Stretching Exercises For Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's is a degenerative neurological disease resulting from the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. The primary symptoms of Parkinson's are tremors, especially in the hands, legs and face, stiffness in the limbs and trunk, and impaired balance and coordination. People with advanced Parkinson's may have difficulty with balance and mobility; many stretches can be done seated, prone or supine for those with difficulty standing.

Seated and Supine Forward Bends

Forward bends flex the spine and stretch the back of the body. For a seated forward bend, sit on the floor with your legs extended and your hands on your thighs. Keep your back, neck and head neutral, lean forward and walk your hands down your leg as far as your flexibility will allow. If you are more flexible, you may be able to hold on to your toes, or the sides of your feet with your face on your knees. If you are less flexible, your hands may only reach your knees. Hold the position for up to 20 seconds and release. Repeat twice. For a supine forward bend, or body curl, lie on your back with your arms by your sides. Hug both knees to your chest, tuck your head and roll gently back-and-forth and side-to-side.

Standing Back Bend

Back bends extend the spine and stretch the front of the body. Standing back bends provide the benefits of the stretch and back extension without supporting your body weight on your hands. Stand in front of a balance bar or a sturdy chair with your feet at hip width. Place both hands on the bar or back of chair, tighten your abs, glutes and thighs, and push your hips forward. Push your chest forward, arch your back and tilt your face toward the ceiling. Hold for up to 20 seconds, release and repeat twice.

Hip Stretches

Hip stretches release the muscles in the inner thigh, outer thigh and buttocks. Sit on the floor in a comfortable cross-legged position. Keep your back, neck and head neutral and walk your hands forward as far as is comfortable. If you are less flexible, rest your elbows on your knees and hinge forward as far as is comfortable. If you are more flexible, put the soles of your feet together, let your knees fall to the side and hinge forward with your hands on the floor in front of you, or resting on your knees. Hold this pose for up to 20 seconds, release and repeat twice. To stretch the outer thigh and buttocks, sit on the floor with your knees bent and the soles on your feet on the floor. Lean back on your hands with your torso facing forward. Let your knees fall to the right, hold for 20 seconds and return to center. Let your knees fall to the left and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat twice on each side.

Chest Stretch

The chest stretch releases the pectoral muscles and also stretches the biceps and forearm. Stand facing a wall, with your right arm extended and the palm of your hand flat against the wall with your fingers pointing upward. Keep your hand against the wall and turn your whole body to the left as far as possible. If you are more flexible, you may be able to turn all the way around. If you are less flexible, you may only be able to turn sideways. Hold this pose for 20 seconds, release and repeat twice. Repeat the exercise with the other hand.

Upper Back Stretch

The upper back stretch releases the upper back muscles and stretches the triceps. Stand or sit with your feet at hip width. Wrap your arms around your shoulders as if you were hugging yourself, tuck your chin, and curl your upper body forward. Hold this pose for 20 seconds, release and repeat twice.