Bigger is better: Aquatic exercise benefits people with Parkinson's disease

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, aging is an important risk factor for Parkinson’s disease. The good news is that people with Parkinson’s disease who exercise regularly are able to move and maintain balance better than those who do not. And water is a wonderful environment for exercise. Water boasts unique properties that enable it to be used for both therapy and fitness. When someone with Parkinson’s is able to float and move in a pool, it is similar to a water lily opening at dawn. Participants can stand up tall and move more freely. (Intl. Council on Active Aging, 2/27/13)

Restorative Aqua, Tai Chi and more at Encino Therapy Pool!

Restorative Aqua, Aqua Tai Chi, and more at Encino Therapy Pool! 

Warm Water Pool at Providence Outpatient Therapy Clinic in Encino, CA

Aqua Flex'n Stretch now offers Restorative Aqua, Aqua Tai Chi, and Aqua Toning Classe at this wonderful warm water pool (90+ degrees, lift also). All instructors are certified by the Arthritis Foundation.  Perfect for post-surgery (with medical release), Arthritis, Fibromyalgia , Parkinson's, as well as exercise enthusiasts and anyone who wants to live longer by following an exercise program. Call 818-383-4400 to learn more! 

Aquatic Exercise and Fibromyalgia (FMS)

Aquatic Therapy and Exercise has been recommended for the relief of Fibromyalgia pain. This article clearly discusses the benefits of the working in the water.

http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Archives/Article-Archives/A-Good-Match.aspx

Yoga for Parkinson's and other Muscle Conditions

Colleen Carroll, formerly our Surf'n Turf yoga instructor continues to do wonderful things. Read this article about her work at Yoga Therapy For Parkinson's, Palisades Post 2/24/11.

EXERCISE IS FREE MEDICINE

"Exercise is like free medicine," says Robert Leahy, PhD, director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy and author of Beat the Blues Before They Beat You. "Medication may work more rapidly to lessen the symptoms of depression or stressed feelings, but the effects of regular exercise are longer lasting."

 "More than anything, what we've realized is that the biochemical changes that occur to make us resilient to stress are cumulative," she says. "The more consistent you are with your workouts, the more you are rewarded with stress-fighting power." (Fitness, 10/10)

JUST PLANE STIFF

For all the travelers this season, sitting on a plane is tough on our joints. Here are some tips from the Physical Therapy Association to keep prevent stiffness and pain. Do each of them 5-10 times throughout the flight.

1. Heel raises: Sit with feet flat on floor, lift heels off floor, hold for 5-10 seconds and lower

2. Ankle circles: Lift one leg slightly off ground and circle foot clockwise counterclockwise each 15 times, repeat with other leg

3. Overhead stretches: Reach arms straight up and stretch for 10 seconds, lean to left and then right, bend at waist, open and close hands, circle wrists as your stretch

4. Back Twists: Reach right arm across body and grab the left armrest. Slowly turn body and head as far to left as comfortable and hold for 5-10 seconds.

5. Curl downs: Pull stomach and chin in while sitting and gently curl your body down very slowly, reaching hands toward the floor. Hold 5-10 seconds and slowly uncurl.

Happy travels!