While receiving the right medication is critical, many people who suffer with Parkinson’s may appreciate the useful benefits of integrating alternative therapies, such as Pilates, in conjunction with traditional Western medicine.
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition which affects everyday movements such as walking, talking and writing.

The disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra.

These cells are responsible for producing the neurotransmitter dopamine, which allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that control movement. With the depletion of dopamine, coordination becomes increasingly difficult.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s are commonly observed as shaking or tremors (which usually begin in one hand), slow movement and/or stiffness/inflexibility of muscles. People who have Parkinson’s encounter difficulty initiating movement, resulting in slower physical progress and resultant muscle stiffness. Basic activities such as standing up from a seated position or writing become tough. Speech, swallowing and posture may also be impacted. Drugs are usually prescribed to treat the symptoms, but it is also a good idea to look at general lifestyle habits in order to successfully manage the disease on a daily basis. Because physical movement becomes more and more difficult as the illness progresses, sufferers tend to become more sedentary and put on excess weight. People who have Parkinson’s also tend to breathe shallowly, thereby limiting the amount of oxygen that is available for use by the body.

Pilates focuses on thoracic breathing, which fills all of the room in the ribcage so that oxygen flows to the muscles more efficiently. It also helps to improve coordination and control by strengthening and elongating the muscles.

Some of the routine problems associated with Parkinson’s such as tension in the shoulders and back, as well as characteristic “shuffling” may be eased using Pilates.

Because it encourages specific movement patterns using small and controlled muscle repositioning and stretching, some of the stiffness, rigidity and lack of dexterity associated with Parkinson’s can be relieved. Pilates also encourages the use of strong core muscles which ultimately improve posture.

Physicians observe that many people who suffer with Parkinson’s also experience symptoms of depression, perhaps due to chemical changes within the brain that contribute to Parkinson’s Disease or as a response to all the physical limitations imposed by the disease process itself. Exercise is a great way to relieve the symptoms of depression in general and gives people the opportunity to make new acquaintances. The advantage of using Pilates as a form of exercise in dealing with Parkinson’s is that it can be tailored to individual needs whether working in a one-on-one setting or within a group. Each person’s weaknesses and strengths can be taken into account and altered to suit lifestyle or physical limitations.

Many health clubs offer private, semi-private or group Pilates sessions for people who have Parkinson’s Disease. Check with your physician or health advisor prior to using Pilates or any other form of exercise in the treatment of Parkinson’s.

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