The muscle stiffness, weakness, and tremors of Parkinson’s can interfere with everyday activities, especially as the disease progresses. And Parkinson’s medications can cause distorted and involuntary movements, a side effect known as dyskinesia. Simple tasks like dressing, bathing, or even walking around the house can become frustrating. Exercise is an essential part of managing the symptoms of the disease, notes the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Swimming, yoga, dance, and walking can help your muscles stay limber when you have Parkinson’s. “Exercise is being researched as a possible intervention and possible neuro [brain] protective measure,” explains Linda Pituch, a patient services manager for the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. “It’s not conclusive, but exercise may end up being viewed in the same vein as medication — a treatment you don’t skip.”
Stretching to Loosen Stiff Muscles of Parkinson’s
The following stretching and flexibility exercises can help to relieve stiff muscles, improve flexibility, and make everyday tasks easier:
A Lower Protein Diet to Help Meds Work Better
Your diet can impact how well your medication helps to manage common Parkinson’s symptoms, including tremors (involuntary shaking) and constipation. Diets heavy in protein, for instance, can limit your body’s absorption of levodopa in Sinemet, a common medication used in the management of Parkinson’s disease. As a result, some doctors recommend that people with Parkinson’s limit protein intake to 12 percent of their total daily calories. And taking your medication on an empty stomach before your meals can help your body absorb the drug, notes the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. The Michael J. Fox Foundation recommends avoiding certain foods because of possible medication interactions, including: In addition, fruits and vegetables in your diet may protect nerve cell function and possibly help keep Parkinson’s symptoms under control. Fruits and veggies also provide fiber, which can stimulate bowel movement and prevent constipation. Ask your doctor for a referral to a nutritionist to help make it easier to follow a healthy diet.
Gait Training to Improve Balance
Patients with Parkinson’s symptoms can enhance their treatment by doing what’s called “gait training” at home. This involves practicing new ways to stand, walk, and turn. People undergoing gait training should try to: Practice gait training with the help of a metronome, a tool musicians use to keep a steady beat. A study published in March 2010 in PLoS One showed that when people with Parkinson’s walked to the sound of a metronome set about 10 percent faster than their fastest stride, it significantly improved their gait. You can also try dance classes for people with Parkinson’s through the Dance for PD program, which is supported by a grant from the National Parkinson Foundation. The classes first started in Brooklyn, New York, and are now found in locations across the globe.
Staying Safe at Home With Parkinson’s
Simple changes around the home can make it easier for you to function well while dealing with Parkinson’s symptoms. Pituch notes that healthcare providers can help you come up with a detailed plan for living safely and independently at home. Discuss specific strategies with your Parkinson’s medical team to design a safer living space. Occupational therapists can suggest ways to create an environment that’s friendly to those with Parkinson’s; this type of therapist looks at things like furniture placement, handrails, extensions on toilets, and floor coverings to determine where possible hazards lie.
