Restoring Strength and Balance in Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s Disease is a rare, inherited neurological disorder that leads to the gradual breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Over time, this degeneration affects a person’s ability to move, think, and control emotions.

Early Signs and Symptoms

The first symptoms of Huntington’s Disease can be subtle and often mistaken for stress, aging, or other conditions. Early warning signs may include:

Increased irritability or mood swings
Feelings of depression or anxiety
Difficulty focusing or making decisions
Trouble learning new tasks
Forgetfulness or confusion
Problems with driving or multitasking

Progression of the Disease

As Huntington’s Disease advances, symptoms become more pronounced and may interfere with daily activities. Individuals may experience:

Uncontrolled or jerky body movements (chorea)
Difficulty with swallowing or feeding themselves
Slurred speech or communication challenges
Changes in personality or emotional regulation
Memory loss and poor judgment
Disorientation, confusion, or hallucinations

In children or young adults with juvenile-onset Huntington’s, symptoms may look slightly different, often resembling Parkinson’s disease, including:

Slow or stiff movements
Tremors
Muscle rigidity

What Causes Huntington’s Disease?

Huntington’s is caused by a genetic mutation — a faulty gene passed down from a parent. This defective gene leads to the production of abnormal proteins that damage specific brain cells responsible for movement, thinking, and emotion.

How Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Help Manage Huntington’s Disease

Physical Therapy - helps improve mobility, balance, strength, and coordination. PT reduces fall risk, teaches safe walking techniques, and helps maintain flexibility and posture as symptoms progress.

Occupational Therapy - focuses on helping patients stay independent in daily activities such as dressing, eating, and bathing. OT provides strategies for safety, energy conservation, fine motor skills, and home modifications, along with caregiver education.

Call to schedule your initial evaluation today!

Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic therapy, located throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan can help .

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside: Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

Rockaway Beach - NEW LOCATION: 2-30 Beach 102nd Street, Suite 28, Rockaway Park, NY 11694 Tel. (718) 945.9575

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.

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