Parkinson’s affects one’s nervous system, causing uncontrollable motor reactions. To regain bodily control, enhance motor abilities, and minimize pain, many people with Parkinson’s seek therapy. Here are ways to improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients and optimize your therapy sessions.
Balance and Control Training
Between the tremors, stiff muscles, and impaired posture, it’s common for someone with Parkinson’s to lose their center of balance. There are numerous exercises that expose patients to situations with reduced stability and enhance features that support one’s self-control, such as muscle strengthening and core building. Implementing different forms of balance training, like horse riding simulations, yoga, and lateral weight shifting, allows patients to foster better body control. Plus, it minimizes the risks of falling over and getting injured.
Confidence Building Activities
Enduring any form of major life change takes a toll on one’s confidence. Parkinson’s doesn’t just alter one’s motor controls and nervous system—it also affects various life aspects. Helping your patients build their confidence improves their lifestyle in numerous ways. The right mindset affects one’s ability to strive for new opportunities, motivate themselves to continue growing, cut ties with negative weights, and build a more positive outlook on life. Implementing activities that challenge your patient’s independence and surround them with positive mental motivation builds their confidence and ability to overcome life changes.
Massage Therapy
Stiff muscles and poor posture force those with Parkinson’s into uncomfortable positions and cause an abundance of pain. Offering some form of massage therapy to your patients relaxes rigid muscles and any strain they may experience from the constantly curved spine. Plus, it eases one’s mind. The tremors, pains, and other symptoms make it challenging to get some shut-eye. Entering a relaxing state of mind makes it easier to fall asleep and more likely for someone to enjoy a deeper rest. Good sleep improves one’s quality of life, keeping them energized, present, and in a better mood.
Movement Exercises
Parkinson’s disease compromises one’s motor abilities and greatly affects their body. Engaging in physical activity helps patients strengthen their motor skills, giving them more mobility, flexibility, and added strength. It also keeps your patients healthy and keeps their bodies in top shape. Like the long list of balance activities, there are countless movement exercises and tools that get your patients moving, from weight lifting to dancing.
Implementing these four ways to improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients enhances your therapy sessions to cater to their needs. These methods allow your patients to regain control over their bodies, strengthen their skills, minimize pain and negativity, and stay healthy through movement. Further enhance your sessions and your patient’s quality of life with Parkinson’s therapy equipment that’ll help you incorporate these tips and tricks in your therapy sessions. When you boost your therapy sessions and equipment, you also improve the lives of those you help.