Parkinson’s Disease is related to a loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce a chemical called Dopamine.  Dopamine and  other brain chemicals are normally in balance and are important for the control of body movements, thought processes, and decision making.  Parkinson’s Disease is the second most common degenerative brain disorder affecting adults.  People with Parkinson’s Disease are at risk of falling and sustaining other injuries due to their movement and balance challenges.  Treatments include a combination of medication, physical therapy and in some cases surgery.

Physical therapists help patients with Parkinson’s Disease and their families to manage their symptoms, maintain their fitness levels and help them stay as active as possible.  Patients with Parkinson’s Disease typically present with a forward, stooped posture and significantly lack rotation when they walk.  At Brunswick Physical Therapy we strive to improve their standing posture and rotation when walking, through use of manual techniques paired with the correct functional exercise.

Physical therapy cannot cure Parkinson’s disease, because at this time, neurological damage cannot be reversed.  The goal of physical therapy is to improve your independence and quality of life by improving movement and function and relieving pain. 

~ Peter St.Germain, PT