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Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a challenging, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can significantly impact the quality of life. Colin Potter, a remarkable individual living with Parkinson's, has shared his inspiring journey of managing the disease through exercise and nutrition. His story highlights the profound impact that a proactive approach can have on mobility and overall well-being. Understanding Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s Disease affects the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and balance issues. These symptoms are primarily due to the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, managing the disease effectively can greatly improve the quality of life for those affected. Colin Potter’s Approach to Managing Parkinson’s Disease Colin Potter's journey is a testament to the positive effects of incorporating regular exercise and a nutritious diet into the daily routine of someone with Parkinson’s. Upon his diagnosis, Colin decided to prioritize his physical health through a disciplined exercise regimen and mindful eating habits. His story, detailed on his website, serves as an inspirational guide for others facing similar challenges. Exercise: A Key Component in Managing Parkinson’s Exercise plays a crucial role in managing Parkinson’s Disease. Colin's commitment to staying active has significantly helped him maintain his mobility and manage his symptoms. Regular physical activity helps improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, which are essential for individuals with PD. Some key benefits of exercise for Parkinson’s patients include: Improved Mobility and Balance:  Exercises such as walking, cycling, and swimming help enhance overall mobility and reduce the risk of falls. Strengthened Muscles:  Strength training exercises help combat muscle stiffness and weakness, common symptoms of Parkinson’s. Enhanced Mental Health:  Physical activity promotes the release of endorphins, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety often associated with Parkinson’s. Better Coordination and Flexibility:  Stretching and coordination exercises improve flexibility and reduce the rigidity of muscles, making everyday movements easier. Colin’s exercise routine is varied and includes cardiovascular exercises, strength training, balance exercises, and flexibility routines. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of physical health are addressed. Nutrition: Fueling the Body for Optimal Health In addition to exercise, Colin emphasizes the importance of a nutritious diet in managing Parkinson’s Disease. Proper nutrition provides the body with the necessary nutrients to function optimally and can help manage some symptoms of PD. Key aspects of Colin’s dietary approach include: Balanced Diet:  A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains helps provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Hydration:  Staying well-hydrated is crucial for maintaining bodily functions and managing symptoms like constipation, which can be a concern for people with Parkinson’s. Antioxidant-Rich Foods:  Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, nuts, and leafy greens, help combat oxidative stress and may protect brain cells from damage. Healthy Fats:  Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, support brain health and may reduce inflammation. The Impact of a Proactive Approach Colin Potter’s journey underscores the significant impact that exercise and nutrition can have on the lives of those with Parkinson’s Disease. By prioritizing these aspects, Colin has been able to maintain his mobility, manage his symptoms more effectively, and enhance his overall quality of life. His story serves as a powerful reminder that while Parkinson’s Disease presents many challenges, a proactive and holistic approach can lead to profound improvements in health and well-being. Tips for Managing Parkinson’s Disease For those looking to follow in Colin’s footsteps, here are some tips to consider: Consult with a Physical Therapist:  A physical therapist can create a personalized exercise program tailored to your specific needs and capabilities. Stay Consistent:  Regular, moderate exercise is more beneficial than occasional intense workouts. Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of physical activity. Listen to Your Body:  Pay attention to how your body responds to different exercises and adjust your routine as needed to avoid overexertion. Incorporate Variety:  Include different types of exercises in your routine to address strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health. Focus on Nutrition:  Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Consider consulting with a nutritionist to develop a meal plan that supports your health needs. At Achieva Rehabilitation, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Our in-home physical therapy program is designed to provide personalized care and support, helping you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your health and wellness goals. For more insights into Colin Potter's journey and his approach to managing Parkinson's Disease, visit his website . More great information about exercise and Parkinson's Disease and why it's the number one thing that needs to be a part of the journey: www.achievarehab.com info@achievarehab.com 888-929-7677 https://www.youtube.com/@achievarehabilitation6370 Click HERE  for more info about the Achieva Rehabilitation In-Home Physical Therapy Program

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive, chronic neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Dopamine is a crucial chemical that helps regulate body movements, affecting the speed, quality, fluency, and ease of movement. What is Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s Disease is characterized by the breakdown or damage of nerve cells, specifically those that produce dopamine. This leads to a range of motor and non-motor symptoms, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Motor Symptoms: Tremors:  Often start on one side of the body, usually in the hand or foot, and are typically resting tremors. Internal tremors, where it feels like you are shaking inside, can also occur. Bradykinesia:  Slowness of movement. Akinesia:  Lack of movement. Hypokinesia:  Reduced size of movements. Rigidity:  Muscle stiffness. Freezing:  Sudden, temporary inability to move. Non-Motor Symptoms: Emotional Issues:  Anxiety, depression, which can begin before motor symptoms appear. Hallucinations:  Visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, or gustatory, often as a side effect of medication. Cognitive and Memory Issues:  Changes in executive function, confusion, difficulty with word finding. Fatigue:  Exacerbated by the physical effort required to manage symptoms. Sleep Problems:  Including insomnia and restless sleep. Apathy:  Lack of interest or motivation. Numbness or Tingling:  Sensory changes. How is Parkinson’s Diagnosed? Parkinson’s is most often diagnosed based on a patient’s reported symptoms and medical history. Many patients only receive a diagnosis after the disease has progressed, often recognizing early signs in retrospect such as foot cramps, small handwriting, decreased arm swing, shoulder pain, depression, sleep problems, and constipation. There are no specific tests or imaging techniques that definitively diagnose Parkinson’s Disease. What Causes Parkinson’s Disease? The exact cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. These may include exposure to pesticides, a history of head trauma, environmental toxins, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and smoking or drinking habits. Who is Affected? Parkinson’s Disease affects about 1.5 to 2% of people over the age of 60, with men being 50% more likely to develop the disease than women. It is rare for individuals under 50, accounting for only about 4% of cases. Stages of Parkinson’s Disease Early Stage:  Symptoms affect one side of the body, with decreased stride length or arm swing, muscle fatigue, hand coordination issues, reduced shoulder movement, changes in facial expressions, and small handwriting. Mid Stage:  Symptoms affect both sides of the body, with quiet speech, mild swallowing issues, bent-over posture, shuffled walking, and dyskinesia (involuntary movements). Late Stage:  Balance problems, increased shuffling and freezing, significant speech and swallowing difficulties, drooling, and body rigidity. The Role of Exercise in Managing Parkinson’s Disease Exercise is vital for managing Parkinson’s Disease. It helps improve mobility, balance, and overall physical function while also enhancing mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Regular exercise can slow the progression of motor symptoms and improve the quality of life. Achieva Rehabilitation’s In-Home Physical Therapy Program At Achieva Rehabilitation, we understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Our in-home physical therapy program is designed to provide the perfect combination of personalized care and effective exercise routines to help manage symptoms and maintain independence. Here’s why our program stands out: Personalized Care:  Our therapists conduct one-on-one sessions in the comfort of your home, tailoring each exercise routine to your specific needs and capabilities. Expert Guidance:  Our team is experienced in the latest techniques and research related to Parkinson’s Disease, providing expert guidance and support. Convenience:  In-home therapy eliminates the need for travel, ensuring consistent care without added stress. Comprehensive Exercise Plans:  We focus on strength training, balance exercises, cardiovascular workouts, and flexibility exercises to address all aspects of Parkinson’s Disease. Support and Motivation:  Our therapists provide both physical and emotional support, helping you stay motivated and achieve your goals. For more insights and exercise demonstrations, visit our YouTube channel . At Achieva Rehabilitation, we believe in the power of in-home physical therapy to make a significant difference in the lives of those with Parkinson’s Disease. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one stay active and independent. More great information on Parkinson's Disease and exercise: www.achievarehab.com info@achievarehab.com 888-929-7677 Click HERE  for more info about the Achieva Rehabilitation In-Home Physical Therapy Program

Look at this picture...a rehab gym full of state of the art equipment...that's terrific!! Now, go to google and type in "how to choose a physical therapist" and see how many machines pop up into the discussion. That's not by chance. It's a fact....science has proven that we therapists don't need modern machinery to rehabilitate our patients. If your therapist is creative enough, and place great value in the human aspect of rehab, successful rehabilitation is possible in most environments....even within the comfort of YOUR OWN HOME!! John Henry, the "Steel Driving Man" was said to have taken on a steam powered hammer in a race to dig holes in rock to aide in mining. John Henry won that match with only a rudimentary old hammer. Man wins. The profession of physical therapy goes back before the 1900's but the history is better documented to have begun to rehabilitate wounded soldiers during WWI and more prominently WWII. Jack Lalanne invented exercise "machines" such as pulleys, smith machines, leg extension machines in the 50's, around the same time that treadmills were invented. I never thought I'd be the type that uttered the words "back in my day", but, let's consider that phrase....Physical therapists didn't need machines prior to 1950 and I can guarantee you that we don't need them now. Sure, they are great in certain ways for certain patient populations. But, the majority of patients in need can't even get out of their own home.....enter the creative therapist! The NEW, BETTER WAY, is using the patient's home as the place of service. The education, experience, and creativity of a good therapist will always far outweigh the fancy, "state of the art" machinery in a big time rehab gym. Give me a handful of mobile treatment tools and the "tools" in the patient's home, and the team consisting of patient and therapist is on the way to successful outcomes. So, when you or your physician think that it's essential to actually go to a rehab facility to get therapy, think again and rest easy in the fact that there are great therapists out there that want and NEED to help you when you can't help yourself...when you can't get to a therapy clinic....when you've declined and aren't doing well. Stay in your home, and let Achieva Rehab come to your home and turn it into the best therapy gym in town. Man wins!!!

One common issue we observe in people with Parkinson's disease is a shortened stride length. As the disease progresses, steps become increasingly shorter rather than maintaining a normal length. This happens because the brain of someone with Parkinson's disease has a distorted awareness of stride length. For example, if I take a step that is about two feet long, someone with Parkinson's may perceive that step as four feet long. Since the brain interprets the step as too long, it automatically reduces the stride length. Over time, even short steps are perceived as excessively long, leading the brain to shorten them further. This cycle continues, resulting in progressively smaller steps. Fortunately, there are strategies to address this issue. Feel free to reach out to us for guidance and support. Furthermore, a common question we receive is, "How can I work on my freezing gait if I have Parkinson's disease?" Freezing gait is the experience where, while walking with Parkinson's disease, your feet feel stuck or frozen to the floor. You may be telling your feet to move, but they simply don't respond, even as the rest of your body continues to move forward or sideways. When this happens, I always recommend stopping for at least 5 to 10 seconds. This pause allows your central nervous system to reset. After that, your next step is to march through the process. Instead of focusing on stepping, think of marching by lifting your knees rather than your feet. This action engages the larger muscles in your hips to help with the stepping motion, which often breaks the freezing cycle. Remember, stopping briefly to reset is crucial for this technique to work effectively. For more Parkinson's Disease related support and free advice, please go to our website: www.achievarehab.com Call or text: 1-888-929-7677 Related Blog: https://www.achievarehab.com/single-post/transforming-lives-with-achieva-rehabilitation-a-case-study-parkinson-s-disease

Physical Therapy...not one of the most well-understood professions in healthcare. The majority of people have gone to a family doctor..they know what to expect. Most people have had personal experience or have had family or friends who have needed an orthopedic doctor...they know what goes on there. Obstetrician...enough said...we've all been born. Neurologist, Gastroenterologist, Podiatrist, Dermatologist, Nurse...all very well understood and you know what you are getting with each of them. At least to a degree that doesn't cause a host of questions to arise. But, what does a Physical Therapist actually do? Most people see a crowded gym where someone has some sort of rubber band around their leg laying on a table or someone walking on a treadmill with a Crest-approved smile for the promo picture with the PT standing at their side attentively. Cookie-cutter PT is NOT PT! How do I see our brand of Physical Therapy at Achieva Rehab? Perhaps I can make you understand by listening to this song. The people that we work with are, in one form or another are crying out, and we are responding to their call for "Help". You see, our brand of Physical Therapy at Achieva Rehab "helps" people who are struggling to remain active and independent. We "help" them improve their balance so they don't have to worry about falling. We "help" them get rid of their dizziness or vertigo so they aren't petrified by the thought of that feeling running their lives. We "help" them get strong enough to be independent and active in their own homes when they think they are too old to get better because someone told them the very same thing...they are too old. We "help" people who are suffering with Parkinson's Disease or Multiple Sclerosis gain the confidence to get back out to dinner with family or out for a simple walk without the fear of embarrassment or freezing and not being able to walk safely. We "help" people! Plain and simple. So, the next time you are skeptical about physical therapy because you just don't know what physical therapy is or you don't know anyone who had physical therapy, just know that Achieva Rehabilitation is here to "help" you live the life that you want to live. Whether you are struggling with pain, dizziness, vertigo, poor balance, musculoskeletal problems, post surgical needs from joint replacement, or neurological conditions that affect your independence...we've got a toolbox that helps build long-lasting results so you can be happy! "Help! I need somebody. Help! Not just anybody". That's right...not just anybody! Achieva Rehab...we will "help" you if you find yourself identifiying with people we talked about above. 1-888-929-7677 FREE First Session of Online PT > For more details, visit: www.achievarehab.com/online-pt

Sharing is generally a great personal and social policy to adhere to as a child or an adult. Everyone knows that and everyone has been taught that at some point. I'm pleading with you to not share your Physical Therapist. Don't let your family member share their Physical Therapist. Don't let your friends share their Physical Therapist with other patients during their valuable treatment time. Sharing is a terrible idea! Keeping your therapist engaged with you and only you for your entire treatment session is so valuable to you as a patient, that you must not allow them to lend their expertise to anyone else during your sessions. In my opinion, there are many factors that lead to amazing results in therapy, but, the single most important factor in achieving excellent results is having a therapist all to yourself. Seeing every repetition of your exercises, being able to discuss every little aspect of your case, providing feedback constantly during your treatments only comes when a therapist is completely locked in with a patient. One-on-one physical therapy sessions don't often happen...most settings rarely have the ability to provide a one to one therapist to patient experience for every visit. Hospitals, outpatient facilities, inpatient rehab facilities, nursing homes...not likely to happen in those settings. If you can find a great therapist or group that provides one-on-one sessions with no outside influences, that situation is very likely to give you your best opportunity to meet your goals in your time of need. Regardless of your reason for functional decline, be selfish with your physical therapist until you meet your goals. Then, share them with anyone who has a need! At Achieva Rehab, we bring a mentality of intensive, one-on-one therapy sessions for 60 undistracted minutes right to your doorstep. Our results and reviews speak for themselves. Tell your doctor about us, share our program with your friends, and keep us for yourself if and when you need physical therapy.