Ever since Dyskinesia became a problem for me (five years ago), I began experimenting with reducing my medication in an effort to reduce the side-effects. After some time, I figured out the right dosage amount and it seemed to be working. Unfortunately, over time, Parkinson’s progressive nature made maintaining low dosages difficult.
Thinking exercise may be the key, like many PD patients, I tried boxing — and, I had high hopes for cross-country skiing as it has always been a favorite activity of mine. Interestingly, I found that when I combined boxing and biking in my routine, I got better results than skiing as a sole exercise. I expanded my trials.
” You can do short upward tosses with the smaller indoor ball while the other hand while holds the railing while going up or down the stairs. You can also just shake the ball in your hand which is less distracting to your focus of the stairs. ”
I found that bouncing a ball while walking made me walk smoother, faster and made me walk more heel-to-toe. I began experimenting with keeping my hands busy by bouncing a ball, which immediately affected my strides more positively. I tried tossing and catching the ball, passing it back and forth between hands. Both worked and I overcame shuffling moments while doing the ball techniques. It was like the neural message pathway widened for sending messages and this benefited my neural walking messages to my legs. But just for a few seconds, meaning the action must be continuous. Gradually I was realizing new techniques.
As a side benefit, I also discovered that I tricking my ARM (or the arm’s neural pathways) into initiating smoother, more controlled movements. This is great when, for example, you are drying your hair or buttoning a shirt.
As my list of activities grew and I refined my techniques I found my regimen also worked for standing, negotiating stairs, freezing, swallowing and more. My digestive system seemed to benefit as well, as constipation was reduced. I actually started looking forward to my outdoor walks.
My Book, Ultimate Parkinson’s Tips to Walk Faster, Stand Up, Unfreeze, Turn in Bed, and More is a visual journey through my experiments, filled with images, illustrations and the results that I achieved. For example: Stairs present an increasing daily challenge the more bradykinesia slows you down and the more off med moments you have. Fortunately my techniques can be applied to help. By applying one of the techniques you will feel a 30 to 40% increase in smoothness and speed as you climb or descend the stairs. You will feel more confident and not dread the need to use the stairs.
To find out more about Ultimate Parkinson’s Tips to Walk Faster, Stand Up, Unfreeze, Turn in Bed, and More, or to contact Graham O’Connor, visit his website at www.minds.com/ultimateparkinsonstips. His book can also be ordered online from Amazon Books.
Graham O’Connor was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2010. He had his first finger twitch in 2006. Graham has a degree in Business from McGill University and a diploma in computer programming from Algonquin College. He worked most of his career in the technical side of business as a computer programmer. He is no longer working and is focused on natural ways to fight Parkinson’s. Graham is an avid traveler, having visited 46 countries. His favorite trips were to Las Vegas, China, and Universal Studios in Orlando.