AT for People Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Are you affected by Parkinson’s Disease (PD), or do you know anyone who is? Parkinson's is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. As you may know PD is a complex condition with many different symptoms. More than 110,000 people in Canada are diagnosed with PD, and about 10 million people worldwide. Men are more affected than women. Most people diagnosed are over the age of 60. That said, there is also early-onset PD, with number rising in recent decades, in other words there is a growing trend of prevalence in younger individuals.

Dopamine loss is a key factor in PD affecting movement, balance and muscle control.

PD is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra which decrease and stop working over time. Symptoms vary from person to person. It is important to notice, that motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, freezing, slow movement (bradykinesia) or postural instability only become evident later in the course of the disease after 60% to 80% of the substantia nigra neurons have already been lost or impaired. Non-motor symptoms, the symptoms unrelated to movement, may include stiffness, constipation, sleep problems, anxiety or fatigue. PD is often diagnosed at a later stage of the disease progression.

Science suggests that PD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

About 15% of people living with Parkinson’s disease have a family history of this condition. So genetic factors play a role, but the exact cause is not fully understood. Environmental risk factors include head injury, exposure to metals and solvents. Numerous studies suggest a significant link between exposure to pesticides and herbicides and an increased risk of developing PD. For the vast majority of people with the condition, multiple factors are likely to have contributed to the development of Parkinson’s.

Several clinical studies have investigated the potential benefits of the Alexander Technique (AT) for individuals with PD.

Clinical research* indicates that the Alexander Technique (AT) can help individuals with Parkinson's manage daily tasks better and improve motor and non-motor symptoms: A randomized controlled trial found that 24 AT lessons reduced PD disability and depression (Stallibrass, 2002), and benefits were retained at 6 months indicating positive long-term benefits. Participants reported "subjective improvements in balance, posture and walking, as well as increased coping ability and reduced stress." Another study of an AT-based intervention reported improved postural alignment, reduced postural sway, improved torso mobility, and smoother movement during step initiation, likely indicating better movement efficiency (Cohen, 2015).

AT is helpful to gain better coping skills for postural challenges and difficulties of daily tasks.

AT shows promise as a long-term self-management approach to reduce PD motor symptoms and maintain an active life. I can verify this as I have worked as a Teacher of the Alexander Technique with people living with PD (and their care partners) both in groups and individual sessions. AT helps to increase body awareness which improves balance and stability. The sessions assist in changing postural habits, reducing muscle tone and enhancing movement fluidity. A better sense of the body and movement along with giving yourself verbal instructions help decrease freezing, rigidity, balance issues or tremor. Participants gain better gait, more uprightness and more flexibility. AT also shows to be instrumental in attaining a better connection to oneself, a more positive outlook on life and more self-confidence!

Here is one of my PD clients testimonial:

“I have attended therapeutic Alexander Technique sessions with Heike Walker since 2017, when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Heike is very well educated, skilled and most empathetic to my PD health issues. AT's focus on correcting posture, improving balance and alleviating muscle and stress tension has proven very beneficial concerning my PD symptoms. I wish to unequivocally recommend Heike and feel grateful to have her as part of my support team. Yes, I am a cattle farmer, and Alexander Technique has helped me to still do a variety of tasks as required!”

Frank S., 68 years

If you have any questions, please contact me heike@balanceartsstudio.com | 778.245.1750

*For detailed peer-reviewed research on Alexander technique for Parkinson’s & related studies, go to the Alexander Science website: https://www.alexandertechniquescience.com/