McLEOD OFFERS
REHABILITATIVE TREATMENT
FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Marty Josey, Physical Therapist
| McLeod Outpatient Rehabilitation
More than one million people in the United States live with
Parkinson’s Disease -- a progressive disorder of the central nervous
system that affects movement. In Addition, the disease affects
approximately16 percent of the general population over 65 years
of age.
With Parkinson’s Disease, there are movement-related and
non-movement related symptoms. Often, the non-movement
symptoms are apparent years before the movement symptoms.
Non-movement symptoms include loss of smell, constipation,
dizziness, and trouble swallowing. Physical symptoms include
rigidity, difficulty moving, stooped posture, slow moves, tremors,
balance and posture issues, and difficulty swallowing and
speaking. Although there is not a cure for Parkinson’s Disease,
it can be managed with therapy, surgical options, and medicine.
One of the most important aspects of managing Parkinson’s
Disease is therapy, which keeps the patient active and can help
prevent secondary orthopedic problems that may develop over
time with the disease. There are three types of rehabilitative
therapy for the Parkinson’s patient: Occupational Therapy,
Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy. Physical Therapy and
Occupational Therapy work with individuals to normalize
movement patterns which leads to an increased quality of life.
Speech Therapy focuses on improving a patient’s voice,
communication skills and swallowing.
Therapy helps to slow the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms.
Exercise stimulates new brain pathways that improve movement.
Quite often during therapy we use the terms -- big, large amplitude,
loud voice. We encourage over exaggeration of movements to
reduce the risk of falls. This therapy helps teach the patient the
amount of required effort to produce more normal movements.
Repetitions of vigorous voice and body exercises are found to
improve an individual’s function and prevent musculoskeletal
impairments. Exercise also minimizes other complications such
as tremors, heart disease, pain, decreased voice, and difficulty
swallowing.
It has been found that therapy requires a patient attend four
sessions per week. At McLeod, we offer individual therapy sessions
as well as group sessions. Patients that experience a period of
inactivity often have an increase in symptoms that is associated
with the lack of exercise. Completing a home voice and body
program every day helps alleviate symptoms. The patient and
caregiver are given handouts and shown demonstrations of the
home program.
Each individual’s success is defined differently. Small steps can
add up over time to make tremendous gains. The earlier a patient
can start a therapy program the better the outcomes will be for
their quality of life, but it is never too late to start.
A referral from a physician, family nurse practitioner or
physician assistant is required to schedule an evaluation.
For more information about the McLeod Parkinson’s Rehabilitation
Program, please call McLeod Outpatient Rehabilitation at
843-777-2196.
Marty Josey is a 1983 graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina. Marty’s expansive clinical background includes acute care, VA inpatient
rehabilitation, home health, outpatient adult orthopedic and neurologic conditions, pain management, administration, neurological rehab, geriatrics,
and program development. Her special interests include geriatrics, spinal cord rehabilitation, and orthopedic therapy. Marty is also an adjunct professor
with the Florence-Darlington Technical College Physical Therapy Assistant program. Marty has been employed with McLeod Health since 1985, and lives
in Florence with her husband René. They have 2 sons, Harrison and Matt.
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JULY 2016
JULY 2016
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