Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease: What You Need to Know

Authored by Cathy Creese – EP and clinic owner

Living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be challenging, but did you know that exercise can play a crucial role in managing your symptoms and potentially slowing down the progression of the disease? This blog will explore how staying active can make a real difference in your life.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a condition that affects movement and occurs when certain brain cells stop producing enough of a chemical called dopamine. This leads to symptoms like slow movement, tremors, stiffness, and balance problems. While we don’t fully understand why some people develop Parkinson’s, we know that age is a significant risk factor, though it can affect younger people too.

The Power of Exercise

Exercise isn’t just good for your overall health – it can be especially beneficial if you have Parkinson’s in the following ways:

1. It may slow down the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine.
2. It can help your brain create new connections, potentially improving your symptoms.
3. It can boost your strength, fitness, and ability to learn new movements.

Types of Exercise That Can Help

Different exercises can target various aspects of Parkinson’s:

1. For slowness of movement: Focus on big, exaggerated movements. Think of taking large steps or reaching far when doing arm exercises.
2. If you experience tremors: Try activities that require more effort, like throwing and catching a medicine ball, or cycling at a higher speed.
3. For balance and agility: Work on movements in different directions. An obstacle course can be a fun way to practice this.

Tips for Exercising with Parkinson’s

1. Don’t be discouraged if your tremor seems worse when you start exercising. This often improves with regular practice.
2. Vary your exercises. For example, instead of doing the same sit-to-stand movement repeatedly, try it from different chair heights or add arm movements.
3. Practice skills in different environments. This helps your brain better retain what you’ve learned and apply it to real-life situations.
4. Use visual cues. Instead of focusing on technical instructions, imagine reaching for something high when doing a calf raise.
5. Choose exercises you enjoy. Having a say in your routine can lead to better results and make exercising more fun.

Working with Your Healthcare Team

Remember, exercise works best alongside your regular treatment. Your medications help you function at your best, making it easier to exercise effectively. Always consult with your doctor, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist before starting a new exercise program. They can help tailor activities to your specific needs and abilities.

While Parkinson’s disease presents challenges, staying active can significantly improve your quality of life. Regular exercise not only helps manage your symptoms but may also slow down the progression of the disease.

Remember, everyone’s journey with Parkinson’s is unique. Listen to your body, work with your healthcare team, and stay positive. With the right approach, exercise can be a powerful tool in your Parkinson’s management toolkit.

Speak to an Exercise Physiologist at Proactive Health

Proactive Health’s exercise physiologists work across more than 350 locations nationally, as part of multidisciplinary teams that include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, podiatry, hydrotherapy and social work. That means your exercise program is coordinated with the rest of your care rather than running alongside it.

We accept NDIS, DVA, Home Care and Support at Home, Medicare care plans, private health insurance and workers’ compensation referrals, and you can self-refer for privately funded appointments.

Call 1300 890 507, find your nearest clinic, or book an appointment online.