Parkinson's and Brain Damage Rehabilitation
in Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, AZ
Understanding the Impact
of Parkinson's Disease and Brain Damage
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurological disorder that often leads to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, affecting daily functioning and overall quality of life. That’s because when someone has Parkinson’s Disease it affects the neurons in an area of the brain that produce dopamine called the Substantia Nigra. The substantia nigra is a region of the brain that plays a vital role in motor control, and the neurons within it produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps coordinate movement. The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is still not fully understood, but it’s believed to be as a result of genetics and/or environmental factors.
While there is no real cure for Parkinson’s, someone with the disease can continue to live a fulfilling life for years to come. So if you or someone you love suffers from Parkinson’s and you live in the Chandler, Gilbert, or Greater Phoenix area, we encourage you to call for an appointment. There are treatments available.
Although we may not fully understand how, we do know that Parkinson’s disease can cause two main things to occur; a loss of dopamine-producing cells and the accumulation of Lewy bodies in the brain. These changes disrupt brain function, leading to a range of motor and non-motor symptoms as described below.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
While Parkinson’s is often diagnosed after many common symptoms are present, it actually begins much earlier than this. In fact, some research says Parkinson’s starts to develop up to 20 years before symptoms appear.
That makes the disease notoriously difficult to diagnose in the very early stages as the symptoms will literally creep up at first undetected. Patients will begin to experience tremors, slower movements, muscle rigidity, changes in speech, poor balance, and a host of other symptoms.
Symptoms associated with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s-like syndromes:
- Tremor (pill-rolling tremor)
- Shuffling feet/gait
- Stooped forward posture (camptocormia)
- Slowness in movement (bradykinesia)
- Dysautonomia
- Restless leg during sleep
- Poor sleep (insomnia)
- Small handwriting (micrographia)
- Changes or loss in smell
- Stiffness in body
- Constipation
- Softening of your voice
- Loss of facial expression
- Dizziness and fainting
- Decrease in your autonomic system
- Slowing of vertical eye movements
Patients with Parkinson’s require specialized rehabilitation programs that address the multifaceted nature of their conditions. This is where our comprehensive approach with multimodal therapeutic applications incorporating Cognitive Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Activities, and Vestibular Therapy, can play a crucial role.
Our Approach
to Parkinson’s Brain Damage Rehabilitation
At Arizona Chiropractic Neurology Center in Chandler, we believe in a patient-centered approach that focuses on restoring or maintaining function, improving and maintaining independence, and enhancing and maintaining your quality of life. Our team of Doctors and staff including Dr. Berry and Dr. Crifasi are experienced medical professionals who utilize evidence-based techniques to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
We use VNG to assess eye movements, Computerized Dynamic Posturography to assess your balance and stability, Heart Rate Variability to assess the response of your autonomics which provides a window into the blood flow and vagus nerve activity. We review your recent labs and order new labs as necessary.
Once we establish a baseline, we get to work stimulating the nervous system like a workout, promoting improved strength in the weak areas, and use Low-Level Laser Therapy to help improve the ability of those targeted neurons to improve their efficiency. As the weak areas of the brain get stronger, symptoms associated with your presentation begin to diminish, and your overall clinical picture begins to improve. As your brain improves and strengthens, your symptoms start to resolve and you can start living a more energetic, movement-based life.
Programs We Offer
Parkinson's and Brain Damage Rehabilitation in Chandler
Our Chandler office approach to Parkinson’s and Brain Damage Rehabilitation integrates a variety of evidence-based therapies, including:
Cognitive
Rehabilitation
focuses on improving memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Therapeutic
Activities
addresses balance, coordination, and strength deficits.
Vestibular
Therapy
helps alleviate dizziness and vertigo, common symptoms.
In addition to the therapies above, we also employ the following:
Neuroenergetics
Low-Level Laser Therapy stimulates the brain’s cellular energy production, promotes neuroplasticity, and enhances blood flow and cellular repair.
Brain Oxygenation
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy saturates the brain and body with oxygen, reducing inflammation while improving brain function, memory, and accelerated healing.
Metabolic Healing
Nutrition & Supplementation provides the exact nutrients they need for optimal repair and function, guided by comprehensive lab testing, and reduces systemic inflammation.
Network Resetting
Neurofeedback & Neurorehab retrains dysfunctional brainwave patterns to help improve focus, memory, and emotional regulation.
How Parkinson’s Patients Can Help Maintain Their Quality of Life
The staff at Arizona Chiropractic Neurology Center is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care for Parkinson’s patients in the Chandler, Gilbert, and Greater Phoenix areas with the ultimate goal of maintaining their quality of life. We understand the challenges associated with Parkinson’s disease and brain damage and are committed to helping our patients achieve their rehabilitation goals. Our team works closely with each individual, their families, and their healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive and coordinated care plan.
We utilize cutting edge Functional Neurology and functional medicine approaches to recovery and employ novel therapeutic interventions. Our location in Chandler makes us a convenient option for residents of Gilbert and the surrounding Phoenix area seeking specialized neurological rehabilitation. We strive to provide a supportive and encouraging environment where individuals can regain their independence and maintain or improve their quality of life.
If you or a loved one is seeking specialized rehabilitation for Parkinson’s disease or brain damage in Chandler, Gilbert, or Phoenix, please contact us today. We are here to help you maintain your independence and your quality of life.
Interesting facts about Parkinson's Disease
Doctor James Parkinson's Discovery
Parkinson's disease was initially documented in 1817 by Dr. James Parkinson, a British physician, in his groundbreaking essay, "An Essay on the Shaking Palsy." This work marked the beginning of our understanding of the condition.
Both Brain and Movement Disorders
While the visible motor symptoms of Parkinson's are widely recognized, the disease also impacts non-motor functions. This can include changes in cognitive abilities and sensory experiences, and these non-motor symptoms can sometimes appear years before the motor symptoms begin.
Subtle Early Indicators
Before the onset of tremors, individuals might experience less noticeable early signs, such as constipation, a diminished sense of smell, unexplained shoulder pain, disrupted sleep patterns, subtle changes in handwriting (micrographia), and hearing loss (in fact, hearing loss may be one of the first indicators of Parkinson’s Disease - so get your hearing tested as soon as possible).
Mostly an Older Person’s Disease
Although Parkinson's disease primarily affects individuals over 60, it can also develop earlier. Approximately 10% of cases are diagnosed before the age of 50. Notably, actor Michael J. Fox, diagnosed at 29, and boxing legend Muhammad Ali was officially diagnosed at age 42, but experienced symptoms almost 14 years earlier around his late 20s.
The Pursuit of a Cure
While a definitive cure remains elusive, extensive research is underway. Scientists are actively exploring genetic factors, developing innovative treatments, and investigating strategies to potentially slow the disease's progression. Currently there are dozens of approved medicines to help slow the progression and maintain the patient’s quality of life.
