Balance issues
 

My dad is starting to feel a little unsteady on his feet. Any therapies/exercises that might help? Thanks.

Depending on his ability. Tai Chi is great.

Tai Chi and Qigong!
 

Absolutely agree. See if you can find him a beginner's class in Tai Chi. Make sure you discuss your father's condition with the instructor first. I would also highly suggest trying to combine this with a course in Qigong (chi kung), which combines breathing, stretching, balance and mental focus. It is really a precursor to doing Tai Chi. Your father can do the routines on his own everyday. I do Tai Chi four times a week now and Qigong most days for the past two years. My balance is much better now than it was two years ago. Basically, it's probably as good as anyone else in the class that's over 50.

If he does decide to do it, let me warn you in advance that the forms (basic moves) can be very frustrating at first. This is true for healthy people and more so for PwP. However, I promise your that the people who stick with it "get it" with time. The most important thing is to do it, and then practice a few times a week. My instructor tells me over and over that just doing the routines as much as possible is more important than worrying over getting the moves perfectly correct. With that approach, without realizing, you get it correct over time.

Good luck,

Gary

does his insurance pay for physical therapy? ideally you want your father to have a PT advise on his treatment. exercise, whether standing or seated or aided is critical in PD, he should be gettting a RX for exercise, your father should be referred to a PT in an ideal situation. having your mother/father join a local pd support group would obviously help, some are run by social workers very in tune with the local pd resources and what's best.

you can hopefully find resources at your state chapter.
APDA (National Organization)

The American Parkinson Disease Association is the country’s largest grass roots organization serving the Parkinson’s community. It is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and receives no governmental or public funding. Each year APDA contributes substantially towards both research and direct patient and caregiver support through the generous support of individual and corporate donations.

Phone: 800-223-2732 or 718-981-8001
www.apdaparkinson.org

Exercise. Even walking daily around the block will help. One of our participants showed improvement in balance in a matter of weeks after increased weekly movement. Her neurologist noticed and asked what she was doing that had improved her balance.

John

Hi Horsegoer
 

There are many exercises to help. My son works with patients as a PT. PT can be a real help for balance. I believe in it very much. Ask your doctor about it. ginnie

Cycling on a stationary bike will also help improve balance.