Dear Editor:
In my role as the physiotherapy consultant for the Parkinson Alberta Society, I often recommend pool therapy for the Parkinson population.
Unlike other modalities for rehabilitation, pool therapy is appropriate for individuals at all stages of the disease. For those who are still quite mobile, it offers an environment to improve their strength and cardiovascular endurance as they work against the resistance of the water. For those who may require a walking aide or even a wheelchair, pool therapy presents a safer environment for exercising in a standing posture. The fear of falling is often reduced, and the buoyancy of water places less demands on weaker muscles.
When warm-water pools are available, the benefits increase even more. Participants report decreased stiffness and muscle and joint pain which allows them to potentially exercise for longer than if on dry-land.
Motivation in the Parkinson population is often a barrier to participation however when warm-water therapy is available, the expectation of being relaxed by the warmer environment can be the deciding factor for the client to decide to attend a program. As more time is spent in the warm water, tissues become more pliable and can respond better to stretching which always plays a role in a Parkinson exercise program.
Unfortunately there are few warm-water facilities in Alberta. When a new pool opens, there is a positive effect on the health of that community, and people living with Parkinson Disease.
I will strongly encourage our members living in Cochrane and surrounding area to take full advantage of the facility and programming.
Neera Garga,
physiotherapy consultant
for Parkinson Alberta Society
