Non swinging of arm

[Sherry1960]

I found it wasn’t more Sinemet I needed. It was a conscious effort to swing my arm. Join an exercise class if you haven’t already. The instructor will notice it and remind you to swing your arm!

[David]

I had read about someone who was taking mannitol and started swinging their arms again so I tried it and it did the same for me with an added bonus of helping my constipation.

[Chloe]

I would suggest physical therapy specifically for Parkinson’s.

I found it incredibly effective for moving the whole body.

[Troy]

My left arm hasn’t been swinging for about 3 years now, even while on levodopa. I’ve since been diagnosed w/ frozen shoulder in the same arm and now, instead of hanging straight down, the arm is almost always slightly bent. I agree w/ the others, pt is the way to go. I can’t afford it because of my high deductible, but the orthopedic doctor gave me exercises to do at home for the frozen shoulder.

[opa]

I was diagnosed in April. My left arm would not swing either. I find that walking three days a week and concentrating on my old military marching training has helped immensely, only instead of left foot, left foot, right foot, left foot, I concentrate on left arm and right foot, right arm and left foot,etc. it took about six weeks of effort but now is working really well . I don’t think about it much on longer walks but around the house it takes more effort. If extra tired or anxious it’s harder to maintain. I think it’s all in the stiffness in the shoulders and neck area . I’m currently in a boxing, balance, and strength building class (in person )for people with PD two times a week. I highly recommend a regimented exercise class for PD if available. I am also on C/L medication. If I’m off my exercise program for more than two weeks it’s an effort to get back to where I am now but I’m feeling better than I have for a few years. Can I keep it up? Only time will tell!

Good Luck!

[mytdpd]

My son programmed a watch which vibrates to signal for the person wearing the watch to move the arm. No one else can hear the vibration. It’s not sophisticated but uses gps to determine when to vibrate. He is more than happy to donate the code.

[Raelene]

TDPD, I would like to know the code and how your son programmed your watch? Thank you.

[dmcconnaughay]

The understanding my wife and I have from her neurologist and her physical therapist is that this isn’t a problem that goes away simply by taking medication. It is something we both have learned she has to make an effort to do, and in doing so creates pathways in the brain and nervous system that help it become an unconscious habit. When we walk together we consciously think about it and I remind her if need be.