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Make Your Move
The right people and tools can help you stick with exercise through the ups , downs and in-betweens of Parkinson ’ s . Pick as many or few as are useful , and adjust , as needed , over time . The best supports are likely to change as Parkinson ’ s , goals and exercise abilities change .
Build an Exercise Team
Just as you ’ ve enlisted a group of people to support your Parkinson ’ s journey , you can engage a team to support your exercise journey . ( If you haven ’ t built your PD team yet , don ’ t wait !) Think of yourself as an athlete — who do you want in your corner ? Better yet , what do you want or need to support exercise , and who can help ? Is it motivation , a schedule , or exercises to stay injury-free ? Could a loved one offer regular encouragement , a fellow exerciser help you stay on track and a physical therapist keep you moving as much as possible ?
“ I worked with an occupational therapist to relearn how to walk side by side with my wife , holding her hand and having a conversation without stumbling or losing balance .”
By starting with what you need , you can create a team to meet those needs . If you ’ re not sure what you need or where to start , your Parkinson ’ s doctor and physical or occupational therapist can help .
Do I have to do physical therapy , occupational therapy and exercise ?
Not necessarily . But there are times in Parkinson ’ s when PT and OT , even for a short time , may be particularly helpful . These include :
+ At diagnosis Even if you ’ re a regular exerciser or have mild symptoms , try to see PT and / or OT soon after diagnosis . They ’ ll test your movement , measure motor and non-motor symptoms that might impact activity and assess your physical activity and exercise levels . This is your “ starting point ,” or baseline . From there , they ’ ll design a personal exercise program that aims to lessen or prevent symptoms . This is called “ prehab ” — using therapy early , before symptoms like falls happen , rather than after they come on or cause injury , which is “ rehab .” Following initial sessions , check in with PT and OT every six to 12 months , at least . This lets your therapist reevaluate your symptoms , catch changes early , and adjust exercise or therapy for the most benefit .
Larry Gifford