Parkinson's Physical Therapy Charleston, SC

+ What Is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is a movement disorder caused by a progressive nervous system disease that stops the brain’s production of dopamine. The loss of dopamine causes your body to have difficulty coordinating muscular movement. Parkinson’s affects about one million people in the United States, and each case is different and unpredictable in the symptoms it causes in each person.

+ What Are Parkinson’s Symptoms?

While some Parkinson’s symptoms are apparent, others are difficult for doctors and movement specialists to detect. This makes it essential to visit a movement specialist if you suspect the beginning of Parkinson’s symptoms. Although the symptoms are different for each person, some of the most common ones include:

• Tremors

• Muscle stiffness

• Slowed movement (bradykinesia)

• Balance problems

• Slurred and slowed speech

• Difficulty writing

• Stooped posture

+ What Causes Parkinson’s?

The cause of the damage to the brain’s cells responsible for Parkinson’s is unknown. Factors that may contribute to the onset of Parkinson’s include:

• Genetics. Although specific gene mutations may play a role, it seems rare except for cases in which many family members have Parkinson’s.

• Environment. Some studies indicate a link between Parkinson’s and a previous head injury and exposure to toxins found in insecticides and other chemical products.

• Lewy bodies. Protein deposits known as Lewy bodies cause dementia. They may also contribute to Parkinson’s when they accumulate in a specific part of the brain.

+ What Are the Risk Factors For Parkinson’s?

Even though the cause for Parkinson’s is unknown, certain risk factors might exist, such as:

• Gender. Although it remains unclear, estrogen may offer protection and cause women’s risk for Parkinson’s to be considerably less than men’s. Other possibilities for the gender difference include men’s higher incidence of head trauma and exposure to environmental toxins.

• Age. Most cases occur after the age of 60. The numbers increase from 1 percent of the population to 5 percent after the age of 85.

• Family history. Although a family history increases your risk for Parkinson’s, it remains very slight.

+ What Complications Accompany Parkinson’s?

In addition to the well-known problems of tremors and muscle rigidity, Parkinson’s causes complications such as:

• Cognitive impairment

• Depression, anxiety, and fear

• Difficulty swallowing

• Sleep disorders

• Constipation

• Bladder difficulties

• Loss of smell

+ How Can Physical Therapy Help With Parkinson’s?

Our therapists are trained movement specialists as well as being LSVT BIG certified. LSVT BIG is a research-based exercise program developed specifically for patients with Parkinson’s Disease. We can help you with your symptoms today and as symptoms change in the future. We conduct a comprehensive evaluation that includes examining your walk, balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility. You then receive an individualized treatment plan that may include strength, balance, and flexibility exercises to help you live a happy and fulfilling life.