I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE, WILL EXERCISES HELP ME?

Most people get their Parkinson’s diagnosis when their symptoms have become obviously noticeable and one or more aspects of movement has been affected. Usually symptoms significantly improve when one starts to take medication.

What role, if any, does engaging in physical activity and/or exercises play in improving the Parkinson’s symptoms? Short answer: a lot!

Should I continue to exercise?

If you have not been exercising or had stopped because of you Parkinson’s symptoms, get back to exercises as soon as possible. Research evidence supporting the value of exercises in Parkinson’s has continued to grow. However, the right kind of exercises at optimal intensity and frequency is required to maximise the benefit of exercises on Parkinson’s symptoms.

PD Warrior

This where PD Warrior exercises can be helpful to you. PD Warrior exercises were created by expert neurological physiotherapist using the best available research evidence. They are designed to help slow down Parkinson’s Disease i.e. to slow down the loss of dopamine producing neurons in the brain. These exercises are also designed to help one move better and therefore, overcome some of the difficulties experienced as result of Parkinson’s.

How can I start PD Warrior exercises?

It is advised to start PD Warrior exercises with the guidance from a PD Warrior Instructor. The PD Warrior Instructor will assess your capability for exercises and determine with you what exercises will help you and then teach you how to perform the exercises. Once you and the Instructor are happy with your performance, you may continue with the exercises on your own or you can choose to join a PD Warrior exercise class; normally once per week.

Live Brave – Thrive in 2019

Parkinson’s UK Film – People who are newly diagnosed

DDB Physiotherapy are here to help the local population live a healthy and active lifestyle, free from pain & injury.

We value our customers and their opinions, as it is important that our customers feel satisfied, with their treatments and advice.

Our team is central to the delivery of a quality service, creating a great place to work, for all our therapists. We also have a great administration team to support your clinics.

We are searching for new team members and rely on a positive attitude first, and skills a close second. So, if you think you may have the right attitude to succeed and progress, we’d love to hear from you.

What to expect:

• All staff are on a self-employed basis.
• No restrictions on taking holidays.
• There is some medico-legal work, which accounts for 10 to 20% of workload. (Physiotherapists)
• Have full time administrative cover, so you can focus on looking after your patients
• Provide a varied caseload and working day.
• Have spacious, individual treatment rooms.

We believe in providing a high-quality service and our patients expect nothing less. In return for your commitment we offer a friendly and supportive working environment.

We’re always looking for people to join us, to be part of our growth. We are interested to hear from Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and APPI Pilates Instructors. So, if you think you’d like a new opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. Drop an email to Ashley at pm@ddbphysiotherapy.co.uk

Current Vacancies

Osteopaths

We are looking for a highly motivated and committed Osteopath to join our multi-disciplinary team at our Lee on the Solent clinic.

This is an associated role required for 2 days a week.

About you

We are looking for someone with:

• A BSc or MSc Osteopathy qualification
• MoST Registration
• Osteopathy experience, ideally within private practice
• Fluent written and spoken English
• An open, coachable and adaptable nature who is self-motivated and has a positive attitude

About the position

• Part-time associate role
• To include 2 day per week afternoon/evening.
• Supported by administration team

How to apply 

To register your interest in a position, please send:

1. An up to date CV
2. A covering letter, detailing why you would like to work at DDB Physiotherapy Clinic and why you would like this position

by email to Ashley at pm@ddbphysiotherapy.co.uk

In older adults, poor muscle strength increases the risk of a fall by 76% and those who have already had a fall are three times more likely to fall again. Strengthening and balance activities not only help to prevent this, but also help improve your mood, sleeping patterns, increase your energy levels, and reduce the risk of an early death.

An evidence review commissioned by Public Health England and the Centre for Ageing Better has found that muscle and bone strengthening and balance activities continue to have great health benefits for all adults, and suggests these are done at least twice a week alongside aerobic exercise.

Currently, only one in three men and one in four women are currently doing enough of the right types if exercise for healthy muscles and bones.

Activities found to have the most benefit for muscle and bone strengthening include ball games, racket sports, dance, Nordic walking and resistance training (usually training with weights but including body weight exercises which can be performed anywhere).

For those at risk of falls or fracture, supervised structured exercise is also recommended at a pace that suits the individual to help maintain independence and support healthy ageing.

Jess Kuehne from the Centre for Ageing Better, said “it’s clear that we need to give equal weighting to activities that boost muscle and bone strength and improve balance rather than simply focus on aerobic exercise.

“There is significant potential to make saving to health and social care services if we do more to promote muscle strengthening and balance activities and recognise their role in helping to keep people healthy and independent for longer, particularly as they age.

“Current statistics show that falls are responsible for around 95% of all hip fractures, costing the NHS more than £1 billion a year. For employers and the economy, musculoskeletal health conditions are the second most common cause of sickness in the UK, accounting for 30.8 million days lost in work.

Published by Backcare.org.uk in TalkBack Autumn 2018 issue available for download here

Full report available here

Also see ageing better here

The Charity Arthritis Research UK says as many as 8 in 10 people eligible for support may be missing out on life-changing equipment, such as grab rails, raised toilet seats or non-slip shower mats.

Aids and adaptations in the house play a vital role in helping people with arthritis and related conditions lead a more independent lives and reduce the risk of them needing more formal care or even A&E services. Almost everyone with arthritis that the charity surveyed (95%) who currently uses aids and adaptations, said they improved their quality of life. However, almost a fifth of those eligible are not using aids or adaptations at all.

Although local authorities have a duty to make aids and adaptions available, more than of half of survey respondents with arthritis and eligible support are buying equipment themselves, missing out on their entitlement. The average cost of aid in the charity’s study was £200.

The report argues that too many people are unaware of their rights because councils are not providing adequate information. Of survey respondents who are eligible, but not currently using aids and adaptions, over 85% were unaware their local authority has a duty to provide this type of equipment.  While a third of people sought information, only 1 in 10 surveyed said their local authority was their main source of advice, despite councils’ duty to make information accessible.

Arthritis Research UK is calling all local authorities to ensure people with arthritis and related conditions are assessed and, if eligible given aids and minor adaptations free of charge.

Morgan Vine, Campaigns Manager at Arthritis Research UK, said, “Aids and adaptations are at the front line in of UK’s social care system. It’s not fair that of the 17.8m people with arthritis and related conditions, so few are aware that this support is out there and even fewer have been assessed and provided with equipment they need and should be getting for free.  Adapting someones bathroom so that they can get up from a toilet can lead to fewer slips and falls, potentially avoiding emergency care.”

Published by Backcare.org.uk TalkBack Autumn 2018 available for download here

INVESTMENT in physiotherapy services for musculoskeletal conditions improves patient outcomes and reduces overall healthcare costs, a new report from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) shows.

Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading cause of pain and disability in the UK, affecting more than one in four people. The evidence from the report Moving Forward: Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Health and Wellbeing highlights the importance of physiotherapy for treating these conditions.

This themed review brings together more than 30 physiotherapy related published studies funded by the NIHR and selected studied from other research organisations, which have made a difference to musculoskeletal care in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain and chronic knee joint pain.

Moving Forward is particularly aimed at physiotherapy staff involved in direct clinical practice but is also relevant to other clinicians in the musculoskeletal care team.

The findings show:

Investment in high quality rehabilitation adapted to individuals patient needs, lead to better outcomes, reduces further investigations and treatment, and reduces costs.

Physiotherapists offering advice on lower back pain reduced absence from work by an average of around five days.

Telephone assessment by physiotherapist meant people waited an average of seven days for contact with a physio, compared to a usual average waiting time of 34 days. Stretching and strengthening hand exercises improved function for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

There is overwhelming evidence that exercise and activity are effective and should be a core treatment in musculoskeletal pain. An NIHR review of over 60 trails- most for knee osteoarthritis-showed clear benefit of exercise.

A rehabilitation programme including targeted exercise reduced knee joint pain and healthcare costs

Published in TalkBack Autumn 2018 Available for download at Click Here

Want to know more?

• Call DDB Physiotherapy Clinic on 02392 552266 and how we can help reduce absenteeism for musculoskeletal conditions and facilitate a faster return to work.

What is Neurological Physiotherapy?

Damage to your central nervous system, including your brain and spinal cord, means that the messages from your brain are not reaching the affected parts of your body.

This can result in loss of movement and sensation, uncoordinated movement, weak and floppy muscles, spasm and tremor.

How does Neurological Physiotherapy Help?

Neurological Physiotherapy is able to kick-start the message pathways that your brain is struggling to use, to make new pathways through repetitive actions and exercises.

Many of our clients who undergo Neurological Physiotherapy can improve symptoms such as, difficulties with loss of balance, loss of hand and arm, or leg and foot function, walking, and pain.

What conditions can a Neurological Physiotherapy Treat

Our therapist are experts in the treatment of all neurological conditions including:

Stroke

Head Injuries

Spinal Cord Injuries

MS

Parkinson’s

What is Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Musculoskeletal which is also called orthopaedic physiotherapy and is used to treat conditions such as sprains, back pain, arthritis, strains, bursitis, posture problems, sport and workplace injuries, plus reduced mobility.

Rehabilitation following surgery is also included within this category.

How Does Physiotherapy Work

Physiotherapists have been trained to use exercise therapy to strengthen muscles and improve function.

Physiotherapy exercises have been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to solve or prevent pain and injury.

What is the Benefit of Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy benefits include decreasing pain, improving joint mobility, increasing strength and coordination and improved cardio-respiratory function.

Everyone can benefit from physiotherapy whether living with a chronic illness, recovering from a work injury or suffering after that weekend hockey game.

Receptionist Required

Possibly 2 evening per week (2:45pm to 8:45pm) and a 1 in 4 Saturday (9am to 12:45pm)

or

Wednesday (9am to 3pm), Thursday 2:45pm to 8:45pm and a 1 in 4 Saturday (9am to 12:45pm)

Starting Salary £7.50 raising to £7.85 on successful completion of probationary period.

Must have flexibility to cover sickness and holidays at short notice.

Once completed send to pm@ddbphysiotherapy.co.uk

Application form word

Application form PDF

Image courtesy of 123RF

The following is from an article published in Talkback Autumn 2017 by BackCare

When a business invests in its employees, it showcases that health and wellbeing are prioritised and that staff are valued. The outcome include increased employee satisfaction and participation – while reducing the likelihood of hardworking individuals seeking employment elsewhere.

Unfortunately, a vast number of companies remain oblivious to these needs.

Steve Bays, director at Century Office, said “in the UK today, we have a very mixed group of employers. Some will buy any type of office chair, as long as it has “office chair” written in the description. Some will buy cheap chairs and throw them away when broken; some see furniture as a non-profit-making necessity; others recognise the benefits of good furniture over workers’ performance and staff retention.”

Early prevention is key, as possible health conditions can easily be avoided with the right chair. Additionally, it is important that employers are able to recognise signs of employee discomfort – and, ideally, be the first to face the issue, before the workers need time off due to health-related issues.

Equally, it is essential for the employees to alert those in charge of potentially painful and hazardous seating.

Flexibility Checklist

NOT ONE person is built the same. You will likely have staff of all shapes and sizes, and the chair you buy ultimately needs to flexible and versatile and fit them all. So go for seating that you can adjust to guarantee a more comfortable workspace for everyone. This includes:

• Height: Being able to increase and decrease your seating’s height allows each person to have their feet flat on the floor and thighs at a 90-degree angle. If necessary, use a footstool to achieve this. Adjustment of the height should take forearms into consideration: make sure they are level with the desk and there’s enough space for hands and wrists to be fully supported. Another factor is the height in relation to the VDU screen; eyes should be level with the top of the screen and the distance needs to be about 700mm.

• Width and depth; It is important to be able to change the seat depth so all can sit comfortably while leaving 50mm between the seat edge and the inside leg.

• Seat: An adjustable seat is necessary. Make sure it is slightly tilted forward to achieve even pressure on the underside of the leg and buttocks.

• Support: Special focus should be on the lower back. This area needs to be fully supported or you can begin to slouch, which in turn eliminates the natural curve of your back.

• Flexibility: The office chair needs to encourage movement in all directions without having to stand up abruptly and subject your back to unnecessary strain and harm. The swivel of the chair is, in this case, vital for well-functioning office seating.

Here is a link to a publication from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, for those sat at their desk all day and some handy exercises. Exercise Leaflet

If you should need any assistance please contact me at DDB Physiotherapy Clinic.

Early assessments can identify potential problems and help improve quality of life

ADULTS with the early stages of Parkinson’s can benefit from a referral to physiotherapists for an assessment, education and advice according to the updated guidelines from the the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Nice Guidance 71

The document, published in July, update a 2006 version and says referral should be made to physiotherapists with experience in Parkinson’s.

Crucially, physiotherapist should provide information about exercise when offering advice to people in the early stages of this condition.

DDB Physiotherapy Clinic has highly experienced physiotherapist that can offer guidance, and exercise for early onset of Parkinson’s and have had some fantastic results using PD Warrior

PD Warrior is an exercise based treatment designed to help slow down Parkinson’s.

PD Warrior is good for you, will motivate you and give you hope.

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