examples include:

• Walking:
  • Walk heel to toe in a straight line to practice coordination.
  • Try walking sideways to improve lateral movement.
  • Use a treadmill to help keep up a faster pace, boosting cardiovascular health.
• Balance, Posture, Flexibility, and Strength:
  • Balance on one leg while holding onto support, like a wall or furniture.
  • Reach arms overhead and stretch back over a chair to open up the chest.
  • Sit upright and gently twist your torso from side to side to improve flexibility.

Before starting any exercise routine, it’s important to consult with a physiotherapist to ensure it’s tailored to your needs. At Meadowlands Physiotherapy, our experienced team is here to guide you through exercises that can make a real difference. We’ve worked with many patients who have Parkinson’s, helping them achieve better mobility, strength, and independence.

Don’t let Parkinson’s hold you back—give the team at Meadowlands a call and let us help you take the next step toward improving your quality of life with the power of physiotherapy.