WELLNESS 360

“Remember, the earlier you start your exercise program, the more beneficial exercise is in reducing your Parkinson’s symptoms.”

Part of balance and fall prevention training also includes how to fall and to get back up after a fall. Tai chi has been shown to significantly reduce falls and slow the rate of decline in overall motor control in those diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Because Tai chi simultaneously integrates elements of balance, flexibility, coordination, and multitasking, it is a great way to get all of the benefits of exercise in one class.

BRAIN TRAINING

Brain training will stimulate executive functioning and the information processing of the brain. Some great ways to improve cognitive health include adding multi-step exercises, task sequencing, cross-body motions, word association, and more. The combination of brain training and regular exercise can stimulate neuroplasticity in the brain, along with encouraging the production of growth factors and chemicals that affect the growth of new blood vessels in the brain and the overall health of new brain cells. Some great ways to challenge the brain with task sequencing are a Parkinson’s Dance class and Parkinson’s Karate. Exercise is now considered a PD treatment with multiple benefits and few adverse effects. How much exercise? Studies show that 2.5 hours of exercise a week can significantly decrease the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The earlier you exercise after your PD diagnosis, the better the benefits. While exercise can help all levels of PD, starting an exercise program in early in the diagnosis is most beneficial. At Wellness 360 Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy, we support all levels of your Parkinson’s diagnosis. We can support your journey from acute care to lifelong exercise support. We can provide service with physical therapy providing you with one-to-one care based on your individual needs. We also have multiple classes specific to Parkinson’s disease, including: Rock steady boxing, Parkinson’s cycle, Parkinson’s Karate, chair yoga, floor yoga, and Parkinson’s dance. Each class is led by a team specializing in Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Remember, the earlier you start your exercise program, the more beneficial exercise is in reducing your Parkinson’s symptoms. You can find out more at www.wellness360fitness.com