Imagine wanting to raise your hand in greeting to someone, but your arm just doesn’t move the way you want it to. This can be a frustrating experience for people with movement disorders. These are neurological conditions that affect the nervous system, the complex network that controls the body’s muscles and coordinated movements.
There are many types of movement disorders, each with its own set of symptoms. Specific symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some examples of movement disorders include:
- Parkinson’s disease — Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that affects over 10 million people worldwide, with nearly 90,000 Americans diagnosed each year. Parkinson’s disease is a condition often associated with a combination of symptoms, including:
- Tremors — Shaking in the hands, arms, legs or head, often at rest
- Rigidity — Muscle stiffness that makes movement feel slow and difficult
- Bradykinesia — Slowness of movement, making simple tasks like getting dressed or walking take longer
- Postural instability — Difficulty maintaining balance and a higher risk of falls
- Dystonia — Dystonia is the third most common movement disorder, affecting up to 250,000 people in the United States. This disorder causes involuntary muscle contractions that lead to:
- Twisting postures — The body can be contorted into unusual positions affecting the neck, trunk, limbs or face.
- Repetitive movements — Uncontrolled repetitive motions include blinking, head shaking or limb movements.
- Tremor — Shaking can occur along with the twisting postures or repetitive movements.
- Pain — Muscle contractions can cause discomfort and pain.
- Ataxia — Ataxia is a rare condition that affects balance and coordination. It can lead to symptoms like:
- Gait abnormalities — Walking can be unsteady, with a wide stance, shuffling steps or difficulty initiating movement.
- Speech problems — Slurred speech or difficulty pronouncing words
- Intention tremor — Tremors that are worse with purposeful movements like reaching for an object
- Nystagmus — Rapid, involuntary eye movements
- Huntington’s disease — Huntington’s disease affects up to 7 out of every 100,000 people and is a progressive genetic disorder that has both physical and mental symptoms, including:
- Chorea — The hallmark feature is involuntary, jerky movements of the face, limbs and trunk, often described as “dancing.”
- Cognitive decline — Thinking, memory and judgment can become impaired over time.
- Mood changes — Irritability, depression or anxiety can occur.
- Difficulty swallowing — A swallowing difficulty can lead to weight loss and dehydration.
Movement disorders can also affect other aspects of movement, such as:
- Facial expressions — Difficulty smiling or frowning due to muscle stiffness or weakness
- Speech — Problems with articulation, volume or fluency
- Fine motor skills — Challenges with tasks like writing, buttoning clothes or using utensils
By understanding the different ways movement disorders can appear, we can better appreciate the challenges faced by individuals living with these conditions and the importance of physical therapy in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
What causes movement disorders?
The exact cause of a movement disorder depends on the specific type. Some common culprits behind movement disorders include:
- Degeneration — In some cases, nerve cells in the brain that control movement slowly deteriorate. Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease are examples of this.
- Genetics — Some movement disorders, like Huntington’s disease, may be caused by genetic mutations passed down from parents.
- Brain injury — Injuries to the brain from an accident or stroke can damage the areas of the brain that are responsible for movement control, leading to a movement disorder.
- Infection — Certain infections can affect the nervous system and cause movement problems.
The role of physical therapists in movement disorders
Physical therapists are health care professionals specially trained to help people with movement disorders. They work closely with patients to create a personalized treatment plan to help ensure that the patient’s specific needs and goals are addressed. Here’s how physical therapists can make a significant difference:
- Improving mobility and balance — Physical therapists can help people with movement disorders move more easily and confidently through safe and effective exercises, for example, practicing with different cues, like focusing on a specific point ahead, to help improve gait. They can also help with exercises to strengthen muscles that support balance and coordination.
- Reducing pain and stiffness — Many movement disorders can cause pain and tightness in muscles. Physical therapists can use various techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and stretching, to help manage these symptoms and improve comfort.
- Increasing strength and endurance — Stronger muscles are essential for maintaining balance and coordination and performing daily activities. Physical therapists can design safe and effective exercise programs to help build strength and improve stamina for people with movement disorders. This can help with everyday tasks like getting dressed or climbing stairs.
- Promoting independence — A goal of physical therapy for movement disorders is to help people stay as independent as possible. Physical therapists can teach strategies for activities of daily living like getting dressed, bathing and moving around the house safely. This can significantly improve a person’s quality of life and empower them to manage their daily routines.
- Helping prevent falls — People with movement disorders are more at risk for falls due to balance problems. Physical therapists can assess fall risks and develop a plan to help prevent them. This may include practicing safe transfers like moving from sitting to standing, practicing balance exercises with different surfaces, and recommending home safety modifications like installing grab bars in the bathroom.
Physical therapists understand the physical and emotional challenges faced by people with movement disorders. They provide not only exercises and techniques, but also encouragement and support. This positive and motivating environment is crucial for promoting progress and maintaining a good quality of life.
Beyond exercises: Physical therapy is a supportive team approach
Physical therapists don’t work in isolation. They collaborate with a team of health care professionals, including:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Speech therapists
This team works together to ensure that people with movement disorders receive comprehensive care that addresses all of their needs.
Living well with a movement disorder
There’s currently no cure for many movement disorders. However, physical therapy can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and improving daily life. Here are some additional tips that can help you live well with a movement disorder:
- Stay active — Regular exercise is vital for maintaining strength, flexibility and overall health. Even small amounts of daily activity, like walking or gentle stretching, can be beneficial.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle — Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and managing stress can all contribute to helping you manage a movement disorder. Taking care of your overall health can help you feel your best.
- Stay connected — Stay connected with friends and family, or join support groups for people with movement disorders. Social interaction can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional support.
- Be patient and positive — Progress in managing a movement disorder takes time. Celebrate small victories, like being able to button your shirt independently or walk a little further. Maintaining a positive attitude can go a long way in coping with the challenges.
Remember, you’re not alone. Physical therapists are valuable partners in helping people with movement disorders live their lives to the fullest. Your doctor can provide you with a referral if you need a doctor’s referral to go to physical therapy.
Living with a movement disorder can make life difficult, but with the right support and treatment, people can live fulfilling lives. Physical therapists play a crucial role in empowering individuals with movement disorders to achieve their highest level of function and independence. By working together as a team, health care professionals, patients and caregivers can all contribute to a better quality of life for those living with movement disorders.
Movement disorders can be challenging, but Border Therapy Services can help
While there is currently no cure for many movement disorders, there is hope. At Border Therapy Services, our expert team of physical therapists is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care for individuals living with these conditions. We will work collaboratively to develop a physical therapy treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Through a combination of targeted exercises, manual therapy techniques and ongoing support, we strive to help you regain control of your movements, improve your daily function and live a fulfilling life.
Call us or request an appointment today to find out how physical therapy can help improve life with a movement disorder.