Parkinson disease is a progressive illness, characterized by the degeneration of a part of the brain responsible for processing motor signals. It can develop for a number of reasons (genetic, due to trauma or exposure to toxins) and the way it develops depends entirely upon the individual. Because of this there needs to be a variety in the way Parkinson disease is treated and Parkinson therapy is a crucial part of a patient's treatment.
The term 'therapy' doesn't simply refer to counseling. Although regular appointments with a trained psychotherapist may help a person come to terms with their illness emotionally, it is unlikely to make a big impact upon their actual physical condition. 'Therapy' for those with Parkinson disease instead refers to a range of different pursuits that tackle the symptoms and even the cause of Parkinson disease from all angles. By simply visiting a local doctor sufferers and their families can be put in touch with trained professionals who work one on one with Parkinson's patients on a daily basis.
Firstly, Parkinson therapy can include occupational therapy if a person is in employment; whether full time or part time. Occupational therapy essentially helps a person to learn how to balance their work life so that it doesn't become stressful while they are coping with the disease. Simply because a person is suffering from Parkinson disease that doesn't necessarily mean they must give up their job and many people are able to continue working years after the disease is first diagnosed. Patients are often assigned an occupational therapist who will plan their work week around other areas of their life, formulate specific exercises to carry out at certain times of the day and generally provide support.
While the logistics are dealt with by occupational therapists, another part of Parkinson therapy is one which deals with patients whose speech has been affected by the disease. Speech and language therapists help to regain speech and eradicate speech impediments that might evolve as a result of the disease. Patients will often be taught methods to carry on at home so they can improve their quality of speech on their own, too.
Physiotherapy is perhaps the most important form of Parkinson therapy as it can help individuals regain control of their motor movements and develop motor skill that were previously lost. Again, a physiotherapist will often give the patient a number of simple exercises to carry out throughout the week on their own so that they make their own progression and can maintain it as well.
Parkinson therapy is an almost essential part of treatment for the disease. While some with an advanced form of the illness may undergo surgery and someone with the early stages of Parkinson disease may be taking prescription medication, all kinds of therapy can be a benefit to all Parkinson disease sufferers. Because there are so many different forms of therapy for this disease there is something for everyone involved, no matter how individual their symptoms and condition may be.
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