X Online Chat
close window
 
 

Parkinson’s Treatment

Dr. Howard Liss treats disorders that cause pain and disability by providing consultative services and soft tissue and joint injections when needed. When medically appropriate, he makes specific referrals for diagnostic testing (lab work, imaging, electrodiagnosis), physical and occupational therapy, interventional procedures (epidurals and facet joint injections), and surgery.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition in which the brain becomes increasingly impaired. It is likely related to loss of dopamine, which is a chemical responsible for regulating an individual’s movements. Though commonly known manifestations of Parkinson’s disease include slow movements, involuntary shaking and trembling, and muscle stiffness, there are other processing-type symptoms. These include insomnia, changing moods, disturbances in thought processing or memory and even impaired physiological components such as the ability to swallow.

Physiatrists find themselves in a unique position to coordinate and manage treatment for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Because physiatrists assume a multidisciplinary approach, they realize the power behind selective and combined therapies in helping patients obtain their highest level of functioning, despite living with an incurable disease.

Early treatment for Parkinson’s disease centers on physical conditioning and movement, including help with balance and coordination, strength, flexibility and gait. Along with therapy, Parkinson’s drugs designed to replenish dopamine or mimic dopamine are often prescribed to combat muscle rigidity and improve coordination with less tremor-type movements.

Under the direction of the physiatrist, therapists and clinicians may guide patients in specific exercises to improve mobility, posture and balance. Some include:

  • Walking outside
  • Dance
  • Yoga
  • Marching activities with coordinated arm movements
  • Sports (ping-pong, golf, tennis and volleyball)
  • Aerobics

Also effective are exercises that involve changing direction or tempo, requiring balance and adjustment and those that incorporate attention and focus. For instance, hiking using walking sticks promotes cardiopulmonary function. Walking on a treadmill while catching a ball promotes learning and repetition while challenging the patient.

At the Howard Liss, M.D. Rehabilitation Institute in Tenafly, patients can rely on Dr. Liss to put together the right treatment, therapy and rehabilitation plan to ensure the most optimal outcome. Dr. Liss works closely with other specialists required to rehabilitate patients suffering from chronic pain or serious injuries, and Dr. Liss will refer patients as needed to ensure appropriate treatment. With extensive education and exposure to a variety of conditions that affect the cervical and lumbar spine, bones, nerves, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, brain, and spinal cord, Dr. Liss is uniquely positioned to help patients manage their pain and maximize their functioning.

To schedule your appointment, contact the Howard Liss, M.D. Rehabilitation Institute in Tenafly today.

 
 

Rehabilitation Institute

111 Dean Drive Suite 1
Tenafly, NJ, 07670
Fax: (201) 871-2214

Call Us: (201) 390-9200