Acknowledgement
We would like to thank Mariella Graziano, Physiotherapist, Luxembourg, for her contributions to this section.
By assessing, evaluating and monitoring the effects that Parkinson’s has on a person’s mobility – including gait, posture, balance, transfers (e.g. getting in and out of bed or a chair) and dexterity – physiotherapy can help improve quality of life. Difficulties with simple daily activities can be eased, and some patients have even reported alleviation of Parkinson’s-related non-motor symptoms.
Here we have summarised some of the ways that physiotherapists can help people with Parkinson’s:
Early referral to a physiotherapist is recommended as this can enable the therapist to prevent some problems from worsening. However, all people with Parkinson’s, regardless of the stage of the condition, can benefit from physiotherapy to help them maintain as much functional ability and physical mobility as possible.
Physiotherapists will provide advice on how carers should support the person they are caring for, but it is also important that they help carers maintain their own health. For example, it is crucial that the carer understands and practices safe lifting and handling techniques to prevent injury to both the carer (especially their back, neck and shoulders) and the person they are caring for.
The sections on physiotherapy within this site describe how a physiotherapist might help someone with Parkinson’s in the early, middle and advanced stages of the condition. However it is important to note that each person with Parkinson’s is very different and the type of problems experienced, the rate at which they progress, and their severity varies greatly from person to person.
Terms used to describe people who look after or provide support, voluntarily and without payment, to relatives, partners or friends who are ill, aged or disabled.
See section on Carers.
A symptom of advanced Parkinson's disease where the person becomes ‘glued’ to the spot for a few seconds or minutes before being able to walk.
See section on Freezing.
Symptoms other than those affecting movement. In Parkinson's disease they include depression, drooling, swallowing problems, fatigue, pain, and sleep /night-time problems.
