TREMORS (ESSENTIAL TREMOR)
Tremors (Essential Tremor)
Tremors, specifically Essential Tremor, is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary and rhythmic shaking of different parts of the body, most commonly the hands, arms, head, voice, or legs. These tremors typically occur during voluntary movements or when holding a posture against gravity. Essential Tremor is considered the most common movement disorder, affecting millions of people worldwide.
Essential Tremor is often hereditary, but the exact cause is still not fully understood. It is believed to involve abnormalities in certain areas of the brain that control movement, particularly the cerebellum and its connections. However, it can also occur sporadically without a family history.
Symptoms of Essential Tremor can vary in severity and may worsen over time. Factors such as stress, fatigue, caffeine intake, or certain medications can exacerbate tremors.
Although Essential Tremor is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact daily activities, including writing, eating, drinking, and performing fine motor tasks. In some cases, it may also affect speech and balance.
Treatment options for Essential Tremor aim to reduce the severity of tremors and improve quality of life. These may include medications, such as beta-blockers or anticonvulsants, to help control tremors. In more severe cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery or focused ultrasound thalamotomy may be considered as surgical interventions to alleviate tremors.
Additionally, physiotherapy can play a beneficial role in managing Essential Tremor by providing strategies to improve coordination, stability, and functional abilities. Physiotherapists can offer exercises to enhance muscle strength, coordination, and balance, as well as techniques to compensate for tremors during daily tasks. They may also provide education and support to help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of living with Essential Tremor.
Overall, while Essential Tremor can pose challenges, appropriate management strategies, including medication, surgery, and physiotherapy, can help individuals with the condition lead fulfilling and active lives.
Pimpama Neurological Physiotherapists can offer various interventions to assist clients suffering from Essential Tremor in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life:
​​01. Exercise Prescription
Neurological physiotherapists can design tailored exercise programs to improve muscle strength, coordination, and balance. These exercises aim to enhance overall physical function and minimize the impact of tremors on daily activities.​
​02. Range of Motion Exercises
Gentle stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and range of motion in affected muscles, reducing stiffness and discomfort associated with Essential Tremor.
​03. Coordination Training
Physiotherapists can teach specific coordination exercises to help individuals control their movements and manage tremors more effectively during functional tasks, such as eating, writing, or using utensils.
​​04. Balance Training
Balance exercises can be beneficial for individuals with Essential Tremor, as tremors may affect stability and increase the risk of falls. Physiotherapists can prescribe balance exercises to improve postural stability and reduce the likelihood of accidents.​
​​05. Proprioceptive Training
Proprioception refers to the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space. Physiotherapists can incorporate proprioceptive training techniques to enhance body awareness and proprioception, which may help individuals with Essential Tremor better control their movements.​
​06. Adaptive Strategies
Physiotherapists can teach clients adaptive strategies and techniques to minimize the impact of tremors on daily activities. This may include modifying movement patterns, using assistive devices, or implementing environmental adjustments to facilitate independence and safety.
By addressing the physical and functional aspects of Essential Tremor through comprehensive physiotherapy interventions, Pimpama Neurological Physiotherapists can empower clients to improve their movement control, enhance their independence, and enhance their overall quality of life despite the challenges posed by the condition.
