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Parkinson Disease
Parkinson disease (PD) is a disease that is characterized by:
• Tremor of a limb when resting
• Slowness of movement also known as bradykinesia
• Rigidity or stiffness of the limbs or trunk
• Poor balance
• Shuffling gait
• Impaired Speech Intelligibility (dysarthria)
• Swallowing impairment (dysphagia)
Initially, symptoms may be variable with a combination of tremor,
slow movements, rigidity and balance problems. Symptoms usually
start on one side of the body but gradually extend to the entire
body. Changes are also seen in facial expression which is often
referred to as the patient having a blank expression and showing
little emotion. As symptoms progress gradually, older patients may
believe these changes are due to aging.
Rehabilitation of the patient with Parkinson disease at Southern
Indiana Rehab Hospital includes the comprehensive team of Physical,
Occupational and Speech Language therapists who address issues of
mobility, balance, self-care, speech intelligibility and swallowing.
Psychology may be incorporated to assist patients with coping.
Comprehensive assessments help determine the treatment program
unique to each patient’s individual needs. Working closely with the
patient’s physician, a treatment plan is developed and goals
established.
SIRH is also able to offer therapy provided by LSVT certified
therapists. LSVT Big® is an intensive exercise program for those
individuals with Parkinson disease and other neurological
conditions. The goal of LSVT Big® is to teach patients a new way of
moving in everyday life so that common movements provide continuous
exercise. This program uses the philosophy that larger amplitude,
whole body, functional movements will train the individual for
carryover of faster walking with bigger steps, improved balance and
increased trunk rotation. Initial research has shown this program to
improve functional movements for up to three months after therapy.
If the patient incorporates these exercises into their daily
routine, it is believed that carryover can last longer.
Additionally, the patient benefits from increased strength that
comes with exercise.
LSVT Loud® is an intensive Speech Therapy program designed to
improve vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the voice box
(larynx). Exercises progress through a hierarchy of challenge
focused on the single goal of having the patient speak loudly. The
treatment improves the muscles of the respiratory system, the
laryngeal system, and the oral motor system resulting in improved
speech intelligibility. By strengthening the muscle systems, the
patient may also see benefit in improved swallowing function.
Therapy should begin early after the diagnosis of Parkinson disease.
People with PD rarely seek rehab treatment until their disability
has impaired their function, usually characterized by the loss of
balance. Even though medications are very effective early on at
alleviating most of the symptoms of Parkinson Disease, research
suggests that you should not wait until you begin to experience
problems to begin exercise.
For more information about treatment for Parkinson Disease or to
schedule an appointment, call (812) 941-6134, or have your physician
fax an order to (812) 941-6223. |
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