Parkinson's - Physiotherapy Referral and Assessment
Physiotherapists play a vital role in supporting people with Parkinson’s to choose management strategies, prioritise and address the challenges they face over the course of the condition. Improving movement and safety is usually the main focus of physiotherapy in light of the progressive pathology and the disability and participation restrictions this can cause.
Referral[edit | edit source]
The American Academy of Neurology recommend the clinicians discuss the clinical presentations of the individual with Parkinson’s at least once yearly with a physiotherapist to consider when would be an optimal time to refer the person for physiotherapy services. An ideal best practice standard would be for the physiotherapist to have Parkinson’s expertise, and to be involved at the point of diagnosis. This does not always occur and until such time as we are referred all people with Parkinson’s, some referral criteria have been agreed.
Assessment[edit | edit source]
Physiotherapy assessment considers ways in which the condition is affecting the individual with Parkinson’s, whilst being aware of the impact on close carers and relatives, especially when someone is newly diagnosed or has been diagnosed for some time.
The history taking and physical assessment aspects of the assessment enable an honest discussion of what is realistic of the things the person wants to do. The core areas of physiotherapy interventions for which there is evidence of effectiveness for people with Parkinson’s are:
