Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease is is one of the most common nervous system disorders of the elderly. Parkinson's disease most often develops after age 50. Sometimes Parkinson's disease occurs in younger adults. It affects both men and women.

In some cases, Parkinson's disease runs in families. When a young person is affected, it is usually because of a form of the disease that runs in families.

Nerve cells use a brain chemical called dopamine to help control muscle movement. Parkinson's disease occurs when the nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine are slowly destroyed. Without dopamine, the nerve cells in that part of the brain cannot properly send messages. This leads to the loss of muscle function. The damage gets worse with time. Exactly why these brain cells waste away is unknown.

Parkinson's is rare in children. It may occur because the nerves are not as sensitive to dopamine.

The term "parkinsonism" refers to any condition that involves the types of movement changes seen in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism may be caused by other disorders (called secondary parkinsonism) or certain medications.

Physical therapy is a good intervention in the process of Parkinson's disease.  Treatments are aimed at increasing spinal mobility, increasing muscle length, increasing gait parameters and improving balance.  These sessions are best done one-on-one as more progressed Parkinson's patients are in need of at least contact guarding.

Knee replacement revisions

Total knee replacements are normally a very successful procedure.  They offer a patients a new life in a sense, with increased ability to walk, exercise and a generally speaking better quality of life. In these procedures the distal end of the femur and proximal end of the tibia are removed and replaced with a prosthetic.  If possible the surgeon will salvage the patients patella, but its not uncommon for a prosthetic patella to be used.  Patients are typically up and walking the same or next day.  The journey continues with a lengthy course of physical therapy. 

However, some recipients are not so lucky in their recovery.  There is possibility of infection immediately and several years after the implant is placed.  The infection is indicated by an increase in pain, swelling and lack of mobility.  These patients are usually in store for a knee replacement revision, which is a much more involved process and includes a rather large rod inserted into the femur.

"Steamboats"

"Steamboats" are a great physical therapy exercise that aim to promote strength and stability in the involved lower extremity.  These exercises are usefull for a number of patient diagnoses (from s/p bunionectomy to knee pain).  The patient starts with a theraband wrapped around the uninvolved ankle.  Then standing only on the injured leg, the patient will perform small, controlled kicking motions with the uninvolved leg.  It is important to keep the stabilizing leg slightly bent throughout the exercise.  After the prescribed reps, the patient turns 90 degrees and then kicks TOWARDS THE SAME OBJECT.  This is an important step in making sure the resistance band is working properly.