The Effects of Parkinson's Disease Manchester Neuro Physio classify the effects of Parkinson's disease as motor and non-motor. Common motor symptoms seen in Parkinson's disease are: Tremor - usually begins in one hand (the first symptom for 70% of people with Parkinson's disease). Slowness of movement - people with Parkinson's disease often find that they have difficulty initiating movements or that performing movements takes longer. Stiffness or rigidity of muscles - people with Parkinson's disease often find that they have problems with activities such as standing up from a chair or rolling over in bed. Postural instability - leads to impaired balance and falls. Gait and posture disturbances: Shuffling gait. Decreased arm swing Stooped, forward-flexed posture Gait freezing - occurs in tight, cluttered spaces, doorways or when initiating gait Other motor symptoms: Fatigue Mask-like, expressionless face with infrequent blinking Micrographia (small, cramped handwriting) Various non-motor symptoms may also be experienced, for example: Sleep disturbance Constipation Urinary urgency Depression Parkinson's Disease What is PD? Effects of PD How is PD diagnosed? Medical treatment for PD Physio treatment for PD Why Manchester Neuro Physio Resources To book an assessment or for more information please email office@manchesterneurophysio.co.uk call 0161 883 0066 . ← Previous Diagnosis of Parkinsons disease Next → Error_log