Did you know that in Australia, 1 in every 308 people have Parkinson’s Disease? (Parkinson’s Australia, 2020).
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative and progressive condition that causes the poverty of movement. The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not known; however, it is linked to a gradual decline in the levels of neurotransmitter in the brain. The loss of neurotransmitter disrupts the link between the brain and the body, making all movements very slow and small. Other symptoms may include tremor, reduced balance, emotional/psychological disturbances and a higher risk of falls. At the point of diagnosis, it is estimated that 50-60% of the neurotransmitter producing cells in the brain have already perished.
The Good News!
There is a growing evidence base that shows that neuroactive exercise can help retain the remaining neurotransmitter in the brain. This may slow down the progression of the disease and improve mobility and quality of life for individuals. The exercises focus on introducing “BIG” movements that are also challenging for the brain. This also promotes neuroplasticity or the brain’s ability to make new movement connections from the brain to the body.
Physionorth offers a Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Program which includes:
• 1:1 Assessment with a trained physiotherapist
• 1:1 Exercise sessions with a trained physiotherapist
• A home exercise program
• Group exercises classes led by a physiotherapist
Please contact the clinic on 4724 0768 for more information or to book an initial session with a friendly physiotherapist!