Movement Disorders: 4 Tips for a Better Quality of Life

If you or a loved one lives with a movement disorder, you know the challenges they can bring—involuntary movements and an inability to move the way you used to, to name a few. These side effects can make you feel like you’ve lost control over your body. However, these tips can make these changes easier to manage. 

Common Movement Disorders

Although movement disorders affect different parts of the body, these conditions are caused by changes in brain function. They affect the parts of the brain responsible for things like balance, coordination and muscle control. People with movement disorders may develop tremors, muscle spasms, difficulty speaking and other challenges that can make daily life difficult. 

Some of the most common movement disorders include: 

• Dystonia. Involuntary muscle spasms that result in sustained twisted postures mark this condition. The spasms may occur in more than one body region but more commonly are seen in a single body region or group of muscles. 
• Essential tremor. The most common cause of tremor, essential tremor causes rhythmic shaking, typically in the hands. Tremors may also affect the voice or head. Over time, it may be associated with decreased balance. Essential tremor is sometimes mistaken for Parkinson’s disease. 
• Huntington’s disease. Huntington’s disease is a hereditary disorder that is characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive impairment and mental health problems.
• Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a range of motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms include tremors, slow movement and walking difficulty. Nonmotor symptoms include impairments of speech, cognitive function, sleep, depression and anxiety. 
• Tourette syndrome. A hereditary condition, Tourette’s causes involuntary repetitive movements or sounds called tics. Associated problems may include obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit disorder.

1. Rethink Your Walk

Imbalance is a challenging problem in parkinsonian disorders. Consider physical therapy to learn exercises and other skills to manage balance problems. 

As Parkinson’s advances, walking and balance problems may be caused by a shuffling gait or freezing in place, where the feet feel like they are stuck to the floor. Overcoming these issues requires changes to the way you think about walking. Try these tips from the Parkinson’s Foundation:

• Have a steady beat in your head and take another step with each beat. Practice with a metronome if necessary.
• Imagine you are stepping over a line with every step.
• Override your brain’s desire for small steps by purposefully lengthening your stride and taking big steps. 

Finally, address anxiety issues. It’s natural to feel anxious when you are unsteady or suddenly unable to move. Anxiety can, in turn, increase the likelihood of freezing. Talk to your neurologist or physical therapist about ways to address anxiety issues, so they don’t contribute to your problems with mobility.

2. Exercise for Better Balance

People with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders benefit from exercise. Not only does it strengthen muscles involved in walking and maintaining balance, but it can also improve endurance and strengthen the mind-body connection.

Research published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease suggests that a total of about two half hours of weekly exercise is a good goal. You can start with these exercises, all of which can help with balance issues:

• Aerobic exercises. These exercises increase your heart rate for sustained periods of time. Examples include treadmill and cycling.
• Tai chi. Slow movements have you shifting your bodyweight forward and backward, as your feet remain still for long periods.
• Muscle strengthening. Studies show that resistance exercise (weightlifting) is an essential component of an exercise regimen for Parkinson’s disease.
• Boxing classes for Parkinson’s. As you swing your arms, your body is challenged to manage imbalance, which can improve mobility and balance.
• Dancing. Most dances require you to move forward, backward and sideways with a combination of big and small steps. 

3. Find the Right Assistive Devices

As their name implies, assistive devices assist you with activities of daily living and can help you manage tremors, forgetfulness, speech difficulties and other symptoms of movement disorders. 

• Adaptive utensils can help people with tremors avoid spilling food when eating.
• Alarms and calendars remind you to take medications on time and remember medical appointments. 
• Canes and walkers assist with balance.
• Electric shavers, shower chairs, and grab bars can improve bathroom safety.
• Shoehorns and clothing with Velcro or magnetic fasteners, instead of buttons and zippers, make dressing easier.
• Wheelchairs enable you to travel quickly for longer distances.

Your neurologist or physical/occupational therapist can help you understand which assistive devices are best for you.

4. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Depression and anxiety often occur in the setting of movement disorders. They can be part of the disease process or a response to managing a health condition. Researchers with the Parkinson’s Outcomes Project found that these approaches to mental health have the greatest effect on the quality of life for those with Parkinson’s disease.

• Find support. In-person or online support groups connect you with others managing similar challenges. You can share struggles and successes as well as tips to maximize your mental, physical and emotional health.
• Adjust to a new reality. Movement disorders can change your ability to perform daily activities. Know your limits and don’t beat yourself up over little accidents and stumbles.
• Talk about it. Fortunately, the mental health stigma is gradually receding. Movement disorders are often observable to others. When you’re open with family, friends, and colleagues, you can often feel more relaxed in social situations. And by sharing your feelings with loved ones and friends, you gain an ally. 
• Track your thoughts. Keep track of how you feel and become aware of what types of situations and events trigger anxiety, depression, or other difficult feelings. Once you’ve raised your awareness, you can mentally prepare or avoid these circumstances.

Medically reviewed by Lisa Shulman, MD.