Pilates and Parkinson’s Disease
August, 2008 by Antonia
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition which affects everyday movements such as walking, talking and writing. Dr James Parkinson (1755 – 1824) was the physician who first identified it as a specific condition. The disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the brain (specifically the substantia nigra) which produce the chemical dopamine, used to transmit messages to the areas of the brain that co-ordinate movement.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s are commonly tremor, which usually begins in one hand, slowness of movement and stiffness or rigidity of muscles. In practical terms, a sufferer will tend to find it difficult to initiate movements, which in turn become slower, while muscle stiffness make basic activities such as standing up or writing very difficult. Speech, swallowing and posture may also be affected. While drugs are usually prescribed to treat the symptoms (there is at present no cure), it is advisable to look at your general lifestyle to help manage the disease on an everyday basis. As movements become more and more difficult, it is easy to understand how many sufferers (not simply of Parkinson’s or any other disease, but even simply those carrying excess weight) become more sedentary – this is where exercise and a good diet are key.
Many Parkinson’s sufferers tend to breathe shallowly, limiting the amount of oxygen that can be taken in. Pilates focusses on breathing thoracically, essentially filling all of the “space” in the ribcage and getting oxygen to the muscles more efficiently. Habitual problems such as tension in the shoulders and back, as well as the “shuffling” associated with Parkinson’s may be alleviated using Pilates exercises which encourage sound movement patterns – essentially moving the limbs well by using the muscles in the correct order. The method employs exercises to improve and challenge co-ordination, balance and strength, using small and controlled movements. As we stretch the muscles and warm them up while exercising, the stiffness and rigidity associated with Parkinson’s may also be relieved. Posture will benefit directly from Pilates, by encouraging use of the strong core muscles and simply standing tall. There are many exercises which also improve dexterity, using tiny movements such as working the fingers and the toes. The beauty of Pilates is that there is no set formula for exercising – each client is an individual, and their experience of Parkinson’s is unique to them, therefore Pilates sessions must take their needs and weak points into account.
For more information on Parkinson’s Disease, visit the Parkinson’s Disease Society (UK). Please contact me for more information on how I can tailor Pilates exercises to your needs.
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