Physiotherapy/Acupuncture

[CrazyHarry]

After a move to Wiltshire I found a Physiotherapist who isn't near based but has helped people with Parkinson's. Treatment was mainly nerve/muscle stimulation but a year ago I also tried acupuncture. I am an engineer (well, used to be) and I can't understand how this treatment works but it is helping me to move. I have also managed to get a Cue 1 which I attach to my breastbone and activate if I start to feel tightness or tremors. I haven't had great success in finding that I can walk unaided in fact some days I manage to shuffle and on bad days I'm transported by my wife Jan. The other thing that I try to do each day is hang using my arms from a chin-up bar that used to be used by our young sons - it helps to stretch out my back which would otherwise by very crooked. I'm 3 years on from being told that I would need to use a wheelchair and yes I do on some days but I'm trying to keep myself moving even if it's just from one room to another.

[Sea_]

That’s great news I haven’t tried must give it a try My physio has got me to try tummy binding. It arrived at the weekend and is mainly used after surgery or c section. It tricks the brain into thinking you are more stable and it can release your legs. I’ve tried it and it is definitely helping me to lift my feet and legs feel more free

[Midori]

Good for you, I have a wheelchair which sulks in the garage, because I refuse to be in it.

When out I use a rollator, and around the house and garden a stick.

Your determination is laudable, Keep it up as long as you can!

Cheers, Midori

[jebirm]

Hi Harry (or do I call you Mr, Crazy

I was referred by my consultant for Physio but none available in the Hertford area.

None of the usual health and fitness gyms have availability for NHS referrals any more

So do my own exercises at home gleaned from Friends of Ataxia

John

[Sea_]

Do you find Cue1 helpful? Hope it is helping to keep you moving. I’m still a few days into my tummy binding and think it’s helping a bit 🤞

[CrazyHarry]

The Cue1 is helping with freezing, tightness and tremors. It hasn't made any 'miraculous' changes but I can deal with the fluctuations a bit easier.

My wife has fitted a hand rail along the wall in our hallway (for bedrooms) and I use this to walk along and face it to help with 'dips' (used to be squats). I also do chair yoga found on YouTube to help keep moving. Some days I can't seem to manage to co-ordinate any bits of my body but then a good days arrives and I try and move as much as I can.

I find feeling frustrated that I can't do all the things that I used to take for granted, it's hard for me to place the tip of a screwdriver onto a screw now. The garage used to be my domain but now it's organised by Jan.

Going to look into tummy binding 🧐