www.parkinsonscambridge.org.uk

Therapies

 

Aquatherapy (Swimming) for Parkinson’s

 

Exercising in water is one of the best ways to help maintain balance, strength, flexibility and general fitness, whilst also having some fun! The group is well equipped to ensure safe exercise, and the buoyancy effect of the water means that there is no risk of falling whilst exercising.  The group runs on a Thursday afternoon from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm at the Chesterton Sports Centre in Gilbert Road, Cambridge, CB4 3NY. The pool is exclusively available to the group during this time, and is accessed by a ladder or by chair hoist; partners are very welcome to join in. The group is taken by a chartered physiotherapist; there is a pool lifeguard in attendance and a qualified swimming teacher regularly attends as a volunteer, to give advice on improving swimming technique.

The first half hour is for general swimming of widths or lengths, with floatation aids and assistance available to those who need it. The second half hour is spent doing aquarobic, balance, and co-ordination  exercises and ball games to music (from the 60's, 70's and 80's), incorporating a dance element, which has proved to be beneficial in stimulating brain activity. The group also offers the opportunity to make friends and there is a cafe at the sports centre, which is a good place for a chat after the session. The group is supported by the Cambridge Branch of Parkinson's UK and costs £5.00 per person, payable on the day.

If you are interested in attending or you would like further information, please contact Mrs Laurie Woolfenden MCSP, (Chartered Physiotherapist registered with the HCPC) at physiomobile@dsl.pipex.com or on 01223 295711. For reasons of safety, Laurie usually likes to have a preliminary meeting or conversation with those joining the group for the first time.

Laurie will be retiring from running Aquatherapy after 12th December 2019, so please do not contact her after this date.

 

Aromatherapy for Parkinson’s

 

Aromatherapy massage uses essential plant oils which are anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-fungal, so can relieve a number of common Parkinson’s symptoms including pain, tension, sleeplessness and constipation.  The Parkinson’s consultants have approved Aromatherapy for their patients.

This therapy is available to all who attend the 4th Friday of the month Branch meetings at the David Rayner Building, including carers, and is administered by Alix Allan (FICHT), a clinical aromatherapist specializing in Parkinson’s. 

The treatment is free, but contributions towards the cost are welcome.

 

Yoga

 

Yoga for Parkinson’s provides light exercise based on Yoga stretches and postures plus breathing practises and some relaxation. The work is adapted to suit each individual where possible, and several students work with support and/or chair and wheelchair. The class keeps people mobile, flexible and strong. The breathing practises and relaxation help concentration, relieve stress factors and promote more efficient breathing, which will in turn impact in a positive way throughout the body. Contact Denise Sibley-Moore, BSc, BWYdip, at denise@sibleymooreyoga.co.uk or on 01954 202235,

 

 

This page updated 22 November 2019