Recent research from Australia indicates exercise is feasible and offers benefit in reducing the symptoms associated with Dystonia when combined with relaxation. 

 

 

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499 E Hampden Ave

Suite 250

Englewood, CO 80113

303-781-0511

 

• Every Victory Counts manual - living well has no bigger champion than local Colorado cycling legend Davis Phinney who espouses the value of recognizing daily victories in his home and work life. The Every Victory Counts manual, authored by Dr. Giroux and Sierra Farris dedicate a chapter to the caregiver in the second edition published in 2012. You can learn more about the manual at the upcoming Victory Summit at the Marriott Denver Tech Center November 10, 2012. 
• Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR) have a caring and compassionate staff that will assist you in navigating the resources available for Colorado's caregivers. Find out more about the services PAR offers by calling (303) 861-1810 or clicking the link above.
• Carolyn Zeiger, PhD, clinical psychologist and caregiver founded and facilitates a caregiver support group in the Denver area and is a contributor to the Every Victory Counts manual. Contact PAR for more information on other area caregiver support groups. 
• Family Caregiver Alliance - a public voice for caregivers.
• National Alliance for Caregiving - research, awareness and advocacy.    

 

Rehabilitation therapy is one of the pillars of our treatment philosophy that embraces patient-centered interdisciplinary care. Our medical and rehab team meets regularly to review and discuss the progress of each patient enrolled in physical therapy seeing patients on the same day if necessary to optimize care and travel.  

 

Our physical therapist, Meredith Roberts, DPT, has experience in neurorehabilitation therapy that also includes orthopedic, post trauma, spinal cord injury, heart failure and other cardiothoracic medical conditions. She also has specialty training specifically designed to target Parkinson's disease's unique challenges. Meredith, Dr. Giroux and Sierra work as a team to formulate individualized treatment strategies using a comprehensive approach to facilitate the best outcomes in walking, balance, strength, endurance and physical performance for our patients. Alignment of the medical and rehabilitation therapies in a team environment provides the most optimal setting for patient centered care. 

 

How can a physical therapist help?

 

A physical therapist specializes in physical movement such as joint range of motion, strength, flexibility, balance, posture and mobility. Therapy sessions target areas that need improvement for optimal physical performance incorporating your goals in developing a home exercise program for health and prevention at all stages of disease. Therapy visits include strategies to reduce fall risk and caregiver training to provide knowledge on proper lifting or transfer techniques. 

 

The following questions and concerns are frequently the focus of a physical therapy evaluation: 

• do you need an exercise program specifically for Parkinson's disease?
• do you get out of breath easily when walking or feel tired most of the day?
• do you have trouble getting out of a chair, getting out of your car, or getting out of bed?
• do you have trouble with walking, falling, or fear of falling?
• do you have problems with falling, balance, walking, or freezing while trying to walk?
• is your posture changing?
• do you need a walking aid such as a cane or walker?
• do you have exercise limitations?
• does your care partner need information and training how to best help you move?
• do you have joint or muscle pain or spasms?
• do you need help selecting the right wheelchair for improved independence?

Is your exercise program meeting your health and wellness needs? 

 

Physical activity and structured exercise is an important part of your treatment and is essential in improving strength, balance, posture, coordination, flexibility and stamina, especially when living with a chronic neurological condition. Exercise is proven to maintain and improve your general health, heart and lung function, prevent or control diabetes, improve energy levels, weight control, physical performance, depression, self confidence, and pain. 

 

Exercise is Medicine 

Symptoms expected to improve with a focused exercise or physical activity program: 

• Imbalance
• Walking problems
• Wobbly legs
• Loss of muscle power
• Problems standing
• Posture changes
• Slowness
• Mood changes
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Insomnia

A thorough evaluation should be performed prior to starting an exercise program so you understand fully what to expect and how to avoid injury. It can take several weeks to start feeling the benefit of a structured program at which time the program may need to be changed to continue to reach your full potential and to obtain the most benefit using research based strategies. Learn more about Sierra's background as a fitness specialist and trainer by visiting our website.   

We look forward to serving our community.