By Ramon A. Gil, M.D., Medical Director, Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Center of SWFL
Dr. Gil had the opportunity to ask Shebani, Can Yoga Help Patients with Parkinson’s Disease?
Shebani: I recently had a wonderful interaction with a chair yoga student who has Parkinson’s disease. She excitedly came to me after class to share that she was overjoyed to experience stillness in her hands during our end-of-class meditation. She had been practicing regularly for over a month before she came to this point. Of course, experiences will vary from person to person.
Yoga can be a beneficial therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease in several ways:
1. Improving flexibility and balance: Parkinson’s disease can cause stiffness and rigidity in the muscles, leading to balance issues and increased risk of falls. Yoga can help to improve flexibility, balance, and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and improving overall mobility.
2. Reducing stress and anxiety: Yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with Parkinson’s disease who may experience anxiety related to their condition. Yoga can also help to promote relaxation and improve overall mental well-being.
3. Improving posture: Parkinson’s disease can cause postural instability, which can lead to a hunched posture and other issues. Yoga can help to improve posture by strengthening the core muscles and encouraging a more upright posture.
4. Enhancing overall physical function: Yoga can help to improve overall physical function by promoting flexibility, strength, and balance. This can help patients with Parkinson’s disease to perform activities of daily living more easily and with greater confidence.
5. Encouraging mindfulness and self-awareness: Yoga emphasizes mindfulness and self-awareness, which can be beneficial for patients with Parkinson’s disease who may struggle with cognitive and emotional symptoms related to their condition. Practicing yoga can help to improve self-awareness and promote a greater sense of well-being.
Overall, yoga can be a beneficial therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease, helping to improve physical function, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a yoga practice, cially if you have Parkinson’s disease or any other health condition.
About Shebani Abdulnour
Shebani (shi-ba-nee) is a naturally outgoing and enthusiastic Yoga Instructor who loves improving people’s lives. She is an entrepreneur and former yoga studio owner. She has been teaching yoga for overa decade in Florida cities including Miami, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Boca Grande, Sarasota and Fort Myers. She has worked in numerous other industries and has experience in research, real estate, marketing, customer service, hospitality and sales industries. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Florida International University. She has lived in and traveled to different countries, however she is a Floridian at heart. She lives in Fort Myers with her husband who is an Attorney. She loves teaching yoga, exploring the outdoors with her dog Kali, working out and eating healthy (most of the time). She received her yoga teacher’s certification by participating in a four-month residential “yogic studies” course that she took in India at Bihar school of yoga 2007-2008. She completed her Trauma Informed YTT in November of 2022. She has acquired well over 300 hours of Yoga teacher training. she is always looking for more opportunities to share her passion of yoga and well-being.
Parkinson’s Treatment Center of Southwest Florida
For more info or to register contact Jennifer at Dr. Gil’s Office:
Phone (941) 743-4987 | Fax (941) 743-4486 office@parkinsonsfl.com
4235 Kings Hwy Unit 102, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
415 Commercial Ct., Suite E, Venice, FL 34292
5272 Summerlin Commons Way, Suite 603, Fort Myers, FL 33907