• Yoga / Tai Chi for Parkinson Disease
• Exercise and Physical Therapy
• Health Seminars

 

Programs for Parkinsonians

 

Complimentary Modalities

The Parkinson Council is starting a community-based initiative that will bring a variety of yogis, tai chi instructors and physical therapist professionals together to form yoga, tai chi and exercise classes through out the Delaware Valley. These classes and studios will develop a separate class to patients with Parkinson, which will combine the best practices for their condition. Through experience training and sharing, the teachers will be able provide a most necessary addition to an already complex therapeutic regime.  The ability of these complementary modalities to reduce stress, relieve stiffness and give a sense of accomplishment to our Parkinsonians will do much to increase physical stamina, strength and self-esteem.

Pilates

The Parkinson Council (TPC), a chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation, offers specially modified Pilate’s classes for people suffering with Parkinson disease. TPC is using Pilates as a way to introduce measures that improve day-to-day life for the Delaware Valley Parkinson community. Studies have shown that Yoga's slow movements and breathing exercises are well suited to Parkinson's patients. Those who have attended these classes have said that they experience improved energy and flexibility, more restful sleep, and more strength and endurance.

Pilates for Movement
34 Summit Grove Ave.
Bryn Mawr,PA. 19010
610.581.0288

Instructors:
Moss Cohen
Sheila Hatzell
www.pilatesformovement.com

Class begins Tuesday September 9, 2008
Tuesday & Thursdays 11:30- 12:30PM
Class ends Thursday December 18,2008

Chair Pilates with Mat work progressions included.
This Class teaches Pilates based exercises focusing on proper breathing, stretching and abdominal engagement to improve balance and stability. This class will also include exercises to enhance voice production and speech clarity.

Beginning level Pilates Mat and Equipment Class.
The Authentic Pilates exercises are taught to strengthen the core and improve posture, balance and flexibility.

Time: 12:30-1:30PM , Tuesday and Thursdays

This is a beginning level class; participants must be able to work independently.

Class cost: For Member of the Council: $80.00
For Non-members: $100.00
Limited scholarship available

For registration and details please call:
The Parkinson Council
610-668-4292

A doctor note certifying ability to participate in class is necessary.

Click here for a brochure and registration form

Yoga

Yoga is a complex discipline practiced in India for over 5,000 years. The aspects of yoga that have been broadly embraced in recent years primarily focus on the physical postures, which are called “asanas”. Some of the potential benefits of yoga include improved strength and flexibility, stress reduction, and often a sense of psychological well-being. Within the past few years, there have been a number of studies completed on the benefits of yoga for Parkinson. There are many different styles of yoga, choosing the one that is right for an individual may require some investigation.

Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) or Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a form of exercise and self-defense which developed from Taoism, an ancient Chinese belief system, in which the movements of the body are coordinated with the mind and breathing. With it’s emphasis on tranquility of the mind and agility of the body, Tai Chi has become popular primarily as a way to improve physical and psychological well-being. At the Struther's Parkinson's Center in Minnesota, Parkinson's patients have been participating in Tai Chi classes for many years.

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Physical Therapy & Exercise

Although there is no known cure for Parkinson’s Disease, there are a number of changes patients can make to their everyday lifestyles to help with their condition, and possibly alleviate a degree of the symptoms they will be experiencing. Evidence suggests that regular exercise and or physical therapy can improve some of these symptoms and enhance quality of life. You should consult closely with your doctor, physiotherapist or health care professional when devising your own exercise program.

 

Conclusion

Many patients with Parkinson’s disease have become interested in complementary therapies to supplement medications and other traditional PD treatments. As the benefits of various modalities are demonstrated in clinical research studies, physicians will advocate their use more widely, thus incorporating them into “cosmopolitan” medical practice. As in many areas of medicine, patients, physicians and other practitioners are looking outside traditional therapies to find ways to treat various aspects of PD and side effects of treatment.

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