What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a condition affecting the brain. In Parkinson’s, there is a lack of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. Without dopamine, people find that their movements become slower so it takes longer to do things. It is not known why people get Parkinson’s disease.

Once diagnosed, Parkinson’s cannot be cured, but treatments and specialists can help you to manage the condition and its symptoms.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a complex condition which affects everyone in different ways. There are many different possible symptoms but you are only likely to experience a few of them.

Some of the possible symptoms you may experience with Parkinson’s disease are: tremor, muscle weakness/stiffness, falls, reduced balance, dizziness, fatigue, pain, bladder and bowel problems, speech difficulties, swallowing problems, anxiety, depression and dementia.

Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

There are various medications available to help to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease; you will need to discuss these with your consultant. Also for some people, surgical options are available.

Physiotherapy is useful to help with many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, particularly when there is a specific problem or ongoing symptoms that affect day-to-day activities, mobility and independence. It can help whatever your level of disability, particularly with muscle strength and flexibility, fitness, balance, falls prevention and pain relief.

Following a detailed assessment, your physiotherapist will set specific goals with you and plan a programme of treatment which may involve: hands on treatment and stretches, specific exercises, suggestions of equipment or aids, practical problem solving and advice to improve day-to-day situations.

How can Neurocare Physiotherapy help me?

At Neurocare, we are all highly specialised in treating neurological conditions, so you can be confident that your physiotherapist will have the necessary experience to provide you with the specialist level of treatment which you deserve.