Parkinson's disease is all about managing the symptoms and taking control over the things that you can have some measure of control over. Exercise can give a Parkinson's patient the ability to gain...

Parkinson’s disease is all about managing the symptoms and taking control over the things that you can have some measure of control over. Exercise can give a Parkinson’s patient the ability to gain some control over gross movements such as walking, holding objects and in being more flexible. Exercise strengthens, and tones muscles. Your physical therapist can work out a schedule of activities that are designed around working your entire body. You will be able to do strengthening exercises for your arms and hands and walking for control over your legs as well as another day doing yoga for the flexibility you will gain over your joints. Exercise improves not only the ability to control your limbs, but to improve your posture and your ability to move. Especially in the later stages of Parkinson’s posture is very important. When a person develops the habit of stooping over, this affects their ability to swallow and to breathe correctly.

Important exercises to participate in that help to improve posture are calisthenics, Pilates, swimming and yoga. Practicing sitting upright with your back straight is an important posture exercise; so many people today slouch while sitting and are developing poor posture.

Regular exercise can also reduce symptoms such as reducing the occurrence of muscle cramps, rigidity of the joints and even reducing the experience of aches and pains that may be noticed when sitting still for too long of a period of time. Exercise will not improve the tremors though the movement can make the tremors cease for the moment. It is important not to overdo it on the exercise, so take it slow and limit your exercise time to 15 to 20 minutes a session. Make a point to have a cool down session at the end of each exercise session in order to avoid muscle cramps and injuries.

If exercising isn’t your “cup of tea” you may consider asking a friend, neighbor or family member to join you in doing your exercise program. Add variety to your exercise program to reduce boredom so that you are more likely to stick to your exercise plan.

Your doctor can steer you in the right direction regarding what exercises are appropriate. You can sometimes find community groups in which the exercise instructor is familiar with Parkinson’s disease.

It is important to know your limits, start out with a warm-up stretch or other warm-up exercise like walking around a garden or gymnasium, and then to limit your time exercising to 15 or 20 minutes with a cool-down period at the end. Make sure you drink plenty of water before during and after the exercise period. Monitor your exercise progress and report your results to your doctor. There are many benefits to exercising that are not physical in nature. Exercising puts you into an energized and uplifting mood. Exercise makes you feel more in control of your body and let’s face it; those who have Parkinson’s rarely get to feel like they are in control of their own body, so this is a good thing.

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