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

By Amanda Barnes


Parkinson's disease can strike anyone, but most people associate it with older individuals. This condition has no cure, but the symptoms can be reduced to a certain extent with medication. Stress can make the hand tremors and involuntary movements more noticeable, and one of the best ways to relieve the stress is by exercising. That is why most doctors recommend a Parkinsons disease exercise regimen along with medication.

Your doctor can work with you to tailor an activity regimen that suits the stage of your illness. It is important to discuss all your concerns and get answers to your questions before you start exercising at home on your own. Depending on your particular situation, you doctor will evaluate the types of exercises that will be most beneficial and the ones you should avoid. The amount of time you spend exercising and the amount of exertion you can safely expend will be determined by your overall condition.

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.

It is not unusual for Parkinson's sufferers to experience a progressive lack of facial expression. This can be accompanied by a reduced ability to speak expressively. Doctors often recommend specific facial exercises to increase mobility and singing to work vocal cords and throat muscles. Since you are not rehearsing for Broadway with your singing, it won't matter how good you sound to others.

Water aerobics are great for Parkinson's patients. The buoyancy of the water allows them to do exercises that would be impossible out of the water. While many, who love to swim, do laps in addition to the aerobics, it is not necessary to leave the shallow end of the pool to get the benefit of water exercises.

Falling and getting off balance are big issues for most people with Parkinson's. Before you begin your work out regimen, you should remove anything that could trip you or cause you to slip, such as an area or throw rug. Some patients actually attach railings to walls in the room where they work out in order to prevent falls and injuries. Good lighting is essential as well.

Not everybody likes to work out. If this is not something you enjoy, even after you have given it a try, you might find something else that gives you some exercise in a more natural setting. Gardening or walking may suit you better.

The diagnosis of Parkinson's is frightening. Most people imagine a limited future and physical deterioration. It is possible to live a full life by staying active and maintaining a positive attitude however.




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