I want to take a moment to offer some information about my experience with patients affected by Parkinson's Disease and how physical therapy treatment can help. Parkinson's Disease is a progressive disorder, and it is expected that levels of function will change in some way over the years.
According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation (www.PDF.org), PD affects approximately 1 million Americans; however, this should be considered a conservative estimate as many cases go undiagnosed.
Symptoms can vary in severity, and are rather gradual in onset. Difficulty with initiating walking, hesitation or stuttering when turning around, and less variability in facial expressions are just a few of the typical movement disorders. One standardized test to determine a true diagnosis of Parkinson's has not been established; rather, a variety of testing may be ordered by your physician to further rule out other conditions.
With a large influx of patients with PD coming to see me, all affected in various ways and in varying levels of severity, I sought out additional education to provide the best care for my patients. I completed the "LSVT BIG" certification which provided me with a comprehensive overview of PD and other Parkinsonian-like disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis. This training allows me to carry out a specific protocol with patients that has been researched and proven to provide maximum gain of function.
My ultimate goal is to ensure each and every patient with PD has a good understanding of what it is they can do to slow the progression and continue to preserve their function, whatever level that may be. At our West Fenwick clinic, my colleagues and I pride ourselves in providing comprehensive and customized care tailored to each patient's individual needs, extending across all ages and abilities. Please feel free to call our office for additional information.
Christy Weber, DPT
Dynamic Physical Therapy
Selbyville
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