If you find your Parkinson’s disease symptoms are worse in cold weather, you’re not alone. Many members on MyParkinsonsTeam note greater stiffness, pain, and other symptoms during the winter months. Parkinson’s disease (PD) impacts a person’s ability to regulate body temperature, which makes some people with PD more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.
Winter weather is extremely unpleasant for some members on MyParkinsonsTeam. “This winter when the temperature dropped to [below zero], I experienced greater pain, stiffness, freezing, and slowness,” one member posted. “It was so overwhelming I could not find any remedies except five blankets. The pain was surprising.”
Several other members mentioned that cold temperatures can cause or worsen pain related to Parkinson’s disease. “I get cold very easily and I shiver,” a member wrote. “Because I am stiff it actually hurts to be cold.” Others agreed, “My back and neck are excruciatingly painful, more so than usual.”
Cold weather can also exacerbate Parkinson’s tremors. One member commented, “I have found that my shivering to stay warm makes my tremors worse.” Another MyParkinsonsTeam member added, “I also struggle with the cold now. It brings on my tremor, so I always have to stay warm.”
Some MyParkinsonsTeam members didn’t know about the impact of cold on PD until other members raised the issue. “I thought I was alone with my symptoms,” a member wrote in response to a question about cold weather.
Members on MyParkinsonsTeam share tips for dealing with cold weather. Their suggestions include:
Dressing in layers: “I have to remember to dress appropriately for the weather and dress in layers,” shared a member who struggles with cold temperatures. Another member suggests thermal underwear for the colder months.
Pockets: “I usually wear a sweatshirt with front pockets to keep both hands warm,” wrote a member whose hands are always chilly.
Electric blankets: “I cover up with electric blankets for the warmth,” one member recommended. A caregiver suggests turning on an electric blanket before it’s needed: “I try to remember to preheat the bed with the electric blanket about 30 minutes before he goes to bed.”
Reusable heat packs: “I would heat up one of those therapy bags (with rice in them) and put it under my feet,” a member suggested to another struggling with icy feet.
Hot bath or swimming pool: One member recommends hot baths for combatting cold, “I get into a hot tub of water when I really get to hurting [from cold].” Another recommends swimming in a heated pool, “I am able to go to a 90-degree (Fahrenheit) pool year-round and swim or exercise.”
On MyParkinsonsTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with and caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Cold weather is a frequently discussed topic.
Here are a couple conversations about cold weather and Parkinson’s symptoms:
Does cold weather exacerbate your Parkinson’s symptoms? Share your thoughts and experiences below in the comments. You can also join or log in to post on MyParkinsonsTeam.
The not so wonderful thing about Parkinson’s or any cruddy life situation is that it tests not only the person it happens to, but its debris lands on anyone within arm’s length. For couples, this means we not only share metaphorical “paychecks,” but we share “bills,” too. Thus, it’s safe to say that everything Parkinson’s took from me, it robbed my wife of it, too. Theft leads to frustration. Frustration leads to anger, resentment, and hostility.
Anger, resentment, and hostility lead to the dark side.
As all couples know, it’s safe to say there are many instigators for arguments with our most important caregivers. We don’t intend for this, but… Stuff just happens. It’s kind of like life for non-Parkinson’s couples. It’s just Parkinson’s turned up the bad to 11, which is one louder.
Life with Parkinson’s. And my wife.
In all healthy relationships, there is friction. For example, my wife doesn’t believe in giving 3-hour backrubs. I’m not impressed. Just kidding, but no, it sure would be nice.
To be honest, our number one argument is my Parkinson’s-induced anxiety while she’s driving. She’s a good driver, it’s just my neurological road map tricks me. I go all bonkers and think we’re going to hit someone or someone will hit us. I panic and will blurt out, “WATCH!” or “STOP!” and she will get defensive. I will apologize, but it’s not easy for her. Thus, Parkinson’s leaves me in the doghouse.
This leads to being testy, which means we lack quality time while Parkinson’s taunts us from the side… because it can.
Other than that, our challenges are mostly clean up after your office argument issues or needing to help her out more issues. For me, it always goes back to the backrubs, seeing as she gave in to my requirements and made me “a bundt cake with love.” She also got me a “PSA 8 Roger Maris” for a wedding present. Yes, kids, wedding presents are a thing. Who knew?
Generally, I’m pretty low maintenance, so I’m good unless I’m competing with the Real Housewives for attention. They’re awful, so that’s not fun.
As we’re now coming up on the 13th anniversary of our first date (December 1) and passing our marriage anniversary (August 15), I can say my wife and I have made it through many things couples fight about and come out better for it. Since I’m a historic writer, I can tell you other dates, too: first love, when I knew she was a keeper, engagement, and when she got me Christmas gift certificates equal to 3 hours of massages.
I’m definitely happy for what we have, but it takes work, thankfulness, apologies, and sometimes giving up watching baseball games so she can watch Vanderpump Rules.
If only that got me another 3-hour backrub.
Common relationship problems
Psychology Today listed some common problems couples have. I’m borrowing a few to talk about them in regard to Parkinson’s couples.
Communication: Be your own advocate, on both sides. Tell the other person what you need while it’s possible. Don’t assume anything. If you need time alone, just ask for that too. Space rejuvenates couples.
Affection: Never forget the ‘I love you’ statements, the flowers, and the little things. They matter, as does the handholding or sitting together on the couch.
Sex: 3 out of the 30 problems listed in the article were realted to sex and intimacy. While some meds can instigate extreme levels of interest, more meds and urinary issues wipe out interest. It’s real, and yes, Parkinson’s sucks. When the naked stuff is gone, it’s all about words, memories, and simple affections. If there are no common interests, what then? Thus, go back to 1 and 2.
The boss: For me, I’m OK with letting my wife handle what she’s better at or things I can’t do. For instance, she aligns the Christmas tree. I write the Christmas cards. Also, we’ve always worked on the vested interest point of view. For example, she has better taste in what the house looks like, so “pick a color scheme, Heather.” We decided on the house itself together. I’ll choose the size of the TV.
Future plans: Just like number 3, Parkinson’s controls a lot of your future plans, but the bucket list goals and vacations need to be prioritized in order of importance to both parties equally. What really matters and what doesn’t? I can hobble through the Louvre, but I need to be more physical for the canyon out of the Grand Gallery. I don’t need to climb Mount Defiance like I thought I did in 2014. Thus, my physical state battles both of our individual desires for a place.
Being in control: I’ll deviate from the boss on this and say that we need to do things together that both sides of the couples equation wants to do. It’s the same with who we do them with. Parkinson’s eliminates interests and isolates people. Both parties need to ensure that these avenues remain open. If not, one person may become resentful or neglected. Many people have trouble asking for or receiving help. This tough person stuff doesn’t work for anyone. This is the hand of cards that was dealt. You can accept it or hate it, but it’s still the hand you’re playing. You might as well put on the big kid pants and take a deep breath while accepting it.
Privacy: Caregivers need an outlet. Parkies (people with Parkinson’s) need one, too. We can do this by being all ‘Hemingway’ and allude to certain things not working. It can also be done in detail, when necessary. However, if we don’t find a trustworthy outlet and an ability to discuss Parkinson’s health issues with outside help and one another, we create a recipe for disaster. Nobody wants compounded problems.
In-Laws/Friends: They can be a problem if they don’t get it, are far away, and aren’t supportive. How much and how they help could also feel intrusive or isolating. It’s important to be able to talk openly about this potential landmine.
Children: How do we raise them and help them cope? Should we have any? I don’t have any (PD put the final nail in that decision), so I’ll send you to Maria DeLeon who wrote about Parkinson’s and having children.
Money: Yep… That one is always there, isn’t it? Sometimes it’s necessary for Michael Scott to tell Jan to cool it (The Office reference, sorry). Parkinson’s magnifies this issue in light of the uncertain future and the dreamed about bucket list. When we can’t run for the train, how do we agree on a plan?
Making the relationship work
The list I had listed jealousy, but with PD it’s more the root of jealousy – insecurity. Sometimes I think, “Will you leave me when I can’t give you what I used to?” I wish I knew how to approach this other than to talk openly with each other and trained counselors often. Somethings you just can’t go alone. Also, I don’t want to single out posts on this website, but all too many people ended up here.
For caregivers, I would list burnout and the inability (as opposed to lack of interest) to help. Having PD is a cruddy experience. It’s not easy to handle some of our issues. To be honest, I don’t like handling some of my own issues.
Some caregivers can’t get past the loss of function in a loved one. Other people feel like the things they try don’t work or they feel at a loss since the person with Parkinson’s still regresses. Still, others will help to the point that they subtract from their own state of wellness. I get these as opposed to outright abandonment that comes from the ‘I didn’t sign up for this’ mindset when the caregiver is not even trying.
That said, every caregiver needs to find their own way through this. Who am I to tell you what your own answer is?
Talk to each other, family, friends, therapists, and support groups. We need you and appreciate you because we know you’re giving it your all. We want the best for you, too, because we love and care for you in the same way you care for us.
In the end, we have to be open, we need to listen, and we must compromise while accepting Parkinson’s runs the show. Easy, isn’t it?
There are five commonly recognized stages of Parkinson’s. Neurologists stage Parkinson’s based on the way the condition typically progresses. However, symptoms of Parkinson’s vary by the type of parkinsonism and between individuals. An individual with Parkinson’s will not necessarily experience all or even most symptoms and may not experience them at the same stage in which others experience them. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms worsen gradually over time, new symptoms appear, and disability accumulates.
Assessing the stage of Parkinson’s helps anticipate disabilities and plan accordingly for care.
The Five Stages of Parkinson’s
The stages of Parkinson’s are based on the Hoehn and Yahr scale introduced in 1967. The Hoehn and Yahr staging system focuses on disability caused by motor symptoms such as bradykinesia (slowed movements), tremor, and loss of balance. Some neurologists also use a newer scale called the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The UPDRS scale takes into account changes in mood, cognitive function such as thinking and remembering, and social behavior.
Stage One
Motor symptoms occur on one side of the body only. There is minimal or no disability.
Stage Two
Motor symptoms worsen and begin to affect both sides of the body. There may be difficulty walking and changes in posture, facial expression, and voice. Daily activities become harder and take longer.
Stage Three
In the middle stage of Parkinson’s, loss of balance becomes apparent and falls are more common. Motor symptoms make it difficult to eat, dress, and perform self-care, but the person is still capable of living alone.
Stage Four
At stage four, the person is no longer able to live alone. Disability is severe, and the person requires help with many daily tasks. They may or may not be able to stand and walk without assistance. Many people begin using walkers at this stage.
Stage Five
During stage five, the person cannot rise from a chair or bed without help. Motor symptoms include stumbling and freezing. They may lose the ability to stand or walk, and a wheelchair becomes necessary. Assistance is required around the clock for all activities. Some people begin to experience psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions.
Another View of Parkinson’s Progression
A newer theory of Parkinson’s progression called Braak’s hypothesis suggests that Parkinson’s may begin years before motor symptoms develop. According to Braak’s hypothesis, loss of smell and digestive symptoms such as constipation are the earliest signs of Parkinson’s, showing up many years before motor issues. While these early symptoms do not show up on an official Parkinson’s stage yet, many researchers are working on ways to identify and treat Parkinson’s earlier, even before stage on
“But that’s not the way it’s supposed to be!” is a common thing we say when our expectations fall short. It happens to all of us. Some members of MyParkinsonsTeam have found the practice of “allowing and letting be” in the midst of a trying to be a way to minimize anxiety or heaviness.
Mindfulness experts suggest a few ways that we can notice — not push away — how we feel during difficult moments. There are physical responses we can notice (heaviness in the shoulders, tightness in the chest), and we should also take note of our emotional responses to disappointment (blame, self-doubt, exasperation). These can be opportunities to realign our expectations and extend grace to ourselves.
Here are recent conversations from MyParkinsonsTeam:
“If I do get sleep its only for a few hours and then I’m up for the rest of the day. I had to stop work a few years ago and that is tough. We’re all here for each other. Hope you have a better night’s sleep.” -A member of MyParkinsonsTeam
On MyParkinsonsTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with Parkinson’s disease, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Insomnia is one of the top 10 topics most discussed.
Here are some question-and-answer threads about insomnia:
Have another topic you’d like to discuss or explore? Go to MyParkinsonsTeam today and start the conversation. You’ll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.
Caregivers and those living with Parkinson’s face cognitive, physical and emotional changes. People deal with it in different ways: adapt, react, or freeze. Read how other people are handling this.
On MyParkinsonsTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with Parkinson’s disease, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Behavioral issues are one of the top 10 topics most discussed.
Here are some conversations about behavioral issues:
Have another topic you’d like to discuss or explore? Go to MyParkinsonsTeam today and start the conversation. You’ll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.
Parkinsonism is a syndrome, or collection of symptoms, characterized by motor issues – bradykinesia (slowed movements), tremors, loss of balance, and stiffness. There are many types of parkinsonism classified by their cause and how they progress. Knowing which type of Parkinson’s someone has helps neurologists prescribe effective treatments and better predict how the disease will progress.
Parkinson’s Types
There is no conclusive test to identify what type of parkinsonism someone has. For some people, years may elapse between experiencing the first symptoms and receiving a definitive diagnosis of a specific type. Since all parkinsonisms share similar motor symptoms, Parkinson’s diagnosis can be very difficult. A correct diagnosis is more likely when performed by an experienced neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. Some people have multiple chronic conditions, making it difficult for doctors to identify whether parkinsonian symptoms are caused by a disease or a medication. In some cases, it is possible to have more than one type of parkinsonism.
Parkinson’s Disease
The most common type of parkinsonism is Parkinson’s disease (PD), which accounts for about 80 percent of cases. No one is sure what causes most cases of Parkinson’s disease, so it is also known as idiopathic Parkinson’s. Idiopathic means “cause unknown.”
Deep inside the brain, regions called the basal ganglia and substantia nigra work together to ensure that the body moves smoothly. The substantia nigra produces a neurotransmitter – a chemical that helps nerves communicate – called dopamine. Messages sent by the brain to muscles to cause movement pass through the basal ganglia with the help of dopamine. In Parkinson’s disease, cells in the substantia nigra gradually stop producing dopamine and die off. With too little dopamine, the basal ganglia cannot facilitate movement as well. Researchers believe parkinsonian symptoms begin when the level of dopamine falls to about half of normal levels.
Subsets of Parkinson’s disease include:
Late-onset Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms develop after age 50.
Most PD is late-onset.
Early-onset or young-onset Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms develop before age 50.
Accounts for approximately 10 percent of PD cases
Tends to have slower progression, more medication side effects
Dystonia (painful spasms and abnormal postures) is more common in early-onset PD.
Juvenile-onset Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms develop before age 20.
Extremely rare
Often strong family history of Parkinson’s
Familial Parkinson’s
Directly caused by genetic variants inherited from parents
Accounts for 10 to 15 percent of Parkinson’s disease cases
Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD)
Between 50 and 80 percent of those with Parkinson’s disease eventually develop Parkinson’s disease dementia. On average, most people begin to develop PDD about 10 years after they receive a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. PDD is often confused with Alzheimer’s and dementia with Lewy bodies. Parkinson’s disease dementia is usually diagnosed when motor symptoms occur first, at least a year before dementia symptoms.
Secondary Parkinsonism
In some cases, Parkinson’s symptoms are not a disease in themselves, but are caused by certain medications or by other conditions. These types of parkinsonism are referred to as secondary parkinsonism. Unlike Parkinson’s disease, secondary parkinsonisms are usually not progressive and do not respond to the same drugs. Secondary parkinsonisms include drug-induced and vascular parkinsonism.
Drug-Induced Parkinsonism
Certain medications can cause parkinsonian symptoms as a side effect. Drug-induced parkinsonism is the second-leading cause of parkinsonism after Parkinson’s disease.
Drug-induced parkinsonism may be caused by a range of medications, including:
Antipsychotics such as Haldol (Haloperidol) and Thorazine (Chlorpromazine)
Anti-nausea medications such as Reglan (Metoclopramide)
Antidepressants in the serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) class such as Prozac (Fluoxetine) and Zoloft (Sertraline)
Calcium channel blockers such as Flunarizine and Cinnarizine (not approved for use in the U.S.)
Reserpine
Xenazine (Tetrabenazine)
These drugs do not cause parkinsonism in every person who takes them.
The symptoms of drug-induced Parkinson’s are usually temporary. Symptoms typically fade and disappear within a year of stopping the medication that caused the condition, sometimes within weeks. In some cases, the symptoms of drug-induced parkinsonism are permanent, but they are usually not progressive like other forms of parkinsonism.
Vascular Parkinsonism
Vascular parkinsonism is caused by small strokes in the brain where blood vessels have become blocked. Also known as arteriosclerotic or multi-infarct parkinsonism, vascular parkinsonism is usually limited to the legs. Unlike other forms of parkinsonism, vascular parkinsonism appears suddenly rather than gradually and is not usually progressive. Hypertension (high blood pressure), high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to the development of vascular parkinsonism. Unlike most other types of Parkinson’s, vascular parkinsonism can often be seen in computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain.
Typical Parkinson’s medications do not improve symptoms of vascular parkinsonism. Treatments are aimed at preventing additional strokes and may include Aspirin or blood thinners and recommendations to stop smoking, eat a diet low in salt and saturated fat, and get more exercise.
Atypical Parkinsonism
Some types of parkinsonian movement disorders have similar motor symptoms as Parkinson’s disease and are also caused by progressive damage to the brain, but do not improve when treated with medications that are effective in Parkinson’s disease. These conditions are known as atypical parkinsonisms or “Parkinson’s plus.” Atypical parkinsonisms may show slight differences in motor symptoms from Parkinson’s disease. For instance, motor symptoms may start on both sides of the body instead of one side, or problems with thinking, memory, and mood may occur first, before motor symptoms.
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
MSA is a rare condition with about 1,900 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. MSA is also known as Shy-Drager syndrome (SDS). MSA seems to affect men and women at equal rates. MSA has motor features in common with other types of Parkinson’s but is more likely to present with symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system regulates blood pressure, digestion, and temperature, and people with MSA are more likely than those with Parkinson’s disease to experience bladder or bowel problems, excess sweating, and orthostatic hypotension (fainting or dizziness after standing).
In MSA, an abnormal protein called alpha synuclein builds up in regions of the brain including the basal ganglia, the cerebellum, and the brain stem. Alpha synuclein buildup also occurs in Parkinson’s disease, but is usually seen later in the course of the condition, and mostly confined to the substantia nigra region of the brain. MSA affects different types of brain cells than those affected by Parkinson’s.
There are two subtypes of MSA:
MSA-P
MSA-P more closely resembles Parkinson’s, but it progresses more quickly and stops responding to Parkinson’s drugs sooner.
MSA-C
In MSA-C, progressive loss of coordination and balance are prominent. People with MSA-C may show an “action tremor,” or tremor that happens when they reach for an object. Muscle weakness can cause slurring and trouble swallowing. MSA-C can develop as early as a person’s 40s.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
Also known as Steele–Richardson–Olszewski syndrome, PSP causes motor symptoms very similar to those seen in Parkinson’s, but they tend to be much more severe and progress much more quickly. Most people develop severe disabilities within three to five years of a PSP diagnosis.
In addition to motor symptoms, people with PSP are likely to have mood and personality changes and cognitive difficulties. Tremors are rare in PSP. In progressive supranuclear palsy, people are more likely to tilt and fall backward, while people with Parkinson’s lean and fall forward.
PSP is also considered a type of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a collection of conditions that cause progressive damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. In healthy brains, there is a normal protein called tau that helps form the structure of cells. In PSP, tau protein tangles together in abnormal clumps, and brain cells are destabilized.
Unlike other forms of parkinsonism, PSP can significantly reduce life expectancy. With treatment, a person with PSP may live 10 years after diagnosis.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)
DLB is characterized by the early development of cognitive symptoms (related to memory, attention, and thinking) and psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations. Parkinsonian motor symptoms occur later in the progression of the disease. After Alzheimer’s, DLB is the leading cause of dementia. DLB typically does not occur before the age of 65. In DLB, alpha synuclein protein builds up throughout the cerebral cortex of the brain, forming collections called Lewy bodies.
DLB is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s. Symptoms of DLB may respond to medications for Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, but certain Alzheimer’s medications carry high risk for dangerous side effects if given to those with DLB. DLB and Parkinson’s disease dementia have many features in common, and together they are known as the Lewy body dementias.
Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)
CBD, also called corticobasal syndrome, is a rare type of parkinsonism that usually progresses more quickly than Parkinson’s disease. In CBD, brain cells in the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia shrink and die. CBD affects men and women approximately equally. Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 50 and 70. Corticobasal degeneration may be considered a type of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Motor symptoms in CBD are nearly always asymmetrical – occurring on one side of the body. CBD may also cause cognitive and behavioral symptoms. People with CBD may also have Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, progressive supranuclear palsy, frontotemporal dementia, and Alzheimer’s-like dementia.
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PARKINSON’S URINARY INCONTINENCE
Urinary Incontinence in People with Parkinson’s: By Gretchen Church · October 1, 2020
I had no idea that physical therapy for incontinence existed! I was also sure that I would be so embarrassed that I would never be able to handle the whole course of physical therapy, but I wanted to go in with an open mind. Fortunately, I had an awesome physical therapist. She put me at ease and we connected immediately.
As you can imagine I was a bit hesitant at first but my lovely therapist was wonderful! I think this is very important that you feel very comfortable with your therapist, as this can already be an embarrassing issue. A proper therapist can make you feel more comfortable and less embarrassed, allowing for a greater exchange of ideas. Pelvic floor physical therapy is an effective treatment for symptoms of urinary urgency and urinary incontinence in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Preparing for your appointment with the phsyical therapist
This appointment is for an initial evaluation that will last approximately 45 minutes. Usually, they ask you to arrive 20 minutes before your appointment to complete all necessary paperwork.
The initial evaluation includes a thorough review of the following (as time permits):1
Daily bowel and bladder habits and current functional limitations
Musculoskeletal examination of your pelvic region, including your posture, biomechanics of your spine and pelvis, range of motion and strength testing, and mobility of your abdominal-pelvic muscles, connective tissue, and organs
If appropriate, a gentle, internal pelvic exam is performed to evaluate tone and strength of your pelvic floor musculature, as well as determining painful structures within the pelvic cavity
Depending on initial findings during the exam, the physical therapist will often prescribe pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder retraining, dietary irritants, as well as extensive education on pelvic floor anatomy, function, and bowel/ bladder function.
Follow up physical therapy appointments
Based on your initial evaluation one or more of the following will be performed therapies could be recommended.
Extensive education on pelvic floor anatomy and bowel/bladder function
Biofeedback training to record the muscle activity of your pelvic floor muscles and re-educate the coordination of these muscles at rest, in various positions, and during functional activities
Individualized exercise program to improve strength and endurance of the weak pelvic floor
Biofeedback and education on techniques to relax the tight, overactive pelvic floor muscles
Electrical stimulation to assist in the strengthening or relaxation of either weak or tight pelvic floor musculature
Kegel exercises, which are the constricting and relaxing of muscles surrounding the pelvic floor
Mobilization of your spine and pelvis to restore symmetry and normal biomechanics
Exercise program to improve posture, flexibility, and strength of the low back, abdomen, pelvic region, and lower extremities
Instruction in lifestyle changes such as diet, skincare, and self-treatment techniques
Pelvic health therapy is a whole-body approach, so the physical therapist might find it appropriate to treat other areas of the body, which could be affecting the pelvic area.
Return visits usually occur weekly for 8-12 weeks depending on exam findings. Biofeedback training is often to record the muscle activity of your pelvic floor muscles and re-educate the coordination of these muscles at rest, in various positions, and during functional activities.
Other treatment options to strengthen the pelvic floor
There may be some alternative treatments available as well, including:
Yoga
Mindfulness
Relaxation
Tai chi
All of these have the potential to assist with bladder/urgency issues.
The goal of this article was to open up a dialogue about incontinence and urgency and Parkinson’s disease. It is one of those embarrassing non-motor issues that many of us, regardless of our age, have as a result of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
The good news is that there are things that can be done to help that do not necessarily include medication! Exercise, diet, therapy, and a willingness to open up about this common issue with those of us with Parkinson’s disease is very important. We need to keep talking about it