Jill Phelan, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, Cert LSVT
We have all heard of Parkinson's Disease (PD) and likely know someone or have a loved one that has been affected by this disease. The prevalence of PD continues to rise, with currently up to 8 million people living with it and on-trend to double in the next two decades. But what is it? And how can we treat and combat the functional limitations that can accompany the diagnosis?
There are many Parkinsonian Disorders, but most commonly, its origin is idiopathic or has no known cause. In PD, nerve cells in the brain begin to break down and reduce the production of a chemical called Dopamine. Dopamine helps messages in our brain to be sent to their designated locations! Typically, individuals have a resting tremor, postural instability (balance), rigidity and varying levels of hypokinesia and bradykinesia. Hypokinesia means reduced amplitude or range of movement and bradykinesia means slowed movement. These physical symptoms can appear with patients having delayed reactions/ initiation of movements ('freezing') and inadequate completion of movements. So, you guessed it! It's hard to move! With these physical symptoms, people are at higher risk for depression and possible dementia and cognitive issues.
Almost all PD patients, upon diagnosis, are provided medication, typically to replicate Dopamine's job. Unfortunately, this is usually only one piece of the puzzle in care and management, as there is no current cure. Parkinson's patients often benefit from physical therapy for movement patterns, strength and balance. There is also a more specialized therapy, LSVT BIG Therapy, directed specifically to this population! BIG Therapy is different in that it is geared toward PD patients to force normal use of their body and retrains for normal use to make one's movement pattern feel and look 'normal' (think bigger steps, reaching further, and able to start and stop more precisely). BIG Therapy sessions are based on a protocol with the patient attending four days a week for four weeks! This repetition and consistency in the treatment construct encourage improved carryover to functional changes in one's day–to–day life. Treatment is also curtailed towards one's goals of all types (playing golf, getting up out of the garden, housework, etc.) Not all therapists are certified in this treatment, and a therapist must go through a certification process and testing to be able to perform this treatment!
If you or someone you know is interested, feel free to contact me, Jill Phelan, PT, DPT, Cert. DN, Cert LSVT, at Professional Rehabilitation Services (843) 733-3031. I am the primary physical therapist at our Conway location and would be more than happy to discuss further and determine if this treatment is right for you! We can talk about the course of care further, as well as insurance coverage and expectations post-treatment. You can call the office and set up a 15-minute consult for this discussion or contact your local medical provider for a referral to begin! Besides treatment for Parkinson's, our staff also treats ailments and other issues with the neurological system, balance, vertigo and most orthopedic conditions. We are here to help you from head to toe! For more information about LSVT BIG, you may visit www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTbig. You can also get more information about all 9 of our clinics in the Grand Strand area as well as the conditions we treat at www.prsrehabservices.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
