Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and slowing of movement. Some of the first noticeable symptoms of Parkinson's disease are voice and speech changes. As the disease progresses, it can also impact cognitive function and emotional health.
Individuals over the age of 60 are at the highest risk for developing Parkinson's disease, though it can occur in younger adults. Risk factors include a family history of the disease, exposure to certain environmental toxins and gender, with men being slightly more likely to develop Parkinson's than women.
As these symptoms can significantly impact daily life, identifying them early is crucial to managing the disease effectively through tailored treatment for Parkinson's.
Parkinson's disease patients can benefit from specialized therapies that improve their quality of life. Therapies such as physical, occupational and speech and language pathology can improve motor symptoms like tremors, rigidity and slowness of movement. These therapies also help maintain flexibility, balance and coordination for daily activities. Non-motor symptoms like sleep disturbances, depression and cognitive changes can also be addressed through tailored therapeutic strategies, improving emotional well-being and cognitive function.
Additionally, family members and caregivers of individuals with Parkinson's disease can benefit from therapies as they can gain valuable insights and strategies to provide effective support. Parkinson's disease therapy and support groups offer a comprehensive approach that not only benefits those directly affected by the disease but also extends support to those around them, fostering a network of care and understanding.
Diagnosing Parkinson's disease involves a careful examination of medical history, a review of symptoms and sometimes specialized tests to rule out other conditions. While there is no single test for Parkinson's disease, your care team will use a combination of diagnostic methods to accurately identify the disease and tailor a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan.
At Bryn Mawr Rehab, we take a creative approach to Parkinson’s disease treatment that can include speech, occupational and physical therapies, which may include:
Bryn Mawr Rehab’s physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy teams offer specialized training and experience in rehabilitation services for patients with Parkinson’s disease and are certified in LSVT BIG® and LSVT LOUD®. Our patients further benefit from technology-assisted therapy for Parkinson's disease such as the Bioness Vector, Lokomat® Pro, Lite Gait and/or Balance Master.
The focus of the group is to enhance quality of life through education, symptom management, and strategies for support and coping. Meetings are facilitated by Main Line Health clinicians and staff.
The Parkinson’s disease support group has resumed in-person meetings at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital on the third Tuesday of each month. For information about joining the Parkinson’s support group meetings, call 484.596.5725 or email [email protected].
For caregivers and family members, it's important to be involved in a Parkinson patient's treatment. Family involvement ensures that even when patients are at home, they can have someone to depend on who understands their challenges and is willing to help monitor and encourage their daily exercises.
Combining medical practice with therapeutic rehabilitation, the inpatient medical rehab program supports patients with a wide range of acute or chronic conditions that cause temporary or permanent disability. Our goal is always to help patients regain as much independence as possible.
At Bryn Mawr Rehab we help patients with chronic or acute dizziness and vertigo get back to active, normal living. With several outpatient locations in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, there’s sure to be a vestibular therapist near you.
Occupational therapy and sensory integration helps patients who’ve experienced a debilitative injury or illness return to activities of daily living (ADL), such as dressing, eating, writing, shopping, toileting and driving.
Equine-assisted therapy provides physical as well as cognitive benefits for a person’s recovery. As the horse walks, the repetitive swinging motion helps to improve the person’s balance, coordination and strength and muscle tone through the trunk and legs. Cognitive skills improve because riding requires balance, stability, timing and planning.
As part of our specialized treatment for each athlete, sports injury rehab includes use of therapies and training exercises that not only mimic the demands of your sport but also address the unique conditions of the specific position you play within your sport.
A hand therapy specialist is well-versed in a variety of methods and works to develop a personalized regimen for the unique needs of every patient. Our patients come from all walks of life—from young athletes to long-term arthritis sufferers to accidental burn victims.
At Main Line Health, we provide psychological treatment services for improved adjustment and maximum recovery associated with a wide range of neurological, medical and psychological disorders.
Learn how Main Line Health can change the lives of you and your loved ones through physical and cognitive rehab for several conditions and injuries.
