Making Good Choices When It Comes To A Parkinsons Disease Exercise Routine

By Amanda Barnes


Parkinson's is a worldwide disease that attacks more than sixty thousand people each year. There is currently no cure for this debilitating disorder. Physicians recommend medications that can sometimes reduce symptoms, but also encourage patients to get plenty of rest and exercise in order to maintain as normal a lifestyle as possible. If you have been diagnosed with the condition, you should talk to your doctor about the best parkinsons disease exercise routine for you.

Depending on where you are in the progression of this disease, your doctor can recommend a regimen that will work for your situation. If you have questions or concerns about this course of treatment, you should meet with the doctor prior to beginning your workouts. It is possible that some types of exercises may actually make your symptoms worse, so following the doctor's directions is important. It is also important not to overdo because fatigue can trigger symptoms.

As with anyone beginning a good activity routine, you should start slowly. You might have a goal of exercising for thirty minutes at a time several days a week. In the beginning, you may only be able to handle five to ten minutes of the routine. As the weeks go by, you will be able to lengthen your routine until you reach your thirty minute goal. Warm up exercises are important for everyone.

One of the symptoms of Parkinson's, that is especially troubling for many sufferers, is the decreasing ability to create facial expressions and the dullness of speech that can occur. If this is something that concerns you, simple facial exercises are a good way to increase your expressiveness. You may not think of yourself as a great singer, but it doesn't matter. Singing out loud is good for your muscles.

If you have a membership at a YMCA or access to a community, private club, or private pool, there are a number of good aerobic water exercises that will increase your mobility and strength. Exercises you would not even attempt out of the water are possible because of the buoyancy in the pool. A lot of Parkinson's patients love to swim and do laps as a form of exercise. This is great, but you don't have to be a strong swimmer to get the benefit of exercising in a pool.

When you are exercising, safety should be a primary concern. Balance is an issue for many with the condition. If you have this problem, be sure to position yourself in an area of the room where you can grab a railing or other sturdy object to help you. Avoid, or move, things like throw rugs and make sure the room is well lit.

Regular exercising is something some people find they enjoy. Others would rather do anything else. In this instance, you should find another outlet that allows you to move and use your muscles. Some people love to garden or walk. Whatever you do, it should become a regular part of your weekly routine.

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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