Parkinson Motor Symptom Tips
- ALI NAEIMI
- Oct 8, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 25, 2024
Living with Parkinson's disease often means navigating a range of motor symptoms that affect daily life. Here’s a closer look at crucial motor symptoms like bradykinesia, resting tremors, rigidity, balance issues, and freezing episodes, along with practical tips and management strategies.
Bradykinesia (Slow Movement)
Bradykinesia impacts all movements, including routine activities like buttoning a shirt, brushing teeth, or cutting food. Movements become slower, smaller, and harder to initiate and sustain. Here’s what you might notice:
Subtle changes: Writing may shrink, especially towards the end of a sentence.
Speech changes: While you may begin speaking at an average volume, your voice could trail off towards the end of a phrase.
Walking difficulties: Slower pace, shuffling, or smaller steps are common.
Facial expressions: A “masked face” might make you appear less expressive, which can sometimes be mistaken for depression.
Bradykinesia often starts on one side of the body before gradually spreading. Many of these changes happen so gradually that they may go unnoticed initially. Thankfully, dopamine-based medications effectively manage this symptom.
Resting Tremors (Shaking)
Tremors are one of the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s but don’t occur in everyone. Here’s what to know:
Common traits: Tremors often affect the hand, foot, or jaw at rest and typically improve with movement.
One-sided onset: Tremors usually start on one side of the body before spreading.
Not a definitive marker: You can still have Parkinson’s even without tremors, as they are not universal.
Triggers: Stress, anxiety, and fatigue can temporarily worsen tremors.
While tremors are often viewed as an annoyance rather than a disability, they can interfere with daily tasks. Relaxation strategies like deep breathing, along with dopamine medications, can help manage them.
Rigidity (Stiffness)
Rigidity refers to the lack of flexibility in muscles, often affecting the arms, legs, trunk, or neck. Key characteristics include:
Tight muscles: Muscles may feel stiff even at rest, which can sometimes cause aching.
Uneven symptoms: Stiffness is often more noticeable on one side of the body.
Management tips: Stretching exercises, massage, and relaxation techniques can provide relief.
Dopamine medications are the primary treatment, but incorporating activities like yoga or physiotherapy into your routine can significantly improve flexibility and comfort.
Difficulty with Balance
Balance problems are common in Parkinson’s, particularly as the disease progresses. Here’s how they manifest and what you can do:
Early signs: Mild stumbling or balance issues during activities like rising from a chair or turning.
Later stages: Increased risk of falls due to weakened reflexes.
Best practices: Engage in balance training activities like Tai Chi, yoga, or dance, and strengthen your core muscles with guided exercises from a physiotherapist.
Though no specific treatment for balance issues exists, dopamine medication can improve movement-related balance problems. Using aids like walkers or canes can also significantly improve safety and confidence.
Freezing Episodes
Freezing episodes are moments when your feet feel glued to the floor. These episodes often happen during walking or navigating obstacles, leading to falls. Key strategies to overcome freezing include:
Focus techniques: Use visual cues like floor patterns or lines to guide your steps.
Auditory aids: Rhythmic sounds or music can help maintain movement.
Avoid multitasking: Concentrating on one task at a time while walking reduces the risk of freezing.
Ask for help: Someone nearby can place a visible target before you to step over.
Dopamine medications may help, mainly if freezing occurs during "off" periods.
Final Thoughts
Parkinson’s motor symptoms can seem overwhelming, but understanding them and adopting effective management strategies can significantly improve quality of life. Combining medications, physical therapies, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to your needs ensures better control and independence. Always consult your healthcare provider or neurologist for personalized advice and support.
References: 1. Parkinson Canada - Treatments
