In one of our previous blogs, we spoke about Parkinson’s, how it affects people as well as its symptoms and stages. Parkinson’s is an extremely progressive disease of the nervous system, often developing over a long period of time with only minor symptoms. Parkinson’s affects nearly 10 million people worldwide and is one of the most common neurological diseases in the world.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, as scientists still search for it, there has been a multitude of developments in ways to better control the progression of the disease while assisting those affected by it. Everyday discoveries are made that help scientists and medical professionals better understand the debilitating disease, discoveries like common protein abnormalities with other diseases that may someday lead to the cure of Parkinson’s, or at least the prevention. While the microbial science aspect of Parkinson’s research is a little out of our wheelhouse here at HomeCARE furniture by ComforTek,  we can, however, share some information that we have learned a little bit about the importance and benefits of physical therapy for Parkinson’s patients.

Why Is Physical Therapy Important?

For a Parkinson’s caregiver, it is extremely important to understand the importance of physical therapy, whether it is a scheduled appointment with a medical professional, or if it is an “at home exercise” schedule that the physical therapist has prescribed. Physical therapy, more specifically for Parkinson’s, is aimed to reduce the physical symptoms of a person's disease. During the progression of the neurodegenerative disease, chemicals in the brain like dopamine are lost as the nerve cells in the brain deteriorate, thus affecting thought processes, moods, decision making, balance, and body movements. While there are some medications that can potentially reduce the effects of Parkinson’s on a person’s motor skills temporarily, physical therapy aims to make progress on a patient's motor skills more permanently. While physical therapy is not a physical form of caregiver support, it is bound to make life easier for a caregiver if the therapy is effective. Below, we have compiled a short list of the end-goals of physical therapy for Parkinson's patients.

• A physical therapist’s primary goal for Parkinson’s patient is to both improve and maintain a level of mobility that results in independence and a higher quality of life for the patient. Evidently, this will also prove to be an asset to the Parkinson’s caregiver or the Parkinson’s care facility where the patient lives.
• A physical therapist also aims to improve the patient's mobility through strategic exercises that are often tailored to meet the needs and goals of each patient.
• Sometimes during the progression of Parkinson’s, a patient may develop issues with their gait (a person's manner of walking) and posture. Physical therapists may develop strategies to correct the abnormalities that the patient has developed since their diagnosis.
• Posture abnormalities also may affect the balance of the Parkinson’s patient, so the physical therapist may improve the patient's posture so that they may reduce the risk of the patient falling.
• While typically physical therapists are thought of as medical professionals that purely work with the skeletal muscle system, they also may be able to work with their patients on issues such as breathing patterns and breathing efficiency by improving the patient's physical stature.
• Physical therapists are also a resource for family members and Parkinson’s caregivers as an educator. Therapists may be able to better inform Parkinson’s caregivers and family members of ways to better help care for the patient.

If you or somebody you know has a family member or friend that has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, make the suggestion that they seek a physical therapist for treatment, or at the very least a consult, because a physical therapist could provide valuable insight on how to be an effective Parkinson’s caregiver.

In-Home Mobility For Parkinson’s Patients

At HomeCARE furniture by ComforTek, we have a passion for helping people suffering from disabilities as a result of old age or disease to maintain their independence and grow old comfortably in their own home. Now, we know that creating independence for Parkinson’s patients does not have a single solution, requiring a combination of factors such as mobility equipment for the elderly, Parkinson’s caregivers, Parkinson’s care facilities, physical therapists, family support, and so much more, but we are proud that we can help make people's lives easier and more accessible.  

At HomeCARE furniture by ComforTek, we have a large inventory of accessibility chairs that allow both Parkinson’s caregivers and patients to move around their home with ease, while also reducing the risk of injury to both of them. Check out our inventory of mobility chairs, ranging in function from swivel dining room chairs with casters to high backed kitchen chairs for the elderly with bariatric support. At HomeCARE Furniture by Comfortek we are happy to be able to keep those with mobility issues in their home longer, and more comfortably.