Mobility and function are among the key indicators of good health across the lifespan, according to Brian Mason, PT, DPT, clinical director of rehabilitation services at CentraState. If you notice you’re having any issues in these areas, CentraState now offers a new Movement Disorder Program that’s designed to detect any neurodegenerative issues early, when treatment is most effective.
Offered in collaboration with skilled therapists at CentraState’s OceanFirst Rehabilitation Center and insight from various medical specialties, the program is led by Jia Zhen Cheng, MD, who brings focused expertise in movement disorders to patients and the community.
Maureen Ryan is a participant in the Movement Disorder Program, where she works with Dr. Cheng and Amanda Walker, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT, to help manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
The program treats patients with conditions ranging from Parkinsonism/Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease to restless legs syndrome, tremors, gait disturbances, and functional movement disorders. You may benefit from an evaluation if you’re experiencing:
- A new onset of small handwriting or low voice
- Stiffness
- Difficulty moving
- Balance issues
- Frequent falls
- Tremors
- Involuntary movement
- Cognitive impairment
Other symptoms that can have a neurodegenerative link include depression, anxiety, impulsive behaviors, fatigue, sleep disturbances, loss of smell, difficulty in swallowing, urinary incontinence, constipation, and dizziness when you stand up.
“We’ve seen an increased need for specialized services in neurodegenerative conditions in recent years, particularly as people are living longer,” says Dr. Cheng. “With early intervention and a collaborative approach, we can fine-tune treatment plans to help people decrease symptoms and improve their quality of life.”
Learn more about the Movement Disorder Program at CentraState: call 732-637-6316.
