Understanding Parkinson’s disease

Exercise can be beneficial to those suffering from Parkinson’s disease both psychologically and physically, because of the way the disease affects the person’s ability to move by doing regular exercise it will help to keep the patient’s limbs and joints supple, improve their flexibility and help to keep their muscles strong.

Although exercise cannot stop the disease from progressing it can make a big difference to the person’s lifestyle in that it can help to improve their balance, help them to correct problems with their gait and help to strengthen muscles which are associated with speaking and swallowing.

Exercise can also help with one of the long term complications which are generally associated with the disease, the stiffening of the joints. As with any form of exercise plan it is always wise to consult your doctor beforehand and by doing so the two of you can probably devise a plan which is best suited for your condition.

Your doctor should be able to advise you of the following

• The type of exercise you should avoid and those most suited to your condition.
• Devise an intensity plan for your workout.
• Set the duration of your workout and any physical limitations.
• Give you referrals to other people such as physical therapist who will be able to help you devise your plan.

Of course the type of exercise and the limitations of the plan will depend greatly on the advancement of your disease and points should be taken into account such as your symptoms, your level of fitness and your general overall health. For sufferers who are very limited to the type of exercise which they can do referral to a physical therapist is usually made. Whichever form of exercise plan you do choose to take it is important that you go into the plan slowly.

Exercise tips

• Always remember to do warm up and cooling down exercises at the beginning and end of your routine.
• Start off with small amounts say of 10 minutes exercise then slowly over a period of time work up to the maximum.
• Try to exercise your facial muscles as much as possible, this could include singing or reading aloud with exaggerated movements of the lips, pulling faces in a mirror or chewing food vigorously.
• Try exercise that involves water such as water aerobics.
• If you have difficulty in balancing then make sure you exercise within easy reach of a rail or grab bar.
• Choose an exercise plan that you will enjoy doing.