Trunk Mobility
Trunk mobility refers to the natural movement of our torso with motion between the shoulders and pelvis when we walk and change direction, reach overhead, look behind us, and get in or out of bed. For some people with Parkinson’s disease, lack of trunk mobility can be a severe impairment due to rigidity. On top of that, postural instability may increase a person’s stooped posture and further affect limited trunk rotation.
Regularly incorporating trunk rotation activities into physical therapy sessions and a regular exercise and stretching program can help promote natural movement of the ribcage, shoulders, and pelvis and assist in the prevention of some secondary effects of Parkinson’s disease such as reduced range of motion and difficulty breathing. There are hundreds of creative ways to promote trunk mobility, and seeking professional expertise is highly encouraged especially for people with Parkinson’s disease due to other common symptoms which should be considered. Visiting a physical therapist is a safe way to start with creating a tailored exercise and stretching program.
Regardless of the degree Parkinson’s symptoms have affected trunk mobility, the therapists at A2 Physical Therapy are here to help. We also work closely with other Parkinson’s resources and groups in Tacoma, and we are happy to help connect Parkinson’s specific programs in the area to those who may benefit. If you, a friend, or family member has Parkinson’s, we invite you to come by for a visit to see how we can help with the management of symptoms and promote trunk mobility for safer, more natural movements and improved posture.
"It was very helpful to be taught exercises I could do at home to alleviate the pain in my back and to make my stomach/diaphragm stronger. It was a great experience and I took away a lot of knowledge to help myself."
− T. Docherty
"Before I started coming to A2 I was always tired and could barely pick up or carry my grandchildren a ½ block. After the first 6 weeks of working with Kristi I got a big surprise when I took my grandchildren to a festival and carried the youngest 4 blocks before she woke up enough to walk. I then picked her up and put her on my shoulders so she could see better without effort. I was amazed at how much strength I had gained in a short time. I continue to see improvement in my strength and I’m no longer tired all the time."
− Jacki
"Last Sunday I played full court basketball for the first time in 15 years. I will qualify the contest by saying it happened on a court just out of the back door of an elder care center. The teams consisted of a 7 year old, an d8 year old, a young woman in flip-flops (I played in sandals), a woman who proudly stated she was 55 years old (I retorted with my age of 65), and a couple of other young guys that really played well. I ran the court, I played defense, blocked shots, made shots (missed a lot), got lots of rebounds, and talked a lot of smack while playing with a group of people a lot younger than me. I even made a behind the back-twisting fall-away shot, then fell and tumbled on the court. I jumped up and continued to play, and we played for about 45 minutes.
I attribute my ability to play this game that I love so much again to the excellent training receive from Kristy who is a trainer at A2 Physical Therapy. I have worked out and trained since I was very young. I played high school basketball, baseball, and I ran track. I spent 20 years in the Army with all the training requirements associated with that occupation. I played on community and city leagues, and I have trained with weights for many years. The training program Kristy has devised for me at A2 is rigorous, thorough, diverse, fun, challenging, and focused. She prepares workout plans that are age and fitness level appropriate. My work out now is so much different then it was when I first started. She both trains me individually and as a couple. I run, jump, stretch, lift, balance, squat, push, pull, and every other movement you can imagine. I look forward to going to my workout every time. Kristy is completely in charge of every workout. I am retired, and my training at A2 allows me to fill the need to accomplish something positive every day I work out. I am doing physical activity with ease that I would not have thought I would be able be able to accomplish at the age of 65 such as hiking on Mt Rainer and running 4 days per week. Kristy and A2 have really changed my life…"
− William