What is a physiotherapist in Parkinson's?
A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who deals with physical weaknesses and difficulties that occur as a result of injury, illness or ageing. Physiotherapists assess, diagnose and treat disabilities to restore normal physical function. Using physical techniques - including exercise, heat treatments, manipulation and hydrotherapy - a physiotherapist can help improve movement and muscle function.1
When working with Parkinson's, it is recommended that the
physiotherapist has specific expertise and experience of this condition. The physiotherapist's objective is to improve quality of life by
maintaining or increasing the person with Parkinson's independence, safety and well-being. This is achieved through prevention of inactivity and falls, improving functional activity and decreasing limitations in activities. Objectives are focused on:
- the examination
of: physical capacity
- transfers, that is moving from one surface to another, for example from a chair to a bed
- body posture
-
reaching and grasping
- balance and gait.
Physiotherapists with a special interest in Parkinson’s focus on the person’s ability to perform transfers (for example, getting in and out of bed), posture, dexterity, balance and gait.
Physiotherapists work in hospital and community settings. Ideally they work as part of a multidisciplinary team involving many different types of healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive care, although some do prefer to work alone.
