Balance is an essential aspect of our daily lives, enabling us to perform tasks as simple as walking or as complex as dancing. However, only some enjoy the luxury of perfect balance. Some people experience general balance issues, while others battle a more severe condition known as Parkinson's disease. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two, shedding light on how physical therapy can help individuals cope with these challenges.

Parkinson's disease is a complex neurological condition, and one of the key players in this disease is dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in various brain functions. While physical therapy does not directly increase dopamine production, it is an essential component of managing Parkinson’s disease, and some activities performed in physical therapy sessions can increase dopamine over time. We consider it a privilege to work with our clients with Parkinson’s and their caregivers to develop a treatment plan that addresses their needs. Even if you decide that our physical therapy does not fit your needs, you can still learn the relationship between dopamine and Parkinson's disease, what dopamine does in the brain, how its deficiency affects daily life, ways to increase dopamine production naturally, and the role of physical therapy in managing the condition.

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide. While it is commonly associated with tremors and rigidity, another aspect of the condition that often goes overlooked but profoundly impacts a person’s quality of life is the amplitude of movement. Physical therapists are experts in human movement and can be great professionals to help you move better - we consider it a privilege to do this for our clients at EW Motion Therapy. But even if you decide that our physical therapy is not suitable for you, you can still read on as we explore the amplitude of movement, how Parkinson's disease affects it, and how physical therapy can play a crucial role in improving the lives of those with this condition.

Every year, millions of people, especially older adults, suffer from injuries due to falls in their homes. Falls can lead to serious consequences, such as fractures, head injuries, and a loss of independence. The good news is that many falls are preventable with some proactive steps and the help of physical therapy - our team at EW Motion Therapy does this for our clients every day. But even if you decide that our physical therapy doesn’t fit your needs, you can still learn some practical tips to reduce fall risk at home and how physical therapy can be crucial in achieving that goal.

Living with Parkinson's disease can present various challenges, including mobility issues and muscle weakness. However, emerging research and therapeutic approaches offer hope for improved quality of life. One such approach is strength training, a powerful tool that can significantly benefit individuals with Parkinson's disease. Our physical therapists at EW Motion Therapy always incorporate strength training into treatment plans, helping Parkinson’s patients and anyone looking to recover or improve their overall health. Our physical therapy might not be best for you, but you can still read on to learn the benefits of strength training for Parkinson's patients and how physical therapists incorporate it into their treatment plans.

In healthcare innovations, specific programs stand out for their transformative impact on patients’ lives. One such program is LSVT Big, a specialized approach designed to improve mobility and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease. With a rich history, a certification process, and a range of remarkable benefits, LSVT Big has emerged as a beacon of hope for those facing the challenges of Parkinson's. Physical therapists certified in LSVT Big have a unique opportunity to help Parkinson’s patients improve their daily movement - this is what our LSVT Big-certified therapists do every day at EW Motion Therapy. Even if you decide that our physical therapy does not fit your needs, you can still read on as we delve into the history of LSVT Big, explore the process of becoming certified, and uncover the significant benefits it offers individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Living with Parkinson's disease presents unique challenges, but individuals can maintain and even improve their quality of life with the right approach. Personal training has become a valuable tool for Parkinson's patients, offering tailored exercise routines and professional guidance to help manage symptoms and enhance overall well-being. Our trainers at EW Motion Therapy can adapt exercise programs to your unique movement needs and ensure they are safe for you to do both under supervision and at home. Our personal training might not fit your needs. However, you can still read on as we explore the benefits of personal training for Parkinson's patients, discuss safe exercise adaptations, and provide tips on finding a qualified personal trainer.

Maintaining balance is crucial for our daily activities, preventing falls, and ensuring overall wellness. However, some medications can unexpectedly affect our balance, leading to potential risks. Especially for older individuals with increased fall risk, medication could be a factor that affects their balance. Physical therapy can be an excellent treatment for decreasing fall risk - our team at EW Motion Therapy works on this with our patients daily. But even if you decide not to do physical therapy with us, you can still read on to learn why medications can impact balance, provide examples of common drugs, and delve into how physical therapy can be pivotal in reducing fall risk.

When you or a loved one receives a Parkinson’s diagnosis, it is easy to be nervous about the future. Whatever symptoms arise, it is vital to remember that safety and independence are paramount. You or your loved one must stay safe while maintaining as much independence as possible. Parkinson’s can cause many symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement. These symptoms can make it challenging to complete daily tasks, such as getting dressed, bathing, and eating. Physical therapy is a conservative approach to managing Parkinson's disease that can help improve mobility, flexibility, and balance. At EW Motion Therapy, our patients with Parkinson’s only receive the highest standard of care as we evaluate their movement deficits and create an individualized plan to help them move better throughout the day. Even if you decide our services do not fit your needs, you can still read on for our discussion of how physical therapy can help Parkinson’s patients maintain safety and independence.

We all stumble and fall at different points - I’m sure you’ve even tripped on your own feet before. While falls can happen at any stage in life, for older adults, falls can become much riskier. As we age, falls can cause a lot more damage, like broken hips and head injuries, and moving through your daily routine might require a higher level of caution. It’s essential to be mindful of your fall risk and all the factors that can contribute to it, but you should not let it keep you from doing the activities you love. A physical therapist can be a great person to help you modify your favorite activities or daily routine with safety in mind - we do this every day for our clients at EW Motion Therapy. But even if you decide our services do not fit your needs, you can still read on to learn when to start thinking about fall risk, the three categories of contributing factors, and how physical therapy can help.