Parkinson’s disease is caused by a decrease in dopamine in the brain. This results in neurological symptoms and manifestations that grow progressively worse. The neuromuscular symptoms of Parkinson’s include difficulty with balance; hand, arm and face tremors, increased stiffness of muscles and joints and a severe slowing of movement, states the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Passive range of motion exercises—those done by a nurse or caregiver—help people diagnosed with the disease maintain mobility, stability and independence as long as possible.
Passive Range of Motion Exercise for the Elbow
Help the patient maintain use of hands and arms by providing passive range of motion for her elbow joint. Gently grasp ger right elbow with your right hand, and her right wrist with your left hand, suggests Nursing Fundamentals. Gently extend the arm, thumb joint facing upward, without locking the elbow joint. Then press the arm in the other direction, toward the shoulder. Perform this exercise several times and then switch to exercise the other arm. Remember to go slowly, and don’t make jerking movements.
Head and Neck Exercises
A gentle way to help reduce stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulders is to perform range of motion exercises on the head and neck. Have the individual lie down on a bed, head flat. Gently place your hands on either side of the patient’s head. Turn his head to the right, and then the left. Do this exercise according to the comfort level of the patient, but if he can tolerate the move, try to turn his head until his nose is just in front of his shoulder.
Shoulder Rotation
Keep the patient’s shoulder joint lubricated and limber by performing shoulder rotations. For this exercise, remember to support the person’s arm at the elbow joint and wrist. Extend her right arm outward until it is at shoulder level. Then, slowly raise it upward above her head, or as far as you can without causing discomfort. Then lower her arm back down to her side. Grasping her elbow and wrist, bring the arm in front of the person, swinging it in a gentle move across the chest and toward the opposite elbow. You can do this several times on each side, suggests the Passive Range of Motion Exercises Care Guide from Drugs.com.
About this Author
Denise Wang is an experienced freelance writer and editor. She has written professionally for seven years, and is a published fiction author. She regularly provides content for health-related and elder-care websites. She is currently completing coursework for a degree in health information management from Penn Foster College.
