Parkinson’s is a progressive brain degenerative condition. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. It is estimated that around 145,000 people lived with a Parkinson’s diagnosis in the UK in 2020.
Parkinsonism is a term that covers several conditions. This includes idiopathic Parkinson’s and other conditions with similar symptoms, such as slow movement, rigidity (stiffness) and problems with walking.
There are more than 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s. They are often referred to as motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms. Not everyone will experience all the symptoms. Everyone has their own set of symptoms and deals with them in different ways
Common symptoms of Parkinson’s include:
- tremor
- rigidity (stiffness)
- slowness of movement
- mild memory and thinking problems
- sleep problems
- pain
- mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.
Many medical researchers have found that people with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of the chemical dopamine in the brain because some of the nerve cells that make it have died. We don’t know precisely what causes dopamine-producing nerve cells to die.
Conventional medication has been the main treatment for most people with Parkinson’s. Nowadays, more people have also started to use other therapies to manage or treat their conditions, often combined with their conventional drug treatment.
What do we do at Walnut Grove to support and help people living with Parkinson’s?
At Walnut Grove we offer a wide range of complementary therapies to people living with Parkinson’s, our multidisciplinary team. Among our team, Dr Tong has been using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Taichi exercise to help people with Parkinson’s for many years. Having a background in neurological training and research studies into Parkinson’s has enhanced his treatment, producing positive results. Many people found the Chinese medicine service very helpful. Dr Tong believes in a multidisciplinary approach and often teams up with other therapists in the clinic to help people with Parkinson’s. Especially his ongoing collaboration with our osteopathic team, which has proven successful in the management and relief of symptoms of Parkinson’s at different levels (or in different aspects).
At Walnut Grove we have set our aims to support people living with Parkinson’s in the following areas,
- Minimise the symptoms and discomfort; improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s.
- Slow down and/or stop the condition’s progression by encouraging our body’s healing mechanism(s).
- Recognise and treat the condition early, and reverse or reduce the motor and non-motor symptoms.
- Provide treatment for people with advanced conditions.
People living with Parkinson’s can often be quite complex. With a strong team of complementary healthcare professionals/therapists at the clinic, you can find the right specialist and expert. We will provide integrated multidisciplinary care for you within the clinic setting.
It is our hope going forward to be able to provide rehabilitation exercise classes for Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions so please do watch this space.
There are also local support groups we can signpost you to.
If you have any enquiries about the treatment for the symptoms of either Parkinson-related or separate health issues, including the care of your general well-being, please contact the clinic and we will find the best possible support for you.
We are here to help you live a better life.
