Murray.....Congratulations on your new grandchild and thank you for taking
the time to write back on the balance therapy and Yes...it is ALL worthwhile
and helpful...........Joan Hartman
----- Original Message -----
From: Murray Charters <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, May 14, 2000 12:41 AM
Subject: Step Therapy - Was: Re: PD & 3am


> On 12 May 2000, at 5:01, Joan Hartman wrote:
> > >>While this proved false, I still
> > >>continued the therapy for loss of balance for several years off
> > >>and on...
> >
> > Murray....you wrote the above....what was your therapy for balance as
that
> > is a problem for me at times....Joan Hartman
> >
>
> Hi Joan,
> The first therapy I did was to counter sudden unexplained falls
> which occurred without warning, usually on level surfaces, usually
> when initiating stride forward from a standstill. These falls were due
> to me moving forward but my feet staying glued to the spot.
>
> I fell unexpectedly a dozen times a month prior to therapy and was
> thought to have MS.  A visit to a neuro and an MRI indicated this was
> not the case but left the falls an unexplained event.  The MS therapy
> seemed to help so I kept at it.
>
> First I "walked" in slow motion... Pick up 1 foot, hold, move it forward,
hold,
> put that foot down, hold, transfer weight to equal on both feet, hold,
pick
> up the rear foot, hold, stride through, etc.  This therapy involved
stepping
> over lines painted on the concrete. Then I moved to what I call
> "step therapy"
>
> The therapy was stepping onto an object and stepping off on the
> other side.  The first raised object was a 1" plywood square 12" x 12".
> The idea was to get me to consciously pick up my feet, consciously
> transfer my weight, and balance in between in a slow motion. The
> progression was to bigger "objects" (2" plank; 3" plank; and combinations
> up to a 7" step)  Much like today's Reabok Steps but not quite as classy.
> When I was stepping and balancing on a 7" step the therapy moved to
> stairs.
>
> Then I took ballroom dance lessons.  The theory here was that dance
> lessons require balanced weight transfer, offer mild activity, and are
> not boring.  I have only fallen a few times in the ten years since I
started
> dance lessons.  I also was confident enough to resume the field duties
> of my job where I still work today. (The company had allowed me to
> work in the office as a supervisor for 7 years while I was getting my act
> together).
>
> I hope you find something worthwhile in this....  murray
>
>
> [log in to unmask]
>
> View the Parkinson's Awareness Links at:
> http://www.geocities.com/janet313/pienet/wwweb/index.html
>