Parkinson’s is a complex condition, but engaging a multidisciplinary health team can help manage a range of symptoms. One of the specialists you might engage with, is a physiotherapist.
Physiotherapists use exercise and other forms of physical therapy to help keep people mobile when they are affected by a long-term condition, such as Parkinson’s. It is never too soon to see a physiotherapist. If you care for someone with Parkinson’s, you can also see a physiotherapist. They will help you take good care of yourself, as well as the person you look after.
When you see a physiotherapist, they will assess you to see how Parkinson’s affects your physical movement. They will then help you to manage any problems you might have through exercise or other treatments. This may include helping to reduce stiffness, addressing changes in posture, as well as maintaining gait and sit-to-stand movements.
A physiotherapist can be instrumental in helping you understand your condition, providing information and education regarding symptoms, management strategies and changes to look out for. They can also help you establish exercise plans and routines. With research suggesting that exercise can be a significant tool in symptom management, it is never too early or too late to start.
By visiting a physiotherapist early in your journey, they can help put practices in place to ensure you have the best mobility possible for as long as possible.
Mobility big and small
When you think about mobility, lots of people immediately think about walking, and while this is part of mobility, there is more to it than that.
A physio can help you work on all aspects of mobility, that includes small muscle movements and subconscious movements, for example postural adjustments and balance reactions.
Visiting a physiotherapist
If you’ve never been to a physiotherapist before it can be hard to know what to expect.
In your first appointments, your practitioner will spend time discussing your condition and current capabilities to gain an understanding of what has led you to attending the appointment. The initial assessment will also review symptoms, movements and functional tasks that reflect your current capabilities.
From here they’ll work with you to develop a tailored program specific to your needs, whether that be treatments for existing concerns or encouraging movement towards improved muscle strength, control and function.
The physiotherapist may:
- Recommend exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility
- Help you maintain your fitness
- Work with you to improve balance and prevent falls
- Prescribe movement aids
- Help with your symptom management, for example pain and fatigue.
Your physio will also work with you to ensure you can continue to support your own movement at home.
If you are nervous about going alone, you can bring a support person with you. Your carers are also welcome to attend appointments. Sometimes having a second set of ears to take in information and write notes can help ensure that you retain all the information the clinician may provide you.
Finding the right team
Some physiotherapists have more experience with movement disorders than others. If you are struggling to find a physiotherapist that works for you, consider looking for someone who has worked previously with other people living with Parkinson’s.
The most important thing however is ensuring that you are comfortable with the physio you see. If you don’t ‘click’ with the first person you see, it may be worth visiting another person until you find the right clinician for you.
As primary healthcare providers, you do not need a referral from your GP to book into a physiotherapist. However, if you are wanting to access a physio through a specific service, for example through a public health program, you may need a referral from your GP.
Physio for everyone
Physiotherapists aren’t only useful for people living with Parkinson’s, but their family members too, if they are involved with care.
They can help carers look after their own mobility and review strategies to physically help their loved one in achieving their goals.
If you are unsure if seeing a physiotherapist is right for you, the Fight Parkinson’s Multidisciplinary Health Team is available to provide further information. They can also provide advice about physiotherapists that may be suitable for you.
Call: 1800 931 031
Email: [email protected]
