Falling can be a huge risk to anyone who has a Parkinson's diagnosis and it can be an extremely worrying thought to anyone who is caring for a Parkinson's patient.
However, there are some things you can do to mitigate the risk of falls in Parkinson's patients if you know what to look out for so you can be confident on your feet, fight falls, and take some of the anxiety out of moving around.
To truly understand what makes a Parkinson's patient vulnerable to falls, we've given some examples of factors to look out for that could make someone unsteady on their feet as well as some solutions to fight falls.
Motor Symptoms
There are two types of symptoms that Parkinson's patients can have that make them vulnerable to a fall, motor and non-motor symptoms.
The first is motor symptoms, these are things that affect a patient's movement putting them at risk of a trip or slip.
For example, Parkinson's patients typically experience rigidity in their joints causing slow and broken movements. In turn, this can lead to decreased balance and put them at risk of a fall.
Another problem that could contribute to the risk of a fall is a change in the patient's center of mass.
Often a patient's center of gravity can shift to one side or another creating a loss of balance during activities like standing, bending over, or turning their head.
Reflexes can also be impaired due to Parkinson's disease. We automatically use our reflexes to balance ourselves out and stop a fall if it's about to happen. But Parkinson's patients may not have this reflex or find it difficult to make adjustments in time.
Non-Motor Symptoms
Non-motor symptoms are things that aren't related to movement that could trigger a fall for a Parkinson's patient.
Low blood pressure is one of these symptoms and can cause light-headedness when a patient stands up too quickly, lies down, or moves around.
Staying well hydrated and taking time to stand or lie down is the best way that people can avoid dizziness and feeling faint from low blood pressure.
Lack of sleep, stress, and emotional state can worsen symptoms of Parkinson's Disease making it more likely the patient experiences falls or feels unsteady on their feet.
Often, patients can experience an incapacitating fear of falling which can, ironically, make them more prone to falling or refusing to move at all.
Solutions To Fight Falls In Parkinson's Patients
Although Parkinson's Disease may be a permanent fixture in someone's life, there are things that can be done to fight falls and make them safer and happier.
The first is to consider adding adaptions to the home in order to remove trip hazards, create enough space between furniture for easy walkways, and potentially add handrails for extra support in getting around the home.
This can be especially helpful at night when the patient gets up to use the loo in dimly lit areas.
Exercise is also a huge preventative measure when trying to fight falls.
Large movements and high-intensity exercise is the best way that patients can practice their movements with confidence and re-train their minds into making larger, more pronounced movements.
LSVT BIG: The Program
LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) BIG trains individuals with neurological conditions affecting the motor system, such as Parkinson’s Disease, to use their bodies more effectively to increase safety and improve function with daily activities.
And we offer this program right here at FYZICAL with Clare, our expert in Parkinson's disease!
LSVT BIG is a customized, 1-on-1 treatment program focused on improving self-care and functional needs specific to each individual.
By thinking and moving “BIG,” we train the mind to “recalibrate” one’s movements to close the gap on the mismatch between how one perceives to be moving and how one is actually moving.
This program is perfect for improving the quality of life for a patient, reducing fall risk, and helping people get back to activities they once loved like days out with the grandchildren or spring sun in the garden!
To find out more about our LSVT BIG program, you can call our Waukesha clinic at 62-349-9297 and we can answer all of your questions, help you feel more confident about the program, and get you on the road to a more active lifestyle!
Not Quite Ready For Our LSVT Program?
If you're feeling unsure about our LSVT program, or you want some help from a Parkinson's expert, our free Parkinson's assessment is ideal for you!
In your free Parkinson's assessment, you can speak to a member of our expert physical therapist team, ask them the questions you have and they can give you peace of mind with their answers. You can also discover the best treatment options for you and feel confident about your action plan after your assessment!
To arrange your free Parkinson's assessment, fill in our simple web form, or call our Waukesha clinic at 62-349-9297.
Other Free Resources For Fitness And Health
Take our Fight The Fall Quiz where you can quickly find out your fall risk, and receive some free expert advice about preventing falls in the elderly and younger individuals struggling with their balance and coordination.
Read Our Blog - Taking Steps To Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle And Look Forward To Planning Summer Activities
Read Our Blog - Become More Confident On Your Feet And Prevent Falls
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