A SAFE NON-PHARMACOLOGIC METHOD TO IMPROVE POSTURE & GAIT
Computerized Posture Measurement + Visual Biofeedback = You Look and Move Better!
People living with Parkinson’s are a unique population with multiple challenges best served by a multiple of professions. Spinal posture, gait, and flexibility are major issues in Parkinson’s. These issues are of both a cosmetic and functional concern. In addition to the traditional treatment methods used to date, a promising new therapy is called “Whole Body Vibration”. This is described in detail on this website under the “Whole Body Vibration” link.
Normally people use the feedback from their nervous systems proprioceptors (movement and position sensors) to properly adjust their posture, gait and physical movement patterns. This feedback is impaired in people with Parkinson’s. Whole Body Vibration (WBV) improves this feedback, which in turn decreases muscular spasticity, improving posture, gait and flexibility. The result is a decrease of the thoracic spine kyphosis (stooped posture) and a return to a more natural and flowing gait. WBV is not an alternative primary method of treatment for Parkinson’s. WBV is a beneficial addition to the management of the spine and gait where the Parkinson’s patient is looking for a non-pharmacologic option that is easy, fast , and inexpensive.
If you are interested in helping yourself or someone else with Parkinson’s to stand with better posture and walk with a healthier gait, you owe it to yourself to review the following links to research on this method. After that call us and talk to Dr. Nykwest. If you qualify we can offer you 12 visits of free treatment as part of our pilot research Parkinson’s Project, and the cost of care beyond that time is very reasonable!
Dr. Nykwest's Parkinson's Project has 3 Key Elements:
1- Computerized measurement of a digital photograph demonstrating the patients postural alignment and balance.
2- Biofeedback posture training on a WBV platform. While experiencing WBV the patient can see their posture simultaneously from the front and the side. This allows for very rapid learning of the correct posture.
3- Standardized Berg Balance Scale assessment to determine effectiveness of treatment.
Feel free to call and ask to visit our office and see what we are about. There is no cost and we are very nice people :)
PARKINSONS WBV RESEARCH LNKS
Using whole-body vibration training in patients affected with common neurological diseases: a systematic literature review. - PubMed – NCBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22233167
Whole body vibration versus conventional physiotherapy to improve balance and gait in Parkinson's disease. - PubMed – NCBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18295614
The effects of random whole-body-vibration on motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. - PubMed - NCBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16720935
Effects of random whole-body vibration on postural control in Parkinson's disease. - PubMed – NCBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16392539
Characteristics of spinopelvic alignment in Parkinson's disease: Comparison with adult spinal deformity. - PubMed – NCBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27964875
Effects of random whole-body vibration on postural control in Parkinson's disease. - PubMed – NCBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16392539
Stochastic resonance therapy in Parkinson's disease. - PubMed – NCBI
Dr. Nykwest is available as a speaker for your group
If you have a group of ten or more people interested in having a speaker on "Health, Stress and Wellness" we have a 45 minute presentation that is fun, informative, and free!
We can also provide workshops on special interests such as Parkinson's and several other topics. It never hurts to ask us!