Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological condition in Australia according to the World Health Organisation (2022).
It affects over 150,000 people in Australia and the number of cases diagnosed is increasing around 4% per year (source).
Parkinson’s disease affects a person’s ability to generate quick movements, increases muscle tightness (rigidity), can cause tremor (at rest or during movement), and can lead to shuffling gait or trouble initiating gait. It’s a disorder that many of our NeuroMoves clients live with.
As well as assisting with maintaining the secondary complications listed above, exercise and physiotherapy are both great tools for people with Parkinson’s disease to better manage and improve their symptoms, preserve function and increase mobility.
John, a NeuroMoves Adelaide superstar who lives with Parkinson’s disease, has been coming to us for four years.
Diagnosed in 2014, John’s weekly sessions with Physiotherapist Noah have primarily focused on balance, walking practice and maintaining strength in his legs, arms and trunk.
These sessions have been tailored to suits John’s current goals, including being able to maintain function and reduce the decline in independence and his reliance on assistive devices, such as a walking aid.
“Exercise has kept me going. With Parkinson’s disease you need to keep going otherwise I find I would become stiff and rigid. It has kept me more mobile and independent. It has also kept my mental health positive. It has also kept me walking and doing different activities.”
Lindy also lives with Parkinson’s disease and has been coming to NeuroMoves for 2 years. She attends weekly and takes part in 1:1 Exercise Physiology sessions, as well as small group Pilates and Boxing groups.
Lindy came to us to work on her mobility and flexibility, with the aim of being able to get up and down from the floor, enabling her to interact better with her younger grandchildren.
In the two years she’s been with us, Lindy has done an amazing job at increasing her overall cardiovascular fitness, strength and mobility. She is now able to perform activities with less effort and pain, and more energy when engaging in social activities (including playing with her grandchildren and travelling with friends!).
It’s been great to watch both John and Lindy improve over the last few years and work towards their goals to live a more independent and pain-free life.
If you, or someone you know, lives with Parkinson’s disease and are interested to learn more about how we can help, please visit the links below:
