The Best Exercises and Physical Activities for Parkinson’s

Regular exercise is a must for persons suffering with Parkinson’s disease. Both physical therapy and exercises that strengthen muscles should be an integral part of managing this incurable, progressive condition that is directly connected to the functioning of the nervous system. Enlisting the help of a qualified physical therapist to both implement and monitor a customized exercise plan would go a long way in helping the Parkinson’s patient as studies have proven that regular exercise can improve the quality of life for sufferers by relieving some of the common symptoms of the debilitating disease.

A good exercise regime for individuals with Parkinson’s should include walking, stretching of the arms, hands, legs and feet as well as strengthening and flexing of all of the limbs of the body. Improved mobility is one of the most important goals of exercise and physical activity for Parkinson’s sufferers. Exercises that are geared towards strengthening muscles, aiding in toning and in putting tight and rarely used muscles to work to help keep them limber and in the best working order possible are the best choices. Although regular exercise will not slow down Parkinson’s disease, it will improve strength to the body, which will help the patient physically but also mentally by allowing them a certain modicum of control over their condition. Preserving the Parkinson patient’s mental well-being should always be a top priority when it comes to any aspect of the disease.

Engaging in exercise on a regular basis yields many health benefits such as improving balance, strengthening muscles, thereby improving the quality of speech and alleviating swallowing difficulties, and overcoming problems with standing, walking and turning around (also referred to as problems with gait). Some patients enjoy the structure of a regimented exercise program while others prefer to get their exercise by indulging in other forms of physical activity. Some of these activities include calisthenics, walking, swimming and gardening. Using exercise machines such as a stepper or treadmill can also provide light physical activity that can be very useful for the body.

Incorporating exercise into the Parkinson patient’s day-to-day life yields a host of benefits, which include an increase in cardiovascular health, improved balance and coordination, an increase in both flexibility and muscle strength, improved control over gross motor movements (as an example, walking), and improved mobility in the joints. Other benefits include a reduction in the incidence of muscle cramping, an improvement to posture, the prevention of deformity taking place in joints, lowered levels of stress and finally, more confidence in doing ordinary daily tasks.

It is important for the person diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease to always remain in close consultation with his or her doctor and/or health care provider to ensure that the exercise plan the patient is following is appropriate. As a general guideline, the individual with Parkinson’s should set a goal to get at least fifteen to twenty minutes of exercise per day. Taking the time to warm up by following a stretching program is a smart idea as is doing cooling down exercises at the end of the exercise session. Marching in place is another option for warm ups or cool downs. Begin your exercise program gradually by starting out with the most basis and easiest to do exercises and working up to the more difficult ones. Other key points to keep in mind include not overexerting yourself physically by pushing beyond your limits. In other words stop and rest your body if you feel fatigued. Always do your best to make exercising enjoyable so you will not abandon it. Suggestions are to play music you really like and/or to find an exercise buddy.