Sophia Reuter has been working as a physiotherapist at cereneo since June 2020 and particularly enjoys working with Parkinson's patients.
Why do you enjoy working with Parkinson's patients?
Physiotherapy often aims to improve overall fitness and coordination. Because Parkinson's disease is so complex and each case presents differently, therapy can be tailored to the individual.
What is particularly important in Movement Therapy for Parkinson's patients?
In Parkinson's Disease , it is important to note that the earlier therapy begins, the greater the likelihood of slowing the disease's progression. If a patient is in good physical condition at the time of Diagnosis , their Mobility is often preserved even in the advanced stages of the disease.
Mobilization and physical activity play a very important role for all patients.
Many patients come to us with gait instability. We focus on Balance Training here, as this improves gait and standing stability and thus reduces the risk of falls.
A common problem is the so-called "freezing of gait" (sudden stopping while walking), which is difficult to treat with medication or brain stimulation. Movement Therapy can be very helpful in this case.
What does the therapy for our patients at the Clinic look like?
We often begin with strength and endurance training and generally work with a home exercise program from the outset. Daily movement is very important for people with Parkinson's disease – even after inpatient Rehabilitation ! In the home program, we practice techniques and strategies for coordination, mobility, and balance together. In addition, each patient receives individual therapy session . The focus here is on the patient's primary weakness, such as additional Gait Training , improving mobility, or coordination. Movement Therapy is complemented by neuropsychological training and Speech And Language Therapy . Training the facial muscles is particularly important, as these are often stiff – a typical symptom of Parkinson's Disease is a mask-like face.
We also frequently check the availability of assistive devices and select the one that offers the least support but is still practical and presents a positive challenge for the patient. This could, for example, be walking sticks instead of a rollator, which have a positive effect on coordination.
What other symptoms are typical of Parkinson's disease?
Typical physical symptoms of the disease include tremor (resting tremor), muscle stiffness (rigidity), slowed movements with small steps, and also reduced arm swing (in many cases only on one side).
However, changes or impairments in non-motor functions often occur much earlier and should alert family members. Typical non-motor symptoms include sleep talking or sleepwalking, incontinence, depression, anxiety, pain, dizziness, and loss of smell.
When do the patients arrive at the Clinic ?
We frequently treat patients with implanted brain stimulators or those who wish to optimize their medication. Correct medication dosage is crucial, as an incorrect dose can lead to uncontrolled hyperactivity.
Patients typically stay for 3 to 8 weeks. The ideal duration is 6 to 8 weeks to allow for observation of the effects of a medication change and further adjustments if necessary.
Why do you enjoy working with Parkinson's patients?
Because you can train differently every day and there are so many ways to work on the main weakness. Many things can be practiced playfully. I try to make the therapies as varied as possible, which motivates the patients.
Can you give a few examples?
We play ball or table tennis, which simultaneously trains coordination, stability, and balance. I always ask patients what sport they play and then try to incorporate it into the therapy. I often offer dance training as well. It depends on who needs what and which skills need strengthening.
What do you like about cereneo?
The possibility of offering individual therapy and being able to specifically address the deficits of each individual patient.
What do you do when you're not at Cereneo?
My greatest passion is horseback riding. I've been riding since I was five years old and still do it in my free time. From time to time, I also try to offer Therapy Session with horses or ponies if a patient is interested. nursing a horse promotes coordination and balance, and leading it on a lead rein contributes to a confident gait.
