What is a person “to do” while living with a disability that keeps them from standing or walking?
Understandably, there are now more medications for the management of *symptoms associated with poor circulation, pain, and seizures, but what about ‘mobility'? Most is labelled as part of the neurological disease or condition… However we do not have to become the disease!
This is difficult while managing everyday.
Why not take some progressive action? But what action?
Two important, successful treatments that provides numerous benefits to those with disabilities that affect ambulation (walking/movement) are:
1) WBPA – Whole Body Periodic Acceleration therapy
2) Exercise Prescription/Therapy
WBPA (or Exer-rest) has been shown to aid persons with disabilities affecting ambulation. WBPA increases vasodilation (expansion of blood vessels) through an increase in eNOS (nitric oxide) into the blood stream. This NO helps facilitate neuro-relaxation through specific neurotransmitter's excitation. This has the effect of reducing fatigue, enhancing motor performance (movement), reducing spasticity/muscle tension, recovery and overall mental awareness. Whole Body Periodic Acceleration Therapy (WBPA) is a recognized, non-invasive, and promising therapy for a diverse and growing list of disorders. Such as CP, PD, seizure disorders, ABI and neuropathies.
The most common comments we have from people using the WBPA is "they love it" and it "feels great" after the treatment.
The WBPA is a very important aspect to treatment and the symptom management process, especially for those who do not have good or any mobility.
Exercise Prescription (or Exercise therapy) is a procedure but not like ‘personal training’. Instead, it requires a detailed, comprehensive assessment process which then provides the practitioner with the information necessary to make an exercise prescription. It is estimated that between 50-75 percent of people with disabilities initially diagnosed actually have some other conditions so this detail is also necessary for a full scope of the individual. No two people are the same, even with the same condition. Therefore the detailed individualized prescription should be provided on a one on one basis to:
· Identify and improve muscle imbalances through assisted stretches
· Identify and help gait disturbances
· Strengthen joints, decrease inflammation and pain if present
· Improve reflex patterns
· Increase body self awareness and confidence
· Improve balance and motor control
For the mobility challenged, Exercise prescription can be the best bet for any improvement in strength and to reduce motor and non-motor symptoms. It does take about 4-6months on average to notice improvements however the benefits to overall independence and personal well-being are immeasurable.
The WBPA + Exercise prescription have proven to be an empowering combination for treating disabilities and improving functions; therefore quality of life!