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Current research demonstrates rehabilitation can alleviate some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. At Capital Health, we provide a full complement of therapies to help patients manage symptoms and improve overall function. Our occupational, physical, and speech-language therapists team is trained and certified in top treatment protocols for Parkinson’s disease.
Do you notice any of the following symptoms?
- Walking problems (changes in gait patterns)
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- Falls, trips, slips (loss of balance)
- Tight and spastic muscles (muscle rigidity)
- Problems with coordination
- Coughing, choking with swallowing (dysphagia)
- Difficulty with clear speech (dysarthria)
- Difficulty eating, weight loss (dysphagia)
- Reduced voice loudness (dysphonia)
- Pain
- Increased confusion/slow thought processing (cognitive changes)
- Handwriting getting smaller (micrographia)
- Shaking (tremors)
- Problems with everyday activities (thinking, handwriting, dressing, bathing, etc.)
Therapy may help you:
- Improve walking and balance
- Increase speed and motion
- Improve coordination
- Increase flexibility
- Increase the ability to be understood when speaking
- Improve swallow function and safety
- Enhance cognition
- Decrease pain
- Improve size and legibility of handwriting
- Increase strength
- Improve performance in everyday living
We will design a therapy program especially for you. Therapy may include:
- Large coordinated movements with arms, legs and body under careful therapist supervision
- Programs such as LVST BIG, LSVT LOUD and PWR! (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery)
- Enhancing awareness, improving ability to self correct body positions
- Enhancing ability to spontaneously react to challenges provided by the environment
- Learning new walking techniques
- Dynamic balance training
- Speech therapy
- Swallowing therapy
- Cognitive – language therapy
- Training in everyday and leisure activities
Therapy sessions are generally three to four times per week for up to 6 weeks duration. Personalized home exercises and activities are usually given as homework. Obtain a prescription for therapy from your physician and schedule time for an evaluation so your therapist can address your concerns and evaluate your performance.
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