FAQs About Physical Rehabilitation For Parkinson's Disease

22 July 2015 by Brent Woods

Parkinson's disease can have differing affects on people. Regardless of how far the disease has progressed, it is important that you seek physical rehabilitation. If you are unsure of whether or not going to rehabilitation would be beneficial to you, here is what you need to know.   

How Can Rehabilitation Help?

Parkinson's disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, including tremors and decreased flexibility. As a result, performing daily activities can become a frustrating experience for you. A physical therapist can help you gain some control over the symptoms you experience with the help of exercises and techniques. 

Your physical therapist can also help with developing strategies to navigate your every day life. For instance, your therapist can help you determine the best way to get in and out of bed or how to maintain your balance while walking. 

Your physical therapist can also help you with obtaining Social Security disability, if needed. The Social Security Administration, or SSA, requires a work capacity evaluation to be completed during the application process. Your therapist can evaluate your condition and also complete the form for you.

How Can You Receive Physical Therapy?

For insurance purposes, you might be required to get a referral from your doctor to attend physical therapy. Ideally, you should receive a consultation from a physical therapist when you are first diagnosed with the disease. The therapist can assess you and determine if physical therapy will be beneficial to you at that point. Consulting with the physical therapist also helps him or her develop a baseline, which can be used to compare your health as the disease progresses. 

However, you can ask for a referral whenever you feel it might be beneficial. For instance, if you start to develop problems with your gait, you should see a physical therapist. 

How Often Do You See the Therapist?

How often you see the physical therapist depends largely on how advanced the disease is. In some instances, the therapist will see you to assess your condition and to help develop a treatment plan. After a period of time, the therapist will reassess your progress and make adjustments, if necessary. As you work with the therapist, he or she will determine how often you should see each other.

Whether or not you opt for treatment through physical rehabilitation (from professionals, such as those from http://www.nrothandrehab.com) is a personal decision. Before deciding though, it is ideal that you talk to your doctor to further explore the benefits of working with a physical therapist.  

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