Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition. People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of a chemical called dopamine because some nerve cells in their brain have died.
Without dopamine people can find that their movements become slower. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s but we know that medication helps as does Deep Brain Stimulation, BUT NEURO PHYSIO & EXERCISE IS THE ONLY PROMISE FOR SLOWING PARKINSON’S DOWN CURRENTLY.
I recently went on a Parkinson’s Disease Warrior course which is an Australian founded programme that focuses on teaching physiotherapists the main problems that occur in mild Parkinson’s and what exercises can help to slow down the progression from the start. The course was focused on providing physiotherapy for individuals who do not necessarily have problems with their balance or who have had falls, but for people who might have one sided limbs affected or even both sides.
As our brain is able to rewire pathways and protect itself through the process of neuroplasticity and neuroprotection, individuals with early Parkinson’s are advised to carry out neuro-active exercises. This is exercise that is challenging physically and psychologically and is meaningful to one’s environment and life. REGULAR EXERCISE WILL NOT DO THE JOB! These exercises can help improve the primary motor impairments of Parkinson’s, which includes: hypokinesia (small movements), bradykinesia (slow movements), tremors and rigidity or stiffness.