We have a passion for improving the quality of living for patients particularly with Parkinson’s disease. All too often patients are given dated advice on generalised exercise programs. This passion has led to rolling out the PD Warrior program in the Hunter, and enables us to be at the forefront of neurological rehabilitation.
Parkinsons Disease is becoming more prevalent in our population with an estimated 30 diagnosed cases per day. Traditional approaches to treatment have been found to be obsolete and provide minimally significant changes in quality of life and physical function. Until recently, these programs have been implemented in the healthcare systems around the country. As physiotherapists, we now know there is increasing evidence for a specific exercise program that aims to stem the progression of Parkinsons disease.
Exercise prescription has long been at the forefront of treating chronic illness. Over the last decade there has been an increasing push to promote exercise prescription in the area of neuroplasticity- meaning ‘re-wiring’ of the brain.
PD Warrior is an exercise and evidence based program that aims to slow the progression of the disease, and is being offered at all locations at Mitchell Physiotherapy.
The PD Warrior is a circuit based program that is based on high effort and amplitude exercises, designed meticulously over years to target the symptoms of Parkinsons. The program aims to be inclusive, fun and most importantly relevant to activities of daily living. It is designed primarily for people who are still ambulatory and are at a low risk of falls. There is a mandatory requirement to be motivated to make changes and fight the signs and symptoms of Parkinsons disease!
Each participant requires an initial consultation which lasts approximately an hour in order to determine suitability for the class. This is a rigorous assessment procedure which will then be reassessed at the culmination of a ten week cycle. Information regarding prior procedures (deep brain stimulation), medications (levadopa dosage), and goals for the program would be beneficial on arrival. There is no referral required for the program, with trained physiotherapists running both the assessment and group exercise class. The physiotherapist will make a judgement as to a patients suitability for exercise in the class or private environment based on considerations for safety. Overall, the group class runs for an hour and is capped at 6-8 participants to maximise the clinician patient relationship.
For more information or to book an appointment, you can contact us on 02 4933 6895.
