Exercise Is A Powerful Tool In Fighting Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
Regular exercise has emerged as a powerful tool in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Similar programs, including ballroom dancing and yoga, have shown remarkable benefits for individuals grappling with these conditions.
Improved Balance, Coordination, and Gait
Exercise programs like boxing, ballroom dancing, and yoga are designed to challenge the body’s balance and coordination. By engaging in these activities regularly, individuals with Parkinson’s and MS can significantly enhance their balance, coordination, and gait. This improvement can translate to greater independence in daily activities and a reduced risk of falls.
Combat Fatigue and Build Strength
Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by individuals with Parkinson’s and MS. However, engaging in regular exercise has been shown to combat fatigue and build strength. By participating in structured exercise routines, individuals can increase their stamina and energy levels, allowing them to better manage daily tasks and activities.
Enhanced Mental Coordination
The intricate movements involved in boxing, dancing, and yoga not only benefit the body but also sharpen mental coordination. These activities require focus, concentration, and coordination, which can help individuals with Parkinson’s and MS maintain cognitive function and mental agility.
Social Interaction and Reduced Isolation
Exercise programs provide more than just physical benefits; they also offer valuable social interaction. Participating in group activities like boxing classes or dance sessions fosters a sense of community and belonging. This social engagement can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness, improving overall mental well-being.
Slowing Disease Progression and Improving Well-being
Studies have indicated that regular exercise can help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease and MS. By incorporating these activities into their routine, individuals can not only manage their symptoms more effectively but also improve their overall fitness and well-being.
Benefits of Exercise for Patient’s with Parkinson’s Disease
- Improves control over gross motor movements such as catching ball, walking, jumping.
- Helps strengthen muscles affected by the disease and increases flexibility
- This battles the rigidness that take place in the muscles and joints.
- Helps improve muscle coordination, posture and balance.
- Reduces muscle cramping and muscle pains which are regulated by exercise.
- Reduces stress levels and helps regain confidence.
- Provides hope by demonstrating improvement in their condition and how they feel.
- When they see they can do more they are happier, more accepting of their condition and able to take on more tasks.
Benefits of regular exercise for people with Multiple Sclerosis
- Fights fatigue and builds strength
- Improves and maintains balance
- Reduces spasticity
- Enhances joint range of motion
The Boxing Approach is A Unique Treatment for Parkinson’s
A groundbreaking program has been developed that utilizes boxing as a means of treatment for patients with Parkinson’s. The program is based on the principle that the physical and mental challenges of boxing can help slow the progression of Parkinson’s and even improve certain symptoms.
Stevie attends a program delivered by Rock Steady Boxing in Toms River, NJ. It is not about actually hitting anyone, but rather, it’s about the effort and intensity of the exercises. “Best program in the area Thanks to Coach Tracey Rodriguez and Coach Kim Bauer! Thank you!!! You inspire us all!” Stevie says of RSB.
“Nobody gets hit except the dummy, but everybody reports the effort is worth it if they slowed down the progression,” explains the narrator in the first video. For the participants, aged 45 to 92, each exercise is designed to target a specific Parkinson’s symptom, whether it’s stiffness, balance, or tremors.
How Boxing Helps Parkinson’s Patients Tackle the Symptoms
The boxing-based program takes a multifaceted approach to addressing the various symptoms of Parkinson’s. Here’s a breakdown of how the different exercises work:
Stretching for Stiffness
Parkinson’s often leads to increased stiffness in the muscles, making movement more difficult. The program incorporates stretching exercises to help alleviate this issue and improve flexibility.
Footwork for Balance
Balance is a common challenge for individuals with Parkinson’s. The program’s footwork exercises focus on improving coordination and stability, helping participants maintain their balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Punching for Tremors
Uncontrollable tremors are a hallmark symptom of Parkinson’s. The punching exercises in the program are designed to steady the hands and reduce the severity of these tremors, allowing participants to regain control over their movements.
Shouting for Soft Voice Syndrome
Parkinson’s can also affect the voice, leading to a soft, muffled speech pattern known as soft voice syndrome. The program encourages participants to shout during the exercises, which helps to strengthen the vocal cords and improve their ability to speak clearly.
Parkinson’s Patients Regaining Control and Defying the Narrative
Parkinson’s is often seen as a relentless, progressive disease that steadily robs individuals of their mobility and independence. However, the boxing-based program is challenging this narrative, showing that with the right approach, Parkinson’s patients can regain control and even see improvements in their condition.
As one participant states, “You don’t hear about very many with the disease getting better. I think a Parkinson’s is being the Incredible Shrinking disease. It doesn’t shrink itself, it shrinks you.” But the participants in this program are proving that narrative wrong, fighting back against the disease and reclaiming their lives.
The Power of Determination
At the heart of this program is the unwavering spirit of the participants. They refuse to let Parkinson’s define them or limit their potential. This sense of hope and determination is palpable throughout the program. The participants are not simply going through the motions; they are fully engaged, pushing themselves to the limit and embracing the challenge of the boxing exercises. Their resilience and refusal to give up serve as an inspiration to everyone who encounters their story.
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physical Activity
Boxing-based programs as regular exercise represents hope for individuals living with Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Patients need and should seek out physical therapy, occupational therapy and frequent movement. By harnessing the power of physical activity and challenging the mind and body, these patients are defying the expectations and reclaiming their lives.
A Path to Better Health with the Help Of A Patient Advocate
Finding suitable exercise programs tailored to individual needs isn’t easy when facing chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A board-certified patient advocate, like Stevie from Seawind Health Advocacy Group, can help. Patient advocates specialize in providing support and guidance to individuals navigating the complexities of their health journey, including finding exercise programs that can enhance their well-being.
Locating Suitable Programs
One of the primary roles of a patient advocate is to help individuals identify exercise programs that align with their specific health needs and goals. Whether it’s classes at local gyms, specialized Parkinson’s boxing programs, or sessions with physical and occupational therapists, patient advocates can conduct thorough research and connect individuals with suitable resources in their community.
Tailoring Programs to Individual Needs
Exercise programs need to be tailored to each individual’s unique situation, taking into account factors such as mobility limitations, disease progression, and personal preferences. Patient advocates work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and preferences, ensuring that the recommended programs are both safe and effective.
Highlighting Benefits Overlooked by Doctors
In some cases, healthcare providers may not emphasize the importance of exercise programs or overlook their potential benefits in managing chronic conditions like Parkinson’s and MS. Patient advocates bridge this gap by advocating for the inclusion of exercise as a vital component of the treatment plan. They educate clients and healthcare providers about the proven benefits of exercise in improving symptoms, enhancing quality of life, and slowing disease progression.
Taking Control of Your Health
By working with a patient advocate, individuals gain access to valuable resources and support that empower them to take control of their health. Patient advocates advocate for their clients’ best interests, ensuring that they receive comprehensive care that addresses both medical and lifestyle needs. Through personalized guidance and support, individuals can explore various exercise programs with confidence, knowing that they are making informed decisions about their health and well-being.
The Power of Movement
The transformative power of movement and the human spirit is demonstrated in exercise programs like boxing, dance and yoga. By embracing the challenge of consistent, intentional physical activity, patients are not only slowing the progression of their disease but also regaining a sense of control and self-worth.
Having belief in oneself and the determination to fight back against Parkinson’s, is the driving force behind the success of these programs.
The stories of the participants serve as a powerful reminder that Parkinson’s and MS does not have to be a sentence of decline and despair. With the right approach, patients can reclaim their lives, find hope, and even experience improvements in their condition.
Partnering with a patient advocate for exercise programs for patients with Parkinson’s and MS
From identifying suitable programs to advocating for their inclusion in the treatment plan, patient advocates help improve the overall quality of life for individuals living with chronic conditions. With the support and expertise of a patient advocate, individuals can explore new avenues for managing their health and embracing a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Exercise programs tailored for Parkinson’s and MS patients, such as boxing, ballroom dancing, and yoga, offer a myriad of benefits ranging from improved balance and coordination to enhanced mental function and social interaction. By embracing regular exercise, individuals can mitigate the impact of their conditions and foster a sense of empowerment and resilience.