Exercise appropriate to one's condition is advocated by NPF, APDA, et al and
have published pamphlets with recommended exercises complete with diagrams.
Exercise classes for PWPs have been offerred locally for many years and now
satellite centers for PWPs include Physical Therapists.
My personal experience with PT has had mixed results. Before and during the
time I was looking for a diagnosis (81-85), a lot of PT was prescribed for my
right arm & shoulder to no avail. After tentatively being dx w PD in '84 and
again in '85 + a 2nd opinion, I sprained my neck doing PT exercises at home.
This was followed by damaging machine, then manual, traction. I have had neck
problems ever since. PD Meds weren't started until 1988.
After that I took walks, swam or did mild exercises in the local pool, &
attended local PD exercise groups. About 1992 I also incorporated some warm-
up Tai Chi exercises from a video, deep-breathing exercises, and Feldenkrais
classes, one-on-one, and at-home audio tapes. I felt at the time that these 3
add-on measures helped me for the condition I was in then, but I did have to
watch myself to not tax my body when I was rigid. I also stopped the one-on-
one when I found I was taking more meds just to make that appointment.
I am subject to more rigidity now and more weakness on my right side. I have
substituted weekly massages for a lot of the above. Maybe, as I told a
visitor recently, I will review my Feldenkrais tapes and perhaps try a few
exercises--just as soon as I figure out where I put them!
Barbara Blake-Krebs (57, 1984)
Merriam KS
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Agree: exercise helps and group classes can be more fun. Has anyone had any
experience with the Feldenkrais Method --either individual one on one
treatment or the group exercise program? It is reported to be particularly
well suited for people with neurological problems, among them PD. Anyone with
first hand knowledge?
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