What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition that has severe impacts on movement but also impacts many non-movement functions. Symptoms may include:
- muscle rigidity
- tremor
- postural instability
- slowness of movement
- pain
- sensory changes
- gastrointestinal changes
- Mood and sleep disorders
- Declining memory and cognistion
The underlying cause of the symptoms of Parkinson’s relates to a decline in the production of dopamine in the brain. Parkinson’s Australia says that the average age of diagnosis is 65 years and the disease affects more than 80,000 people in Australia.
Allied Health Support for Parkinson’s Disease
Physical and supportive therapies focussed on neuro-rehabilitation, including Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy can be beneficial to people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Physiotherapy
Movement changes related to Parkinson’s include:
- Falls
- Freezing of gait and start hesitation
- Multitasking issues
- Postural changes
- Shuffling
- Turning changes
An experienced physiotherapist can review an individual’s mobility and assess whether mobility is compromised and whether a walking aid is required. They can also advise on appropriate aids and usage. Other assistance a physiotherapist may offer to Parkinson’s patients includes:
- Devising exercise programs to improve muscle strength and flexibility and maintain fitness
- Working with patients to improve balance and prevent falls
- Providing pain management interventions
Occupational therapy
An occupational therapist can assist people with Parkinson’s by:
- assessing the safety of the environment and advising on safety modifications such as handrails
- offering advice on assistive equipment including seating and mobility aids
- modifying activities and tasks to make them easier to complete
- providing support for hobbies, craft, leisure interests and social interaction
Podiatry
Problems with gait are one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Our qualified podiatrists assist in making seniors with this condition comfortable by providing:
- orthotic therapy and custom orthotics including ankle foot orthoses
- toe splints to address toe curling
- foot care advice and information
- corn and callus removal
- management and treatment of skin and nail disorders including in-grown toenails
- footwear advice and education
- biomechanical assessment including gait assessment and management
- neurological and vascular risk assessment
ACRS and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease patients can benefit from high quality allied health support to improve function, comfort and quality of life. At ACRS, we offer this support in both residential aged care and home care environments.
