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Mobile Rehab provides in-home, outpatient Physical Therapy for seniors.
Convenient
Personalized
Covered by insurance
Locally owned and operated in North Carolina since 2004
What is Parkinson's?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. It is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, which leads to a shortage of dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps to regulate movement.
The hallmark symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement, also called bradykinesia. Other symptoms may include difficulty with balance and coordination, a shuffling gait, problems with speech and swallowing, and a decreased ability to smell. In addition to movement-related symptoms, Parkinson's disease can also cause non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive changes.
The cause of Parkinson's disease is not well understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are medications and therapies that can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include medications that help to replace or mimic dopamine in the brain, physical therapy and exercise programs to improve mobility and reduce stiffness, and occupational therapy to help with daily activities. In some cases, surgery may also be an option.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's?
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary from person to person and may change over time. The hallmark symptoms of Parkinson's disease are motor symptoms that affect movement. These may include:
Tremors: Tremors or shaking, often in the hands, fingers, arms, or legs, that may occur when the limb is at rest.
Rigidity: Stiffness or rigidity in the limbs or trunk, which can make it difficult to move or perform simple tasks.
Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, which can make it difficult to initiate and complete movements, and can cause a shuffling gait.
Postural instability: Difficulty with balance and coordination, which can increase the risk of falls.
In addition to motor symptoms, Parkinson's disease can also cause non-motor symptoms such as:
Depression and anxiety
Sleep disorders such as insomnia or restless leg syndrome
Loss of sense of smell
Constipation
Cognitive changes such as memory loss or difficulty with concentration
It's important to note that not everyone with Parkinson's disease will experience all of these symptoms. Additionally, some symptoms may be more pronounced than others depending on the stage of the disease. It is also possible for symptoms to vary from day to day or even hour to hour.
What causes Parkinson's?
The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra, which leads to a shortage of dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps to regulate movement.
Genetic factors may play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease, although the majority of cases are not caused by a single genetic mutation. Research has identified several genes that may be associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease, including the SNCA, LRRK2, and Parkin genes.
While there is no known cure for Parkinson's disease, there are medications and therapies that can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Additionally, ongoing research is aimed at developing new treatments that may slow or halt the progression of the disease.
How can physical therapy help with Parkinson's?
Physical therapy can play an important role in the management of Parkinson's disease. A physical therapist can work with individuals with Parkinson's disease to help improve mobility, balance, and flexibility, reduce stiffness and pain, and promote overall fitness and well-being.
Here are some ways in which physical therapy can help with Parkinson's disease:
Exercise: Exercise is an important component of Parkinson's disease management, as it can help to improve mobility, balance, and coordination. A physical therapist can develop an exercise program tailored to the individual's needs and abilities, which may include aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance exercises.
Gait training: Parkinson's disease can cause a shuffling gait and other walking difficulties. A physical therapist can provide gait training to help individuals with Parkinson's disease improve their walking pattern and reduce the risk of falls.
Stretching and flexibility exercises: Parkinson's disease can cause stiffness and reduced range of motion in the joints. A physical therapist can provide stretching and flexibility exercises to help reduce stiffness and improve range of motion.
Education and support: Physical therapists can provide education and support to individuals with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers, helping them to understand the disease process and providing strategies for managing symptoms.
Assistive devices: Physical therapists can recommend and provide assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs to help individuals with Parkinson's disease maintain mobility and independence.
In addition to these benefits, physical therapy can also provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with Parkinson's disease to exercise and engage in physical activity, which can promote overall health and well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Use your insurance or pay privately
Medicare
$0 per visit
Many Medicare plans with a supplement policy will cover all of our fees.
Commercial Insurance
Same as a clinic
Pay the same copay as if you went to a clinic for therapy. We accept many major insurances and will verify your benefits before starting.
Private Pay
$120
Easy payment options available.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Contact Us by Phone, Email, or Fax
We’ll help you check your insurance benefits. You do not need to be homebound and you should not be currently receiving any other physical therapy or skilled nursing services in the home.
Schedule an Evaluation
We will match you with a therapist and have them contact you to plan a date, time and location that works best for you.
It’s That Easy!
We make it simple to get the care you need… and exceed your expectations while doing so.
SERVICES
Fall Prevention
We provide research-based, individualized fall prevention interventions that have been shown to greatly reduce your risk of falling and injuries, including the OTAGO fall prevention program.
Click here to
learn more about OTAGO
General Rehab
Avoid driving to a clinic and get the individualized care you deserve. We work with many conditions ranging from post-stroke, Parkinson’s, vertigo to rotator cuff dysfunction and much more. Contact us for details.
After Home Health
We can improve care continuity by providing in home therapy even after you have been discharged by a Home Health agency. Avoid the hassle of driving and continue to make progress towards your goals.
Strength and Conditioning
We can help you improve your strength, mobility, range of motion, or any other functional limitations that impair your daily activity.
Pain Relief
We develop individualized care plans to help manage your aches and pains through exercise and hands-on techniques.