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Exercise program targets unique needs of individuals with Parkinson’s disease

Specialized circuit training class comes to Surrey’s Neuromotion Physiotherapy + Rehabilitation
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The team at Surrey’s Neuromotion Physiotherapy + Rehabilitation.

We know exercise is good for us – it helps us build muscle, improve balance and flexibility, and improve mood – and that’s no less true for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

The neurodegenerative disease appears when cells in the brain that produce dopamine – the chemical that controls movement – die, and symptoms can include tremors, slowness and stiffness, impaired balance and more.

While there is no cure, symptoms can be treated with medication, physical, occupational and speech therapy, and exercise – such as the specialized program at Surrey’s Neuromotion Physiotherapy + Rehabilitation.

The Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery – PWR!Moves – Circuit Training Class is specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Led by a PWR! Therapist who has attended specialized courses in Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery, “this exercise class is founded on the idea that exercise is medicine for people with Parkinson’s Disease,” explains Pauline Martin, physiotherapist and Neuromotion owner.

The class works more than the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Created by Dr. Becky Farley, PWR!Moves offers a flexible and functional amplitude-focused exercise approach that targets multiple symptoms.

While exercise can improve strength, balance, co-ordination, flexibility and cardiovascular functioning, it’s also a physiological tool to protect neurons and guides brain health and repair. “Exercise has the potential to slow disease progression in people with Parkinson’s disease,” Martin says.

Plus, it just makes you feel good!

What to expect:

Following an initial assessment to screen for safety, physical limitations and health risks, PWR!Moves participants can expect to sweat and move lots at each class, laugh and use their voice!

The Parkinson’s disease-specific skill training program is designed to maintain or restore skills that deteriorate and interfere with everyday movements.

Exercises are performed on the floor, on hands and knees, sitting and standing and specifically target four areas research has shown interfere with Parkinson’s patients’ mobility: antigravity extension, weight shifting, axial mobility and transitional movements.

And don’t worry you won’t be able to do it – various adaptations allow for disease severity.

“The class provides a caring, supportive environment for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to work out, challenge themselves and improve their physical abilities,” Martin says. “The feedback from the instructor provides great cues to push yourself further to maximize your abilities!”

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Neuromotion Physiotherapy helps children and adults re-train functional movement through clinical application of neuroscientific principles. Staff provide expert hands-on treatments, education and exercises to enable the client to achieve their goals and maximize their physical potential.