Victims of Parkinson's disease suffer from a variety of issues that make their lives more difficult. For instance, tremors in your hands or limbs, poor balance, slow movements and stiff muscles can all create significant challenges in performing your daily activities. Fortunately, in addition to the medical treatment you receive from your physician, working with a physiotherapist may also be helpful. Here are some of the ways that these trained professionals can make your like a little easier. 

Balance

Balance difficulties are quite common in patients with Parkinson's disease. This can lead victims to fall and injure themselves in some instances. A physiotherapist will work with you to improve your balance and walking. Some exercises the therapist is likely to recommend will probably focus on improving your posture, since poor posture is a primary cause of balance troubles in Parkinson's victims. To improve your balance as you walk, the therapist may have you practice walking to the beat of a metronome.

Stiffness

Muscle stiffness and rigidity is one of the most frustrating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This condition makes almost every daily task more difficult. A therapist will teach you various types of exercises to keep your muscles loose. These may include various stretching exercises while you are standing upright and exercises where you move your upper body while sitting down. 

Transfers

Coordination difficulties in Parkinson's patients often lead to so-called "transfer" difficulties, such as when you are sitting down or getting up from a chair, for example. A trained physiotherapist will teach you the proper techniques for sitting down in a chair as well as other transfer movements, such a getting into a bathtub. The therapist will show you how to break transfers down into small, controlled movements, rather than make the careless movements that people typically use to perform these types of actions.  

Mobility Aids

Physical therapists are not only trained to help you with exercises and other physical activity, but are also able to recommend certain mobility aids, if your condition requires them. The therapist will know what type of aid, such as canes or walkers, if any, can help you move about comfortably. 

A physiotherapist has a lot to offer most people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.  In addition to assisting you in dealing with your current issues, she can also adjust your regimen as necessary, as the disease progresses. Ask your doctor if regular sessions with a physiotherapist can help you fight this insidious disorder.