A Parkinsons Disease Exercise Routine Is Important To Maximize Mobility And Balance

By Amanda Barnes


Parkinson's disease can strike anyone, but most people associate it with older individuals. This condition has no cure, but the symptoms can be reduced to a certain extent with medication. Stress can make the hand tremors and involuntary movements more noticeable, and one of the best ways to relieve the stress is by exercising. That is why most doctors recommend a Parkinsons disease exercise regimen along with medication.

Depending on where you are in the progression of this disease, your doctor can recommend a regimen that will work for your situation. If you have questions or concerns about this course of treatment, you should meet with the doctor prior to beginning your workouts. It is possible that some types of exercises may actually make your symptoms worse, so following the doctor's directions is important. It is also important not to overdo because fatigue can trigger symptoms.

You may not be able to start off doing your complete workout. Your doctor will help you with some realistic goals in the beginning. Five or ten minutes may be the maximum you can do without becoming overly tired. It can take several weeks to get used to the routine and accomplish complete sets of exercises for a thirty minute period.

It is not unusual for Parkinson's sufferers to experience a progressive lack of facial expression. This can be accompanied by a reduced ability to speak expressively. Doctors often recommend specific facial exercises to increase mobility and singing to work vocal cords and throat muscles. Since you are not rehearsing for Broadway with your singing, it won't matter how good you sound to others.

Water aerobics are great for Parkinson's patients. The buoyancy of the water allows them to do exercises that would be impossible out of the water. While many, who love to swim, do laps in addition to the aerobics, it is not necessary to leave the shallow end of the pool to get the benefit of water exercises.

Falling and getting off balance are big issues for most people with Parkinson's. Before you begin your work out regimen, you should remove anything that could trip you or cause you to slip, such as an area or throw rug. Some patients actually attach railings to walls in the room where they work out in order to prevent falls and injuries. Good lighting is essential as well.

Not everybody likes to work out. If this is not something you enjoy, even after you have given it a try, you might find something else that gives you some exercise in a more natural setting. Gardening or walking may suit you better.

No one wants to get the news that they have Parkinson's. It can be a frightening and depressing diagnosis. Facing it with a positive attitude, finding the most effective medications, and exercising regularly will help you cope.




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