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PARKINSON'S WELLNESS RECOVERY (PWR! MOVES™)

What is PWR! Moves™?

The Parkinson's Wellness Recovery (PWR! Moves™) Program is a comprehensive, evidence-based rehabilitation approach designed to improve physical function and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). PWR! Moves™ focuses on maximizing the physical and cognitive abilities of individuals living with Parkinson's by targeting the core motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease. Through combination of exercise, education, and therapeutic techniques, the PWR! program promotes optimal wellness and helps to manage the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Key Components of PWR!

1. Exercise for Parkinson's Disease

Exercise is a cornerstone of the PWR! Moves™ Program. Research shows that regular physical activity can improve movement, balance, strength, flexibility, and overall health. PWR! includes a variety of exercises specifically tailored to the needs of those with Parkinson's, focusing on:

  • Strengthening muscles to improve posture and stability

  • Improving flexibility to reduce stiffness and improve range of motion

  • Balance training to prevent falls and enhance coordination

  • Aerobic exercise to improve cardiovascular health and endurance

  • Cognitive exercises to enhance brain health and promote neuroplasticity

PWR! Moves™ is a set of exercises designed to target the most common Parkinson's symptoms: bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (muscle stiffness), postural instability, and balance problems. These exercises focus on large, intentional movements to promote neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to adapt) and improve functional mobility.​

  • Movements are designed to engage key muscle groups and joint ranges that are commonly affected in PD

  • PWR! Moves™ focuses on activities that encourage big, exaggerated movements, which can help counteract the small, slow movements seen in Parkinson’s disease

Benefits of the PWR! Program

1. Improved Mobility and Movement Quality

PWR! Moves™ exercises help individuals with Parkinson’s improve mobility, increase strength, and maintain or improve motor function. Focus on large movements and weight shifting can help counteract the rigidity and slowness that often occur with PD.

2. Enhanced Balance and Fall Prevention

The program's balance training techniques help reduce the risk of falls by improving coordination, stability, and reaction times. This is especially important for individuals with Parkinson's, as they are at a higher risk of falling.

3. Improved Posture and Alignment

Many individuals with Parkinson’s develop postural changes such as stooping or leaning. PWR! Moves™ exercises aim to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility to support better posture and alignment.

4. Reduction in Parkinson's Symptoms

Regular participation in the PWR! Moves™ Program can help alleviate common Parkinson's symptoms like tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and dystonia, by engaging the body in therapeutic movements and stretching.

5. Better Emotional Health

Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. PWR! also offers a supportive community for individuals and their caregivers, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.

6. Maintained Independence and Quality of Life

​By improving physical and cognitive function, PWR! helps individuals with Parkinson’s maintain their independence for longer and continue to engage in daily activities they enjoy.

Who Can Benefit from PWR!?

The PWR! Moves™Program is designed for individuals at all stages of Parkinson’s disease—from early diagnosis to advanced stages and those experiencing movement disorders. The exercises can be modified to meet each individual’s specific needs, making it accessible to people with varying levels of mobility.

LSVT LOUD AND LSVT BIG

What are LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG?

LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG are evidence-based therapeutic programs designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease improve their speech, movement, and overall quality of life. Developed by researchers at the University of Arizona, these programs focus on addressing the core motor and communication difficulties associated with Parkinson’s disease.

  • LSVT LOUD is a speech therapy program that helps individuals with Parkinson's increase the volume and clarity of their voice, directly improving their ability to communicate effectively.

  • LSVT BIG is a movement therapy program that focuses on improving overall mobility by encouraging large, intentional movements to counteract the smaller, slower movements often seen in Parkinson's disease.

Both programs are designed to be intensive, requiring frequent practice and participation, with a focus on "use it or lose it" to promote neuroplasticity and functional improvements.​

Key Features of LSVT LOUD:

1. Improved Voice Strength and Clarity

  • Individuals with Parkinson's disease often have a soft or hoarse voice by training them to speak at a louder, more natural volume.​

  • The program encourages the use of increased vocal effort, which lease to clearer, more audible speech.​

2. Breathing Techniques​

  • The program incorporates breathing exercises to support better airflow, control, and voice projection, which are important for effective speech.

3. Daily Practice​

  • This program requires daily practice, typically 4 times per week for 4 weeks, to help individuals develop better vocal habits.

4. Improved Communication Confidence​

  • By improving voice strength, clarity, and projection, LSVT LOUD boosts confidence in social interactions, reducing frustration related to communication difficulties.

Key Features of LSVT BIG:

1. Focus on Large Movements

  • LSVT BIG trains individuals to perform exercises with large, exaggerated movements, which helps overcome the small, slow movements characteristic of Parkinson’s disease.

  • Emphasizing big motions helps improve flexibility, balance, and coordination.​

2. Improved Mobility and Functional Movement

  • LSVT BIG targets functional movements like walking, reaching, and turning, helping to improve overall mobility and prevent falls.

  • It includes exercises for strength, balance, and posture, all of which are essential for maintaining independence.

3. Intensity and Frequency

  • The program involves intensive, high-effort exercises performed over 4 days per week for 4 weeks to maximize benefits. Individuals work on exercises that challenge them to move outside of their comfort zones.

4. Neuroplasticity and Long-Term Results

  • LSVT BIG is designed to harness neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new connections) to help the brain relearn and retain motor skills, resulting in lasting improvements in mobility.

Benefits of LSVT LOUD & LSVT BIG:

1. Enhanced Communication

  • LSVT LOUD improves vocal volume, clarity, and speech rate, allowing individuals with Parkinson’s to communicate more effectively with others, reducing the need for repetition and minimizing communication breakdowns.

2. Improved Mobility and Independence​

  • LSVT BIG helps individuals maintain and improve their ability to perform everyday tasks such as walking, getting in and out of a chair, and climbing stairs, helping to maintain independence for as long as possible.

3. Better Posture and Balance​

  • Both LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG emphasize posture, which is particularly important for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, who often experience postural changes and balance problems.

4. Reduction in Parkinson's Symptoms​

  • The programs help manage common Parkinson’s symptoms such as bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (muscle stiffness), and hypokinetic dysarthria (reduced vocal volume and clarity), leading to greater ease of movement and communication.

5. Increased Confidence and Quality of Life​

  • ​As communication and mobility improve, individuals often experience increased self-esteem, less frustration, and a higher quality of life.

Who Can Benefit from LSVT LOUD & LSVT BIG?

Both programs are beneficial for individuals at any stage of Parkinson’s disease and can be adapted to meet each person’s specific needs.

  • LSVT LOUD is ideal for individuals experiencing speech difficulties, such as a soft or muffled voice, difficulty being heard or understood, and challenges with clarity and volume.

  • LSVT BIG is designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease who have mobility challenges, such as difficulty walking, balance problems, or reduced range of motion.

AQUATIC THERAPY

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is a form of rehabilitation that takes place in water, using the physical properties of water, such as buoyancy, resistance, and temperature, to support and enhance recovery. It is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions for both adults and children, improving mobility, strength, and function in a supportive and low-impact environment. This specialized water program is expertly tailored and overseen by qualified professionals, making it an excellent choice for kickstarting a therapeutic care plan and used as part of a holistic, patient-centered plan of care.

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy:

1. Reduced Impact of Joints and Muscles

  • Buoyancy: Water supports your body, reducing stress on joints and muscles while still allowing for effective movement. This is particularly beneficial for those with arthritis, joint pain, or recovering from surgery.

2. Pain Relief and Relaxation​

  • Hydrostatic Pressure: The pressure of water on the body helps reduce swelling and improve circulation, which can lead to pain reduction and promote healing.

3. Improved Balance and Coordination​

  • Aquatic therapy offers a stable environment where individuals can work on balance, coordination, and postural control, which is helpful for those with neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis.

4. Strength and Flexibility​

  • Resistance: Moving against the natural resistance of water helps build muscle strength and flexibility without the risk of overexertion.

5. Cardiovascular Health​

  • Aquatic exercise improves heart and lung function while offering low-impact cardiovascular benefits, which is ideal for individuals with heart conditions, respiratory issues, or limited endurance.

6. Enhanced Mobility and Range of Motion​

  • ​The warm water environment helps relax tight muscles and increase the range of motion in joints, making it easier to perform exercises that might be difficult on land.

Why Choose Aquatic Therapy?

  • Low-Impact: The buoyancy of water reduces stress on muscles and joints, making it ideal for individuals with mobility or pain issues.

  • Fun & Engaging

  • Flexible and Adaptable: Aquatic therapy can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual, regardless of age or condition.

  • Holistic Approach: Combines physical, mental, and emotional benefits, creating a comprehensive treatment experience.

SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)?

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive auditory intervention designed to improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and enhance social engagement. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the SSP is based on the Polyvagal Theory, which highlights the role of the autonomic nervous system in controlling stress responses, emotions, and social behavior.

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The SSP uses specially filtered music to engage the nervous system and help individuals better manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties. It is typically used in therapeutic settings to support individuals with a variety of conditions, including trauma, anxiety, sensory processing disorders, and developmental delays.

How Does the SSP Work?

The SSP works by stimulating the nervous system through auditory input. The music used in the protocol is filtered to enhance the frequencies that are naturally processed by the ear’s muscles and neural pathways involved in social communication. This intervention helps to "calm" the autonomic nervous system, promoting safety, reducing stress, and improving emotional and social responses.

1. Vagus Nerve Activation: The SSP targets the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of heart rate, breathing, and social engagement. By enhancing the vagal tone, the SSP helps individuals feel safer and more regulated.

2. Filtered Music: The protocol involves listening to music that has been specifically designed to engage the nervous system. The music is carefully filtered to emphasize certain frequencies that encourage relaxation and social engagement.

3. Autonomic Nervous System Regulation: The goal is to help balance the autonomic nervous system, making it easier for individuals to shift from a state of fight-or-flight (sympathetic nervous system activation) to a state of calm and safety (parasympathetic nervous system activation).

Benefits of the SSP:

1. Improved Emotional Regulation​

  • Reduces anxiety, stress, and tension by calming the nervous system.

  • Promotes emotional balance and stability

2. Enhanced Social Engagement​

  • Helps individuals feel more comfortable in social situations by improving the ability to respond to social cues and engage in positive interactions.

  • Particularly beneficial for individuals with social anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and trauma history.

3. Improve Sensory Processing​

  • Helps individuals better process sensory input, reducing sensory sensitivities that can contribute to overwhelm and stress.

4. Better Sleep​

  • The SSP can promote relaxation and better sleep patterns by helping to regulate the nervous system.

5. Reduction in Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD​

  • Helps individuals who have experienced trauma by calming the nervous system and fostering a sense of safety.

6. Increased Focus and Attention​

  • ​Improves concentration by reducing emotional and sensory overload.

Who Can Benefit from the SSP?

The Safe and Sound Protocol can benefit individuals of all ages who struggle with stress, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or social challenges. It is especially helpful for people with:

  • Anxiety & Stress

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Sensory Processing Disorder

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Learning Disabilities

  • Chronic Pain

  • Depression or Mood Disorders

  • Social Anxiety

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