Then Benefits And Concerns When Choosing A Parkinsons Disease Exercise Regimen

By Amanda Barnes


In the United States, there are about a million cases of Parkinson's disease, and every year another sixty thousand are diagnosed worldwide. Scientists have made advances, but there is currently no cure for this debilitating condition. Medication is prescribed to relieve some of the symptoms, but the best way to maximize your ability to cope with the side effects is through a combination of the medication and a Parkinsons disease exercise routine.

There are many stages and degrees of severity associated with Parkinson's. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who can evaluate your condition and create a specific activity routine to fit your current situation. There may be certain exercises that you should avoid altogether, and your doctor can discuss these with you. Not only is it important to decide which types of exercises will be most beneficial, it is also important not to over exert yourself by exercising for extended time periods.

Your complete workout may consist of sets of exercises and cardiovascular activities that last thirty minutes or so. In the beginning, you will probably find that you tire quickly and are unable to complete the full routine. You should not be discouraged or concerned. It may take a month or more before you can get through the entire routine. It is perfectly fine to work out for five to ten minutes and gradually extend your workout. Even if you only exercise for five minutes, warming up is still important.

It is not unusual for Parkinson's sufferers to notice a lack of facial expression as their disease progresses. Vocal inflections can change and diminish. Your doctor or therapist may suggest you do a series of facial exercises to increase the mobility in your face. Singing out loud is a great exercise to stretch your vocal muscles. You don't have to be a great singer for the exercises to be effective.

A lot of Parkinson's sufferers find they really benefit from water aerobics. While some people enjoy swimming, you don't have to do laps to get a lot out of time in the pool. The water creates a buoyancy that allows you to do exercises you would not otherwise have the mobility or balance to accomplish.

As a Parkinson's sufferer you have probably already experienced balance issues. You should have sets of exercises that address the problem. It is also important to move any items, where you are working out, that could cause you to slip or fall. Many people feel more comfortable exercising close to a sturdy table or other piece of furniture to help them balance if necessary.

Not everybody likes to work out. If this is not something you enjoy, even after you have given it a try, you might find something else that gives you some exercise in a more natural setting. Gardening or walking may suit you better.

Every year more than sixty thousand people are diagnosed with this disease. It is progressive and incurable. It can be managed however, with the right medications, exercises, and attitude.




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