Skip to content

Movement Disorder Treatment in Tacoma, WA

What Are Movement Disorders? 

Movement disorders are diseases that affect a person’s natural movements. They may include slowed/not enough movement (hypokinetic) or increased /too much movement (hyperkinetic). 

There are many types of movement disorders. Examples of hyperkinetic movement disorders include Dystonia, Chorea and Huntington’s Disease, Ataxia, Essential Tremor, and Restless Legs Syndrome. Parkinson’s Disease includes aspects of both too much and too little movement.  

Spasticity is a special type of movement disorder called a motility disorder in that there may not be enough movement (such as after a stroke), but at the same time, muscle tone is increased causing further restriction of normal movement.  

What Causes Movement Disorders?

Some movement disorders are hereditary while others do not have a concrete genetic link.  In reality, there may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors that bring movement disorders to the surface.  We say that genetics loads the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger. 

How Are Movement Disorders Diagnosed and Treated? 

Most movement disorders are based on symptoms and findings from a physical exam. As these Most movement disorders are based on symptoms and findings from a physical exam. As these conditions are ultimately electrical/chemical disturbances in the brain, they may not show up on imaging studies or blood work. Therefore, seeing a movement disorder specialist is an important step toward the right diagnosis. Treatment of movement disorders will depend on the diagnosis (see below). 

Common diagnoses treated in our clinic:

man with movement disorder.

Additional Treatment of Movement Disorders

Dance

The rhythm, music and social aspect of dance has been shown to remarkably improve movement control for both Parkinson’s disease and Dystonia.

Nutrition

Food4Life is committed to accurate, honest nutrition counseling based on the most current research.

Nutrition is a key lifestyle component to brain health. Nutrition counseling can help delay the progression of your disease and help you manage any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Cycling and Other Exercise

Research has shown cycling to be a powerful adjunct therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Find a Pedaling for Parkinson’s Location at https://www.pedalingforparkinsons.org. Puget Sound Neurology also offers individualized exercise programming for movement disorder patients.

Movement Disorders Support Groups

Join us for information seeking, singing, encouragement, sharing, exercise, and fun!

All activities listed are free of charge.

Movement Disorders Resources

Website link content is provided by respective organizations, and are the intellectual property of the respective owners. All information is provided for general knowledge only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice and care of medical professionals. Please consult your physician for personal health problems, new treatment programs, or before starting physical fitness training.

Request an Appointment Today!

Come be a part of the Puget Sound Neurology family. Request an appointment with one of our board-certified providers today!