Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition which causes damage to the brain. A key feature of Parkinson’s disease is that symptoms often get worse over time.

It’s triggered by the loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra which leads to a reduction in a chemical called dopamine in the brain. The brain uses dopamine to help send messages to control movement. All movements can be affected from walking and talking, to writing and even smiling.

It’s not known what causes the loss of these vital dopamine-producing nerve cells. We do know that Parkinson’s disease affects around 1 in 500 people and is usually found in people over the age of 50. It also seems to affect slightly more men than women.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

The signs and symptoms can be different for everyone depending on the stage of the condition. Early onset Parkinson’s symptoms can be mild and often go unnoticed for many years. Common symptoms may include:

• Tremor. This rhythmic shaking known as a tremor usually begins in one limb, often the hand or fingers. There can be different types of tremors which may affect your ability to function.
• Slow movement (bradykinesia). All movements may become slower making simple tasks much more difficult.
• Rigid muscles. Stiffness can occur in some or all of the body. This can cause problems with the way we move or walk.
• Poor posture. People with Parkinson’s will report they find it difficult to remain upright, becoming more stooped or hunched.
• Reduced Balance. For many people, balance becomes less automatic. This has a huge effect on confidence and will increase the chances of falling.
• Freezing. A sudden, but temporary, inability to move. This can be a common symptom where people describe it as feeling like their feet are ‘glued’ to the ground.
• Shuffling gait. This can create more problems with walking leading to reduced confidence and a greater chance of falling.
• Low mood with reduced motivation. Our patients often report a boost in mood and motivation when they are supported by physiotherapy.

Parkinsonism

‘Parkinsonism’ is an umbrella term which is often used to describe a range of different conditions that share similar symptoms mentioned above such as tremors, muscle rigidity and slowness of movement.

Examples of these conditions which you may have come across are Vascular parkinsonism, Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Parkinson’s disease is by far the most common cause making up over 80% of all cases.

How Burscough Neuro Physiotherapy helps patients with Parkinson’s Disease

There is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, however, research has shown staying active is one of the main ways people can live well with Parkinson’s and maintain their mobility for longer.

At Burscough Neuro Physiotherapy we have been treating people with Parkinson’s for over 30 years. We strongly believe that no matter what stage of the condition people are in, specialist neuro physiotherapy can help people live more active and independent lives for longer.

We see patients at all stages of Parkinson’s from newly diagnosed to those who have had it for some time. Early intervention with physiotherapy allows people with Parkinson’s to maintain their fitness and mobility levels for longer.

As neuro physiotherapists, we are here to listen and ensure we focus on the goals and concerns which are most important to you.

Neuro physiotherapy can help to:

• Improve activity levels at all stages
• Maintain and improve functional ability and independence
• Improve balance and posture
• Improve flexibility through hands-on treatment
• Improve confidence and reduce the fear of falling
• Work on particular issues of walking which may include freezing, shuffling or turning
• Advise relatives and carers on appropriate exercises, positioning and moving and handling techniques

If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s Disease and want to explore how neuro physiotherapy can help, then please contact us. Our friendly reception team are just a phone call away.

We are able to provide treatments at our fully equipped rehabilitation centre in Ormskirk with accessible parking and toilet facilities. We also provide neuro physiotherapy home visits. We cover a wide area for neuro physiotherapy across the north west of England including Liverpool, Southport, St Helens, Ormskirk and surrounding areas.

Burscough Neuro Physiotherapy is committed to making specialist neuro physiotherapy affordable for all. Our initial assessment is just £98 at our rehabilitation centre in Ormskirk or £115 at home. Follow up treatments are £64 per 45 minutes at the centre or £75 at home. We do not charge for mileage for our home visit treatment.

For further information see:

Parkinson’s UK – www.parkinsons.org.uk
NHS Choices –  www.nhs.uk/conditions/parkinsons-disease/
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists – www.csp.org.uk/publications/physiotherapy-works-parkinsons-disease

For all enquiries please call our friendly reception team on 01695 574317 or make an Online Enquiry