Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/83690
"I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a couple years ago," says Kathlyn Lawson, a retired dietitian who lives in Sparta. "I noticed that writing in cursive was more difficult and I began to have a tremor in my right hand." She began seeing Dr. George Wong, neurologist and medical director of the Parkinson's Clinic of the Ozarks. "Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder Dr. George Wong affecting movement. Symptoms are tremors, rigid muscles, slowness of movement and balance problems," explains Dr. Wong, who recommended Kathlyn try a new therapy available through CoxHealth Rehabilitation Services. "BIG therapy is an exercise routine designed for people with Parkinson's Chris Glenn, physical therapist, guides Mark McLean, a patient of the Parkinson's Clinic of the Ozarks, through BIG therapy exercises. Mark does these exercises every day to help with his movement and strength. disease," according to Josh Layman, a physical therapist who oversees BIG therapy at CoxHealth. "It is based on the ability of the brain to adapt when you present it with new challenges." Kathlyn met with Fernando Bayanin, an occupational therapist, four days a week for four weeks. Each session lasted an hour. "BIG therapy uses high intensity and focused exercises to improve movement," says Fernando, who assigned homework exercises to Kathlyn the other three days of the week. A routine movement that Kathlyn was having difficulty with was getting up from a chair. "It was getting harder and harder," she says. "Part of BIG therapy is a functional component, which includes exercises to help patients 'sit to stand,'" says Fernando. "The therapy motivated me. I am now able to do everyday activities better, such as getting up from a chair," says Kathlyn, who now completes all of her exercises at home. "My flexibility has improved, I have more strength and walking is easier." For more information about BIG therapy and the Parkinson's Clinic of the Ozarks, call 269-3616. Listen to an expert Dr. George Wong explains the symptoms and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in a HealthSense podcast. Visit coxhealth.com (search Parkinson's disease). Support groups for people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease meet regularly. Call 269-3616 for more information. 6