Parkinson’s patients tend to experience stiffness in muscles and joints
which lead to difficulty in walking and maintaining a balanced posture. Since
the muscles tend to get rigid, it causes pain. Also, they find it difficult to
complete their daily tasks and require help. This is because the hand movement
becomes slow and it causes pain while using it actively. In such cases,
physical therapy, occupational therapy and yoga can help a great deal.
Physical Therapy
According to a study by North-western University and Rehabilitation
Institute of Chicago, 2.5 hours of exercise a week may help PD patients improve
their mobility impairment and enhance their quality of life. Exercising reduces
the slowness movement (Bradykinesia), pain and weakness from the body.
Occupational Therapy
Exercises pertaining to arm and hand therapy, handwriting aids, manual
or electric wheelchair, grooming and dressing aids can help PD patients loosen
up their muscles and reduce the severity of pain. Also, this therapy helps in
assisting PD fighters to complete their daily task.
Yoga and Meditation
The benefits of yoga and meditation are known to
many around the world. It helps in reducing stress and anxiety levels. To treat
pain in Parkinson’s, asanas like Downward-facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) can
help in reducing back pain as it helps in stretching and calming the muscles.
One can also try Pranayama and Hatha Yoga as these yoga techniques help in
making the joints and muscles flexible.
Reference: Manoj Agarwala
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