THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Exercise and movement are so important for people with PD — but for those who have never exercised before, or have limited mobility or balance issues, they might not know how to get started.
No matter your situation, a great way to begin is to make an appointment with a Physical Therapist (PT), ideally one who is knowledgeable about PD. Physical therapy experts from the APDA National Rehabilitation Resource Center at Boston University share their thoughts about the benefits of working with a PT:
Q: How can someone with PD benefit from physical therapy?
A: A person with PD may experience changes in their walking and/or balance, or feel they are moving slower or feel more stiffness. A Physical Therapist evaluates a person’s walking, balance, posture, strength, slowness, and stiffness and develops an exercise program that will support each person’s specific needs.
Q: When should someone with PD seek help from a PT?
A: After someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it is very helpful to be seen by a PT right away for an evaluation. The PT will design an exercise program with the goal of preventing or slowing the progression of symptoms. We recommend visiting a PT at least once a year for a “check-up” to make modifications to the exercise program to optimize mobility and to adjust for any changes in their walking, balance, or general mobility.
Q: How can I find a PT in my area who knows how to work with people with PD?
A: Contact your neurologist’s office or local hospital outpatient Physical Therapy department to see if they have PTs who specialize in treating people with PD or who are board-certified in Neurologic Physical Therapy. You can also contact the APDA National Rehabilitation Resource Center at rehab@bu.edu or at 888-606-1688.
Q: What is the difference between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?
A: Physical Therapists are experts in movement. For people with PD, they provide treatment to improve walking, balance, general mobility, endurance, and strength in addition to reducing stiffness and pain. They prescribe exercise programs to help improve mobility and slow the progression of PD symptoms. Occupational therapists help people to improve skills and abilities related to daily activities and provide treatment to improve fine motor control, handwriting, upper extremity function, everyday activities, driving, and vision among others. Both types of therapy can be helpful for people with PD.
For more information and to get help finding physical therapy resources near you, contact the APDA National Rehabilitation Resource Center at rehab@bu.edu or at 888- 606-1688. You can also view our webinar series Let’s Keep Moving With APDA presented by PT experts from Boston University.