Coping with the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease - you are not alone!
I would like to share my few thoughts for World Parkinson's Day on April 11 , which is an international day to help spread awareness about Parkinson's Disease. Almost 500,000 people are suffering from Parkinson's Disease in the USA and around 30 patients with Parkinson's are diagnosed every day in Canada!The reason for giving these numbers is that you are not alone!
I don't want to dig deep into what the symptoms look like, but I would like to share a few ideas on how you can cope with the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease! There is a ton of research done on Parkinson's Disease every day and this leads to many effective strategies and coping mechanisms to help people manage their Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. I believe that it is beneficial for people with Parkinson’s Disease to try multiple of the evidence-based strategies from this research and stick to the ones that make you feel the best.
Here are a few thoughts for coping mechanisms that someone with Parkinson’s can try:
Relax your body first before starting any exercise. Also try creating the “mental route” of that exercise first before doing it by imagining you doing the excerise before you actually do it.
Incorporate breathing into your daily routine - it has to be mindful breathing with every movement.
Try stretching with wide open arms and trunk - start with the sitting position if you are not comfortable standing.
Use appropriate aids if you are already, and use the wider stance while walking and standing.
Keep a mirror in front of you and swing arms!
These all are more conscious effort than anything else, I suggest these techniques to everyone as I have seen improvements in my patients! Please perform all the exercises and techniques under the supervision of your caregiver or your therapist.
Don't let the word Parkinson's get into your head - Keep fighting! This condition cannot defeat you and as always keep smiling.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!!
Jhanvi Vyas, PT
For those people who are in Canada and are helping someone who has Parkinson's or who is suffering from Parkinson's themselves, here is the great resource for you all: Parkinson.ca