Physiotherapy deals with physical weaknesses and difficulties that occur as a result of injury, illness or ageing. Physiotherapists can help with assessing, diagnosing and treating disabilities to restore normal physical function. By using physical techniques, including exercise, heat treatments, manipulation and hydrotherapy, physiotherapy can help improve movement and muscle function.
Physiotherapists with a special interest in Parkinson’s focus on the person’s ability to perform transfers (e.g. getting in and out of bed), posture, dexterity, balance and gait. They will also deal with non-motor problems such as pain, sleep difficulties, depression, anxiety, bladder and bowel problems, and how they affect the person’s physical performance.
Physiotherapy can really help improve quality of life following assessment, evaluation and monitoring of the effects that Parkinson’s has on a person’s mobility. Difficulties with simple daily activities can also be eased, for example walking, standing up, turning in bed and preventing falls. Muscle strength and stiff joints may also be improved through exercise, helping you to maintain as much independence as possible.
