Treatment of Parkinson’s does not just rely on medical treatments, such as drugs and surgery. Many other health and social care disciplines (sometimes grouped together under the umbrella term ‘allied health professionals’) will play a vital role in management – including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and dietetics.
Parkinson’s is a complicated, individual condition that most people live with for many years. For this reason, a multidisciplinary approach to management, involving several of these professions working together, is important to ensure that you retain your independence and continue to enjoy the best quality of life possible. Most health and social care disciplines also recommend early referral to their services for assessment and advice.
This section provides a guide to some of the professions that are involved in the management of Parkinson’s. Knowledge of the roles that these different services can play in your care will help you to identify those who will be most able to help you with any specific problems that you are experiencing and also assist you to make informed choices about your treatment.
Anyone working in allied health professions within European state health systems, such as the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), will be properly trained and registered with their country’s regulatory body for their profession.
In most countries, you can also see them privately, although if you choose this option, it is important to make sure they are properly qualified. Your national Parkinson’s association should be able to advise further on accessing health and social care professionals where you live.
Many people with Parkinson’s are also interested in complementary therapies – non-conventional treatments, often based on ancient systems, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy and herbal medicine.
Although there is limited scientific evidence about complementary therapies and Parkinson’s, anecdotal evidence suggests that many people with the condition find complementary therapy techniques helpful, especially for relaxation and to reduce stress and depression. This section provides a guide to complementary therapies in general as well as specific techniques that people with Parkinson’s have tried.
Remember to consult your doctor before trying any form of complementary therapy. Depending on how Parkinson’s affects you, some techniques may not be suitable and some herbal medicines are contraindicated with medications used to treat Parkinson’s.
Health profession that treats people of all ages who have physical problems that occur as a result of injury, illness or ageing. Methods they use include exercise, heat treatments, manipulation and hydrotherapy.
See section on Physiotherapy.
Health profession who help people of all ages who have problems with communication, swallowing, drooling, eating and drinking.
Health profession that helps people of all ages who are disabled, ill or aged to remain independent and lead fulfilling lives at home, in work and through leisure pursuits. The methods they use include specific activities and equipment.
See section on Occupational Therapy.
The care and treatment of the feet (also called chiropody).
A podiatrist (or chiropodist) deals with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the lower limb.
The scientific study and regulation of the diet.
Non-conventional health treatments, often based on ancient systems, which many people use in addition to conventional medicine. Examples include acupuncture, the Alexander technique, aromatherapy, ayurveda, creative therapies (involving art, music, dance or drama), chiropractic, herbal medicine, homeopathy, osteopathy, Pilates, reflexology, tai chi and yoga.
See section on Complementary Therapies.
A technique of inserting and manipulating ultra-fine needles into "acupuncture points" on the body with the aim of restoring health and well-being.
See section on acupuncture.
An ancient practice that uses essential oils (essences from aromatic plants) to improve physical and emotional well-being.
See section on aromatherapy.
A complementary therapy that uses plants or plant extracts to treat illness.
See section on herbal medicine.
Evidence that is based on observations or indications rather than rigorous or scientific analysis.
Anecdotal evidence is often unscientific because it cannot be investigated using recognised or established scientific methods.
QuickTime Player is a multimedia application developed by Apple Inc. that allows you to play various formats of digital video, media clips, sound, text, animation, music, and several types of interactive panoramic images.
The QuickTime player is free to download and install from the Apple website.
A mental state of melancholia, unhappiness or sadness characterized by decreased energy, reduced interest in sex, suppressed appetite, too much sleep or sleep disturbance, a pessimistic sense of inadequacy, a despondent lack of activity, despair, and discouragement.
