LSVT therapy helping some Parkinson's patients

WEST BOYNTON — Sit down. Stand up. Reach up. Reach down. Take big steps.

A new physical therapy program for Parkinson's disease patients is retraining their brains and bodies to make the expansive movements many have lost because of tremors, stiffness and muscle atrophy.

The treatment emphasizes big, repetitive motions and operatic voice exercises to help patients speak louder, correct their posture and walk with agility instead of taking baby steps.

Mark You know that "taking baby steps" has a scientific name "festination." I am really curious how they will reteach the brain to not festinate! And speaking of reaching up - I have fingerprints at the top of the casing of every door in my house where I "reach up" - it helps also relieve back and arm pain. (No science here)

Also, UAB in Birmingham, AL has a big facility exercise project they are developing, and this therapy is included.
Peg

What is incredible to me is that all the 5 neuros I have seen since my diagnosis almost dismissed the notion that exercise will reduce the rate of progress of the disease. In fact all of them never mentioned exercise until I asked them about it. It is clear that exercise is not included yet in the 'books of science' that they follow in PD treatment.
So we are on our own and the grand medical establishment will not advise you on critical topics like exercise, diet, stress, style of life, etc.
They perscribe the pills and that is it. Honestly, I would stop going to see them and limit the visits to my family doctor if he was willing to perscribe PD drugs.
Imad