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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Neurological Rehabilitation

Parkinson's disease

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, Parkinson's disease means: A progressive neurological condition in which the brain loses cells that make dopamine, causing slowness, stiffness, tremor and problems with balance.

In Turkish: Parkinson hastalığı

How it is used

Physiotherapists work with people with Parkinson's disease on walking, balance, falls and exercise. Typical terms are bradykinesia (slowness), rigidity, shuffling gait and freezing, when the feet suddenly seem stuck to the floor. Patients and staff often just say 'Parkinson's'. Physiotherapists often use cues, such as counting or a beat, to help with walking.

Example sentences

  1. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease five years ago and now sometimes freezes in doorways.

  2. Regular exercise is an important part of living well with Parkinson's disease.

Common collocations

  • freezing of gait
  • shuffling gait
  • cueing strategies
  • living with Parkinson's
  • gaitThe way a person walks, including the pattern of their steps, their speed and balance, and how the legs and arms move.
  • balanceThe ability to keep the body steady and upright, whether standing still or moving, without falling.
  • fall preventionAssessment and treatment aimed at reducing the chance that a person, especially an older adult, will fall and get hurt.
  • muscle toneThe natural level of tension in a resting muscle, felt as resistance when the physiotherapist moves a relaxed limb.

More terms: Neurological Rehabilitation

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.