Exercise and regular movement is important for everyone. For people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), it is crucial. Research shows that exercise not only helps with improving walking, balance and performing daily activities, it can also slow the onset of PD symptoms. The sooner regular exercise habits are created, the better the results.
Read on to discover how a Parkinson’s rehabilitation program can help improve your symptoms and quality of life. For personalised advice, contact our team at Royal Rehab.
Why is rehabilitation important for people with PD?
Parkinson’s Disease can affect mobility, posture, muscle strength, handwriting, voice volume, thinking, memory and cardiovascular conditioning, all of which can affect walking, balance and endurance. Rehabilitation is a great way for people with PD to improve their symptoms.
Types of rehabilitation activities
Rehabilitation activities will depend on your needs and goals, your rehabilitation team will guide you with appropriate activities which are suitable for you. They will include exercises and may include treatment to improve your speech, practice of everyday tasks, dietary advice and emotional support.
Importantly, whatever you do should address your goals and be engaging and of interest to you so you feel motivated to build the rehabilitation activities into your everyday life. Physical activities can include walking, running, swimming along with specific exercises addressing coordination, flexibility, strength and balance.
What can a rehabilitation program involve?
- High-energy exercise classes that will stimulate your brain and body.
- Physiotherapy with a focus on specific exercises that address issues with mobility, balance, flexibility, strength, coordination and tremor. Review and prescription of walking aids can also be provided. Hydrotherapy in a heated pool may be beneficial.
- Speech Pathology. Our program is based on the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) principles and the ‘Think LOUD!’ goal to improve your breathing and speech.
- Occupational Therapy can help you maintain as much independence as possible in day-to-day tasks.
- Clinical psychology can support you with your mental health.
- Dietetics to enable you to make appropriate and beneficial dietary choices.
Start Your Parkinson’s rehabilitation journey with Royal Rehab
At Royal Rehab Private Hospital, we will help you understand Parkinson’s Disease and the type of activity and health choices that are important to incorporate in your life. We will guide you through our PD Warrior program, provided by our experienced and qualified team with exercises customised to your individual needs, and support you as you work towards better health and quality of life.
