Best Rigidity Physiotherapy In Delhi NCR.
What is Rigidity ?
A type of muscle stiffness characterized by a constant resistance to passive movement throughout the entire range of motion, regardless of the speed of movement. It is often described as “lead pipe” (smooth, sustained resistance) or “cogwheel” (jerky, ratchety resistance). Unlike spasticity, it is not velocity-dependent and affects both agonist and antagonist muscles equally.
Causes of Rigidity
- Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonian Syndromes: Most common cause (e.g., progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, drug-induced parkinsonism). Due to dysfunction in basal ganglia and dopaminergic pathways.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Rare, life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications.
- Serotonin Syndrome: Excessive serotonin activity in the brain, often due to drug interactions.
- Wilson’s Disease: Genetic disorder causing copper accumulation.
- Severe Brain Injury/Anoxia: Damage to basal ganglia.
Symptoms of Rigidity
- Generalized Stiffness: Affects limbs, trunk, and sometimes facial muscles (mask-like face).
- Lead Pipe Rigidity: Smooth, constant resistance to passive movement.
- Cogwheel Rigidity: Jerky, ratchechety resistance, often more pronounced at the wrist or elbow.
- Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement (often co-occurs with rigidity, especially in Parkinson’s).
- Postural Instability: Increased risk of falls due to impaired postural reflexes.
- Reduced Arm Swing: During walking.
- Muscle Cramps/Aches: Due to sustained muscle contraction.
- Fatigue: Increased energy expenditure to move.
- Micrographia: Small, cramped handwriting.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing (can affect all muscles, including those involved in swallowing).
Advanced Rigidity Physiotherapy
- Maintain/Improve Range of Motion (ROM):
- Gentle Passive Stretching: Slow, sustained stretches to counteract stiffness and prevent contractures.
- Active-Assisted & Active ROM Exercises: Encourage movement within comfort limits.
- Dynamic Stretching: To improve flexibility.
- Balance & Gait Training:-
- Postural Stability Exercises: Focus on core strength, weight shifting, and controlled perturbation training to improve balance reactions.
- Gait Re-education: Addressing shuffling gait, reduced arm swing, and freezing of gait using cues and specific exercises.
- Agility Training: For suitable individuals, to improve quick changes in direction.
- Strengthening & Endurance:
- Functional Strengthening: Exercises targeting muscles used in daily activities, using body weight, resistance bands, or light weights.
- Aerobic Conditioning: Moderate-intensity exercise (e.g., walking, cycling) to improve cardiovascular health and reduce fatigue.
- Functional Mobility:
- Bed Mobility: Techniques for easier rolling and getting in/out of bed.
- Transfers: Practicing sit-to-stand, chair-to-bed transfers.
- Falls Prevention: Education, home modifications, balance training.
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