Category Archives: mobility challenges

Reclaiming Independence

The Parkinsons Recovery Reclaiming Independence Intensive provides one on one support to help transform walking difficulties.

Have you been falling, freezing or shuffling when walking?

Has walking become problematic?

If  your answers are yes, watch my short video right now to convert wobbly walking to one that is rock solid.

My passion is to help individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease transform any and all beliefs that recovery cannot happen for them.

The goal of the Reclaiming Independence Intensive is to develop a plan of recovery thatReclaiming Independence Intensive will transform problematic mobility into one that is rock solid. Once the plan is set, we review, monitor and adjust the plan as needed over the course of individual sessions with me.

My commitment to you involves a commitment that sets in motion a recovery program that can succeed for you.

I have been asked by many of you to offer an intensive, so here it is!

Visit the Intensive link below for more information and to register.

Reclaiming Independence Intensive

The Intensive Enhances Sound Decision Making

When it comes to a successful recovery program, choices are important.  Robert provides information about the benefits and risks of pursuing  recovery options. He helps you sort through the dozens of recovery options  to identify the ones that are perfect for your interests, goals and lifestyle.

Stress Reduction

Confronting health challenges is stressful day in and day out.  The Intensive helps reduce stress by creating structured plans and realistic goals. It also provides strategies for coping with disappointments and overcoming obstacles.

Motivation and Inspiration

At times, we all need a bit of inspiration and motivation to keep moving forward. Robert offers ongoing  encouragement and helps you stay motivated even when faced with setbacks. He celebrates your successes  with you and helps reignite your passion and drive when enthusiasm wanes. You are not alone.

Visit the Intensive link below for more information and to register.

Reclaiming Independence Intensive

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

How to Improve Gait and Balance

Question:

Can you recommend any techniques for how to improve gait and balance? At present I tend to drag my right leg. If I go for a walk I am OK after about half a mile. I tend to drag my leg on short runs and around the house

John

Response:

First, Consider doing Tai Chi on a regular basis. It is a good idea to connect with a teacher who is proficient. There are excellent DVDs on Tai Chi that also extremely helpful if accessed on a regular basis.

Second, listen to the inspiring interview with Dancer Pamela Quinn who offers a variety of dynamite suggestions that provide suggestions for how to improve gait and balance.

One suggestion (among others from Pamela Quinn) for how to improve gait and balance

Third, Pamela offers a number of suggestions to persons with mobility challenges. She suggested for example that you practice kicking a soccer ball using the leg that drags. It helps to wake up that lazy leg.

You obviously do not want to kick a soccer ball while going to work or doing errands. Instead – you simply pretend that you are kicking the soccer ball as you walk from one place to the next. It works just as well as if you were actually kicking it.

Try bouncing a ball as you walk – just as you did when you were a boy. Your foot is dragging because your body is navigating through neural pathways that are dysfunctional. When you bounce a ball while you walk – you create new neural networks. This short circuits the old pathways that are presently hindering that lazy leg’s functionality.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Eye Drops for Cataracts

 

How to Manifest Rock Solid Walking

In this video I preview a marvelous suggestion for how to manifest rock solid walking.

Here is the clip of my interview with John Pepper.

This suggestion to manifest centered and balanced walking is one among – get this – 144 other therapies, techniques and approaches to manifest rock solid walking covered in my RockManifest Rock Solid Waling Solid Walking online course. The ideas and techniques are drawn from 275 interviews I have hosted on Parkinsons Recovery Radio over the past two decades. Visit the link below for more information about the course:

https://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/rock-solid-walking/

John Pepper, author of Reverse Parkinsons Disease, is a Parkinson’s Patient with six decades of experience. What has helped John manifest recovery is:

  • Taking Conscious Control of all movements
  • Doing Energetic Exercise
  • Managing Stress
  • Adopting a Positive Attitude

Below is the study which reports on the benefits of conscious control of movements to manifest Rock Solid Walking.

Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2007 Mar-Apr;21(2):123-6. Duration of Parkinson disease is associated with an increased propensity for “reinvestment”. R S W Masters, H S Pall, K M A MacMahon, F F Eves

Abstract

Background: As a consequence of difficulties in movement initiation and execution, people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are typically encouraged to consciously monitor and control the mechanics of their actions. This is described as ‘reinvestment’ and has been shown to help mediate effective motor output.

Objective: To examine the propensity for reinvestment in a sample of people with PD.

Methods: A volunteer sample of 55 people with PD was asked to complete a previously validated measure, the Reinvestment Scale. A sub-sample (and age matched controls) was asked to complete a recently developed, movement specific, version of the Scale. Data was collected on Mini Mental State Examination and the Hoehn & Yahr Scale. Participant demographics, including age of onset and duration of disease, were also collated.

Results: Multiple regression analyses showed that duration of disease was associated with reinvestment score on both the Reinvestment Scale and the Movement Specific Reinvestment Scale.

Conclusions: Participants appeared to become more aware of the mechanics of their actions over time. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed with reference to rehabilitation.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Movement Controlled by Two Independent Brain Centers

Peter Strick, chair of neurobiology and scientific director of the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, and other scientists hypothesize there is a brain circuit in Parkinson’s patients that can be switched on and off to control movement.

Strick’s collaborators are focusing on two circuits in the brain that are hypothesized to  control movement. One circuit is damaged by Parkinson’s which results in manifesting symptoms associated with a Parkinsons diagnosis such as tremor, freezing, and poor balance and coordination.

Strick believes there is a second control mechanism that is fully functional.  When accessed, symptoms are quieted. Strick’s hypothesizes the fully functional  circuit is  switched on by strong emotions activated by positive experiences. More simply put, the endless joy of doing something that feeds our soul activates the circuit that facilitates effortless mobility.

The bottom line? The most effective “medicine” is to embrace activities that give you the greatest joy. Acknowledge the profound relief of symptoms that is associated when you “follow your bliss.”

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Rock Solid Walking Online Course

 

Slow Movement Remedies

Question:

I am wondering about how to deal with slow movement. I never hear this question addressed. Are there any ways to overcome this? It is my worst symptom. People tell me I move very gingerly.

Thank you for your help.

Karen

Response:

The big picture is the reprogram your neural networks. It appears that your movements are being controlled by neural pathways that are a bit rusty.

There is no reason for panic! The brain has an incredible capacity to reconfigure pathways. You just have to begin moving a bit differently to configure the new pathways which will make walking easier and require less effort on your part.

First, I suggest that you listen to my interview with Professional Dancer Pamela Quinn from New York City. Pamela offers a number of suggestions you should find helpful. You can find her program from last week by visiting the Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network page below:

Second, I suggest that you add a little music (with a nice hefty beat) when you walk. Use an MP3 player or IPOD  or something portable. Find some music you like to listen to which has a marching type of beat. Music with a strong beat does wonders for movements that are slow and cumbersome. Michael Jackson recorded some great songs with incredible beats you can dance to.

Third, there are a number of brain challenge exercises and programs which provide great ways to forge new  neural pathways. You might try out a few. They always have free ones to try out on the websites. I posted information on one such program on this blog September 30th from Posit Science which is backed by sound research.

Fourth, inside of thinking of walking from point A to point B, think to yourself that you will dance from Point A to Point B. You may be surprised by the difference created by the different in thought forms.

Let us know what turns out to help!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

Mobility Exercises

Many people believe that the solution to mobility challenges is found in finding the right medications or supplements or herbs to take, not with mobility exercises. After an exciting decade of research into the question of what helps people regain excellent mobility, I have drawn the conclusion that medications or supplements or herbs do not offer a long term solution. Something else – something you would have never guessed – does.

I have concluded that practicing the ability to perform more than one task at a time offers welcome benefits to anyone who currently experiences issues with maintaining good balance and also anyone who fears the prospect of falling when walking. Watch my video below to discover mobility exercises that are fun and simple to do.

For information about the Walk with Ease and Confidence program, visit:

http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

Robert Rodgers PhD
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Improve Balance. Prevent Falls.

  • Are you having difficulty with maintaining good balance?
  • Have you fallen in the past or fear you may fall in the future?

I have exciting news for you.

A new, easily accessible resource that addresses these concerns is – at long last – now available.  The Parkinsons Recovery Walk with Ease and Confidence membership documents the strategies, “steps”and programs  you can pursue that improve balance and prevent falls. The ideas are presented in the forms of text, clips of interviews from
Parkinsons Recovery radio shows, videos taken at the various Parkinsons Recovery Summits and YouTube videos.

Why Did I Create This New Resource?

I have hosted hundreds of radio show guests on Parkinsons Recovery radio shows over the past 10 years. My guests have discussed amazing strategies and fascinating programs to improve balance and prevent falls. These suggestions and ideas have always been (and will continue to be) accessible for free.

I realized recently that most people with mobility issues do not know about these solutions. How could this be so? The suggestions and strategies I have meticulously  documented over the past decade are, practically speaking, inaccessible. There is so much information scattered all over the place it would take months to locate the information you need.

Until now.

I have dedicated my time this year to extract audio clips from radio shows, edit videos from Parkinsons Recovery Summits and select posts from my blog that have offered solutions for improving balance and preventing falls. The content is now organized in one place for easy access – the new Walk with Balance and Confidence membership.

Here are a few of the topics that are covered in my new program:

  • How to Prevent Falling Forward
  • Two Exercises To loosen Rigidity
  • Practical Ways to Improve Arm Swing
  • How to Improve Your Posture
  • Strategy to Unlock Freezing
  • Strategies to Avoid Freezing
  • A Vitamin that Prevents Falls and Improves Overall Balance
  • How to Hard Wire Your Brain to walk effortlessly
  • How to make dopamine naturally
  • How to prevent falls
  • Mobility Issues Caused by Metal Amalgams, Jewelry and Toxic Exposure

Click on “Improve Balance and Prevent Falls” below  to learn more about my new membership program.

Improve Balance and Prevent Falls

Robert Rodgers PhD
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

How to Improve Gait and Balance

Hans de Rijke from The Hague in Holland called in during one of my radio shows and told us all about how he overcomes any and all challenges with walking by bouncing a ball. Isn’t that clever? He demonstrates his eloquent answer to the question how to improve gait and balance in the short video below.

His video demonstrates how this simple technique works for how to improve gait and balance.  You are going to have to turn you head to the side to watch. Just count that as part of your day’s exercise program.

Do you have a ball hanging around at home? Why not give it a try? Hans explains that no one takes notice of a man bouncing a ball down the street. It helps make you feel a lot younger than walking down the street with a cane.

Parkinsons Recovery is all about helping you figure out ways you can get sustain relief from your symptoms.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Rock Solid Walking Online Course

Riding Scooters, Bouncing Balls and Using Nordic Walking Sticks

Dear Robert

Last spring I was in the hospital for my half-year visit to my neurologist. In one of the corridors I nearly had a collision with a white-dressed woman who was riding on a scooter. (We call it a step.)

After I stepped aside (she did not even apologize) I had a flash of insight: That’s a good way to move along l halls and long corridors of the train stations and the schools where I work.

I contacted a surf shop nearby and they showed me all kinds of scooters (even with a motor on it) and for my 60th birthday I received a beautiful scooter. I am very happy with it and I use him to do some shopping. I go to the railway station by bus and I take the scooter on my back and I use it on the platforms.

Every Tuesday when my wife and I look after my grandson, we go together on the scooter to the public library. Even when I have an unexpected off-period and it’s difficult for me to walk I can use the scooter.

After bouncing the ball, kicking the football …

and walking with Nordic-walking sticks …

It’s for me a good way to move along.

And tomorrow I am going to my weekly Salsa-lesson in a restaurant near the beach. And I’m going by scooter!!

Hans de Rijke

The Hague

Holland

Problems with Balance, Walking, Talking and Sweating

Question:

I have had Parkinson’s  since 2008. I am now taking amantrel-100 2 tab and pramipex-0.5 2 tab daily.

I still have a balance problem, a walking problem. Turning is also a problem – especially to the left, dryness in mouth, problem of pronunciation of some words while talking. excessive sweating at the left side of forehead is remarkable since 2005.  I also feel pain at neck below head backside of ears.

Kindly help,

Sibnarayan
India

Response:

You have a series of symptoms which is typical of people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It is likely that the cause is multi-faceted.

First, there is an Ayurvedic doctor in India, Dr. Paneri from Gujarat, who sees people with Parkinson’s exclusively and is getting remarkable results. His website is: http://www.drpaneri.com

Second, check the side effects of the drugs you are taking. It is likely some of the problems you are experiencing may be simply the side effects of the drugs. You may want to talk with your doctor about adjusting your medications.

Third, I suggest that you focus your attention on finding doctors and health care practitioners who can help you detox the toxins in your body, I am guessing that toxins are a primary cause of your symptoms. You may well have an abundance of heavy metals and pesticides that have accumulated in your body.Once they are removed your symptoms may well subside.

There are many ways to detox – just check around and find an approach that appeals to you. I have been using
zeolite personally with great success – but there are many other excellent methods that are effective as well.

You can get a wide variety of suggestions on detoxes from my new book which is described at: http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

Know always that the body knows how to heal itself. We just have to give it a little extra loving kindness and attention sometimes.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

Problem with Walking

My Parkinson has been hovering for months now. I have rather rapidly had a problem with walking and have to get help when walking. So now my devoted wife Liz has to get me started by the old Army method “hut one hut two.”

I do have an appointment Feb. 19 with my neurologist. He has had the medicines I’ve been taking gradually phased out.Then on Feb. 19 he will introduce my system to a new and different drug which has some notable success.
My problem is how do I stand (e.g. survive) till then? Sinemet is what I have to rely on till then. (A urologist has me on two drugs to confine urology problems. So far this seems to be satisfactory)


I will appreciate your suggested road to nirvana. My wonderful wife is 81 years old and in July I will catch her.

I have several suggestions for you to consider, though I am not absolutely clear what symptom precisely you want help with. I understand walking is a problem, so let me focus on that symptom.

Suggestion One to Solve a Problem with Walking

Do you have a tennis ball or a rubber ball of any type? When you walk bounce the ball just like you did when you were a boy. Bounce the ball on the ground as you walk. If that doesn’t help – throw it into the air as you walk.

There is also a plastic ball which you find at fairs which has a rubbery string or chain that is attached to the ball itself. You put the rubbery string around your hand and throw the ball toward the ground as you walk (though the ball does not touch the ground). It is great fun – and it helps mobility greatly. (This brilliant suggestions is inspired by Hans from Holland).
Instead of walking with a cane or walker (where people perceive there is an old person attempting to walk) you are bouncing a ball like a child (so people perceive a youthful energy – and so do you!).

Play music while you walk and your problem with walking will improve. Listen with an ipod. Your wife is helping you with the music of her marching orders but she can’t sing every step you take (unless she has tireless vocal cords). Listening to music while you walk is also a great help, especially music that has a beat to it.

Suggestion Two

Nitendo Wii. Ever heard of it? Young people know about it. You play games like tennis which require you to exercise your balance. Buy a wii and try it out. You can always purchase it on a 30 day warranty so if it doesn’t work for you, just return it. Play a game (whatever you are called to play) every day. Have fun. Celebrate improvement in mobility.

Suggestion Three

I have documented interviews with individuals who have confronted problems similar to yours and discovered solutions that worked for them. The compilation of stories is included in Pioneers of Recovery which is available on Amazon.
Hopefully, three times is a charm and one of these ideas will be a winner for you to help solve the problem with walking.

All the best,

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

© 2024 Parkinsons Recovery

>