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Linda, the Definition of a Resilient and Determined Woman April 6, 2023 (0) Comments in Community Interviews, Exercise Therapy, Kinesiology, News, Physiotherapy, Registered Massage Therapy by Media Development

We are honoured to have the opportunity to introduce you to Linda, a lover of travel, a retired nurse, and a resilient and determined human being who we are so lucky to call our client.

Linda’s Journey with Parkinson’s 

Linda was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s in October 2014, after noticing the onset of arm and hand tremors. Although this was difficult information to receive, Linda refused to let it define her and made it her personal goal to maintain the active, independent life she loves. At this time, under the advice of her medical team, she began managing her symptoms with medication, and continued on with living life including a 3 week trip to Sweden in 2016!

In 2019, Linda had a fall and fractured her wrist. After receiving a recommendation from a friend, she began seeing Heather Vint, Physiotherapist, for treatment. Linda went on to initiate treatment with both our Massage Therapy and Kinesiology (including Marina Pecchia) teams, taking a holistic approach to her treatment. Improving balance and strength became a primary focus of Linda’s treatment. Linda’s hard work in the gym resulted in increases in her overall strength and stability which ultimately improved her ability to walk!

Following 2020, Linda faced additional challenges as her Parkinson’s symptoms progressed, including experiencing difficulty with extended periods of standing and less stability and strength when walking. She recalls feeling less confident in her mobility even with the aid of her walker and began sleeping in her recliner, as she had fallen out of her bed. In 2021, Linda’s voice began to stutter. But she continued to power forward. Through supplementing her ongoing treatment with extensive dietary changes, while focusing on her motto,

 

“making the impossible possible!”

 

Linda began to feel more freedom, even with the shaking that is often associated with Parkinson’s. Linda recalls it felt like “chunks of Parkinson’s were falling out of her body”.

Throughout her treatment, Linda has felt that Total Therapy has become her second family! During the particularly difficult time of the pandemic, when social connection with family was reduced, her twice weekly visits to the clinic left Linda feeling supported. She found community in the staff and practitioners who continue to encourage her through the many challenges of Parkinson’s.

Linda feels like she has taken charge of her own life. She is most proud of her perseverance and maintaining good habits, including coming in for sessions twice weekly. She feels like each day she is conquering the challenges of Parkinson’s and is able to do more and more with the ultimate goal of traveling again! She is thrilled with the progress she has made over the past two years, and feels like Total Therapy has given her her life back!

What is truly remarkable about Linda is her unwavering resilience. Her story is a testament to the power of the human spirit. It is truly a pleasure to have Linda as a part of our Total Therapy community and we look forward to continuing to support her successes!

Through her willingness to share her story, Linda hopes to help others who may be going through similar struggles. She wants to show that no matter what life throws our way, we have the strength and the ability to overcome it.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Linda! It is truly an inspiration to us all at Total Therapy.

A Glimpse into Linda’s Treatment Plan – Q&A with Marina Pecchia, BKin How can strength and conditioning help treat Parkinson’s? Exercise can assist greatly in treating Parkinson’s. Providing a combination of strength, balance, and endurance exercises can assist with improving an individual’s ability to move and complete tasks independently.  It can also assist with maintaining good coordination. What is important to you in developing Linda’s treatment plan? I ensure that Linda feels comfortable when completing exercises, as it can assist with increasing her self-confidence in her physical capabilities. I also add variety to her treatment plan and give ideas of various exercises to do at home as well.  What inspires you about Linda? I am inspired by Linda’s determination and motivation to gain back her strength and health to help aid in delaying the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms.  She continues to show that with routine and hard work, it can be achieved.

       

About Parkinson’s Disease…. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, which are responsible for controlling movement and coordination. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance and coordination. These symptoms can worsen over time, making it difficult for people with Parkinson’s disease to carry out daily activities. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, medications and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.  It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. For more information on Parkinson’s Disease, you can visit the Parkinson’s Society of BC. If you’re ready to take the next step in your treatment journey, reach out to our Total Therapy today! Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to improve your overall health and well-being, our team of dedicated practitioners and administrators are here to help and support you every step of the way.