Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder affecting various motor systems of the body. It progresses slowly and is degenerative, causing symptoms such as tremors and trembling in your arms, legs, face or jaw. Muscles become stiff and rigid, movement becomes impaired and balance and coordination suffer. Parkinson's is thought to be the result of a loss of the chemical dopamine in your brain cells. No cure is available, but exercise can often slow the progress of the disease.
Significance
Daily exercise and physical activity is an essential element that acts as an effective supplement to medication, notes the Center for Neurologic Study. It is important to maintain as much muscular power and tone as possible, as well as balance and coordination. Keeping your muscles in shape will offset and slow the progression of many Parkinson's symptoms.
Benefits
The benefits of performing regular exercise for Parkinson's disease include less rigidity in your muscles, more energy, improved balance and less muscle spasm. The fear of falling can also be lessened as everyday activities are made more enjoyable and easier to carry out.
Tight Muscle Exercise
Loosening up tight muscles is one way to combat the symptoms of Parkinson's. To help loosen up tight muscles, stand in front of a wall, reach up as high as you can with both arms to place your hands on the wall and lean forward into a stretch. You can also stand with your back to a wall and march in place, raising your knees as high as you can. Another exercise is to sit in a straight-back chair, reach behind it with both hands and look up to the ceiling. Stamping you feet on the floor while sitting in a chair will also serve to loosen your leg muscles.
Balance Exercise
Your balance is one element that can get away from you as Parkinson's disease progresses. To work on your balance, place your hands on your hips and march in place. You can also raise one leg straight out behind you, out to the side or draw a circle with it in the air. With your feet apart, lean backward, forward and make a circular motion with your trunk. Raise your toes with each step and take the longest strides you can.
Speech and Chewing
It can be difficult to communicate with others if Parkinson's decides causes problems with your speech. Chewing your food may also be a challenge, which can change your health for the worse in a hurry. Keeping your speaking and chewing muscles strong and loose is extremely important. Use forceful lip motions to sing or read out loud, make funny faces in the mirror or recite the alphabet and count with exaggerated facial expressions. You can also massage your face vigorously when washing it and chew your food with force, moving it around in your mouth as much as you can.
