By Amanda Barnes


Parkinson's disease can strike anyone, but most people associate it with older individuals. This condition has no cure, but the symptoms can be reduced to a certain extent with medication. Stress can make the hand tremors and involuntary movements more noticeable, and one of the best ways to relieve the stress is by exercising. That is why most doctors recommend a Parkinsons disease exercise regimen along with medication.

There are many stages and degrees of severity associated with Parkinson's. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who can evaluate your condition and create a specific activity routine to fit your current situation. There may be certain exercises that you should avoid altogether, and your doctor can discuss these with you. Not only is it important to decide which types of exercises will be most beneficial, it is also important not to over exert yourself by exercising for extended time periods.

As with anyone beginning a good activity routine, you should start slowly. You might have a goal of exercising for thirty minutes at a time several days a week. In the beginning, you may only be able to handle five to ten minutes of the routine. As the weeks go by, you will be able to lengthen your routine until you reach your thirty minute goal. Warm up exercises are important for everyone.

It is not unusual for Parkinson's sufferers to experience a progressive lack of facial expression. This can be accompanied by a reduced ability to speak expressively. Doctors often recommend specific facial exercises to increase mobility and singing to work vocal cords and throat muscles. Since you are not rehearsing for Broadway with your singing, it won't matter how good you sound to others.

If you have a membership at a YMCA or access to a community, private club, or private pool, there are a number of good aerobic water exercises that will increase your mobility and strength. Exercises you would not even attempt out of the water are possible because of the buoyancy in the pool. A lot of Parkinson's patients love to swim and do laps as a form of exercise. This is great, but you don't have to be a strong swimmer to get the benefit of exercising in a pool.

When you are exercising, safety should be a primary concern. Balance is an issue for many with the condition. If you have this problem, be sure to position yourself in an area of the room where you can grab a railing or other sturdy object to help you. Avoid, or move, things like throw rugs and make sure the room is well lit.

Not everybody likes to work out. If this is not something you enjoy, even after you have given it a try, you might find something else that gives you some exercise in a more natural setting. Gardening or walking may suit you better.

Every year more than sixty thousand people are diagnosed with this disease. It is progressive and incurable. It can be managed however, with the right medications, exercises, and attitude.




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