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Published on June 23, 2023

Popular Parkinson’s program expands to Myrtle Beach

A popular exercise class for people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders has expanded to Myrtle Beach.

Power Thru Parkinson’s, an hour-long class offered at Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA, is now available at Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach.

Patricia Pahmeier grips a dumbell with both hands as she lifts it toward her chest during a Power Thru Parkinson's class at the YMCA.Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms such as muscle tremors, difficulty walking and slurred speech. Exercise can help slow progression of the disease, which makes Power Thru Parkinson’s a great way for people with the condition to help maintain their health and delay the onset of more severe symptoms. Power Thru Parkinson’s is tailored for people living with the condition or those with Parkinson’s-like issues or other movement disorders.

“Exercise is important for everyone, but it’s particularly important for people with Parkinson’s,” said Tidelands Health neurologist Dr. Scott Callaghan, who offers care at Tidelands Health Neurosciences in Murrells Inlet. “Regular exercise can make a big difference in physical and cognitive function.”

How it works

Each class follows a circuit-style program that moves participants through 10 to 12 stations designed to work on strength, balance and neuromotor training, as well as cardiovascular exercise and stretching. Cognitive exercises are also included to help guard against the mental decline that can come with Parkinson’s disease over time.

“Exercise is crucial for cognitive health but also for proprioception, or mind-body connection,” said Tricia Harrison, director of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina’s healthy living program.

Success of the program at Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA prompted organizers to expand to the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA. Tidelands Health is the exclusive health system partner of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. Together, the two organizations provide the community with access to a variety of services and programs to improve health and wellness.

Major benefits

Power Thru Parkinson’s is designed to reinforce the nerve-muscle connection that is crucial to combating the disease’s symptoms. The program focuses on functional training by having participants practice movements to accomplish everyday activities such as picking up small objects, which reinforces motor skills.

Patricia Pahmeier of Myrtle Beach, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2020, said the Power Thru Parkinson’s program has been a major benefit.

“Parkinson’s is an overwhelming disease as it attacks every part of the body,” she wrote in a letter to the YMCA. “I am so grateful that the YMCA is offering this. It gives us hope.”

Harrison said Power Thru Parkinson’s aims to help people overcome some of the hurdles that come with the diagnosis.

“We want to encourage people with the disease to get up and moving,” she said. “For people with Parkinson’s, exercise can make a tremendous difference in their quality of life. Plus, it’s great to see the bonds that are created between the people who participate. They understand firsthand what each other is going through, so you get this unique support among the group.”

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Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.