Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Parkinson's Disease and Movement
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition causing: bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (muscle stiffness), tremor, and postural instability. These features progressively impair walking, balance, daily activities, and quality of life. While there is currently no cure, physiotherapy significantly slows functional decline and reduces fall risk.
Evidence for Physiotherapy in Parkinson's Disease
Multiple systematic reviews confirm the benefits of physiotherapy for PD: improved gait speed, stride length, and balance; reduced fall frequency; better posture; improved quality of life. The LSVT-BIG programme — a high-amplitude movement training protocol — has particularly strong evidence. Tango dancing has also shown benefits comparable to conventional exercise programmes.
Key Physiotherapy Interventions
Gait Training with Cueing
PD patients have difficulty with automatic walking — they 'freeze' or shuffle. External cues (auditory metronome, visual lines on floor, tactile cues) bypass the defective basal ganglia circuitry and restore more normal gait. We train patients to use cueing strategies independently.
Balance and Fall Prevention
Progressive balance training, dual-task training (walking + cognitive task), and reactive postural training reduce fall risk. Falls are the most dangerous consequence of PD and a leading cause of hospitalisation.
LSVT-BIG Programme
LSVT-BIG is an intensive, standardised physiotherapy programme using large-amplitude movements to recalibrate the PD patient's perception of normal movement size. The programme is delivered over 16 sessions in 4 weeks and has demonstrated lasting gait and balance improvements.
Flexibility and Posture
The characteristic PD stooped posture and axial rigidity require ongoing flexibility work — thoracic extension, hip flexor stretching, and postural exercises.
Parkinson's Physiotherapy in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we help Parkinson's patients maintain mobility and independence. Book your consultation today.