This Nashville Trainer Gives Parkinson’s Sufferers Their Mobility Back
In honor of Parkinson's Awareness Month, we caught up with the inspiring founder of Nashville's Bridges for Parkinson's to learn about the organization and how to recognize Parkinson's symptoms in our loved ones.
When Colleen Bridges began her career in fitness, she had no idea it would lead to the most rewarding work of her life — with Parkinson’s patients. After occupational therapists and physicians began sending her clients suffering multiple issues and, ultimately, patients with Parkinson’s disease, she dove into specialized training. The experience prompted her to open a Parkinson’s fitness and wellness center that’s available to all, regardless of financial status. Get to know Nashville’s Colleen Bridges, founder of Bridges for Parkinson’s!
What made you focus on fitness?
I was born and raised in Daytona Beach, FL, and the youngest of three children — my sister, Shayla, and brother, Rick are 14 and 15 years older than me, respectively; I was a surprise! My mom used to say that if she didn’t have this surprise … she would never have discovered she had breast cancer. She survived breast cancer while pregnant with me. From that experience, Mom taught me that I only get one body, so I need to take care of and cherish it.
Because we lived “out in the country,” I often played alone. I learned how to entertain myself using my imagination. That particular aspect of my childhood helps me every day in my adult life. As I prepare routines for my Parkinson’s classes and clients, I imagine human movement and fun ways to apply exercise to fight back against Parkinson’s. The kid in me is very much alive!
After years of fitness training, what led to your foundation, Bridges for Parkinson’s?
One day, I shared with my client my dream to have a Parkinson’s fitness and wellness center available to anyone, regardless of financial status. He said, “Keep working hard, and you will.” That’s exactly what I did. I attended every Parkinson’s education class I could find and spoke to doctors and therapists. Then someone shared a newspaper article about “Rock Steady Boxing.”
I immediately began studying the effects of boxing on Parkinson’s disease, became a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach and affiliate, and in April 2016, started offering Rock Steady Boxing Music City classes. From there, my dream began to take shape, and six years later, Bridges for Parkinson’s was born!
What is your mission through Bridges for Parkinson’s? What are you working to address?
My mission is to address the whole body, not just Parkinson’s symptoms. If someone is suffering from shoulder, hip, back, or knee pain, then their mobility will be affected, increasing the chance of a fall or reducing their ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
I’ve developed exercises specifically to improve Parkinson’s symptoms. If we can help them move pain-free, we can accelerate improvements as it pertains to Parkinson’s disease and keep Parkinson’s symptoms at bay while we’re at it!
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. What do you wish more people knew about the disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects dopamine-producing neurons in the area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Every movement becomes a process, and it takes time to get a thought to become an action.
Be patient with those living with Parkinson’s. They know what they want their body to do; it’s just a matter of getting the body and the brain to work together. Parkinson’s disease is more than what you see. Yes, many have tremors, shuffle, [or experience] rigidity or balance issues, but that’s not all. What lies under the surface is often more challenging.
In addition, care-partner burnout is an issue. Caregiving is exhausting. No one is ever cordially invited to be a care partner; it happens in the blink of an eye. The person diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease isn’t the only one to have their life uprooted. Care partners suffer from anxiety and depression too. Often, they sacrifice their own well-being to ensure the person with Parkinson’s receives the best care. If you know a care partner, see how you can offer help. An hour or two to rest or go to the store without fear of leaving a loved one makes a huge difference.
People living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners need to know they are not alone. We are here to support and encourage them through their journey.
How can we recognize symptoms in ourselves or our loved ones? What should we be looking for?
Parkinson’s is called the “Snowflake Disease” because no two people will have the same symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose. No blood test or scan can tell you whether you have Parkinson’s disease. To confirm a diagnosis, a movement disorder physician/neurologist will observe or test the following:
Walking: Is one arm (typically the left) not moving when the patient walks? Do they shuffle?
Writing: Has the person noticed their handwriting getting smaller and smaller? The physician will have them write a sentence.
Rigidity: Are muscles involuntarily tightening and refusing to move?
Movement: Are activities (such as getting in and out of the car) becoming slow and labored? Sometimes speech can also become slurred or excessively soft.
Apathy: Is there a loss of interest in the activities they normally enjoy?
These are the most prominent signs of a possible Parkinson’s diagnosis. If the doctor senses it could be Parkinson’s disease, they will prescribe a medication called Carbidopa-Levodopa to see if symptoms improve. If symptoms improve, then the diagnosis is Parkinson’s.
[If you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s], please do not think life is over. Not in the least bit! It will require changes, but we are here to support you. HOPE is in your corner!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Always work to “better your best.” God has given each of us exceptional gifts and talents. Using them to the best of our ability helps others and glorifies Him. And it is true.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
All my coaches and “Fighters” could answer this one! Jason’s Deli tea (black currant with a splash of sweet), Newk’s tea, and Starbucks chai tea latte. I’m kind of tea crazy!
Five Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
When it comes to Parkinson’s disease, there are quite a few signs and symptoms that most people don’t know about. In honor of Parkinson’s awareness, we asked Colleen to shed some light on a few of them for us.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Often due to dehydration. Drink plenty of water!
Cognitive impairments: It takes eight to 10 seconds to process what someone has said and begin to respond. Please give the person living with Parkinson’s time to formulate a response.
Depression/anxiety: 90% of people with Parkinson’s experience mental health issues. Please stay engaged with your loved one and encourage them to join a support group (Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s is great).
Sleep: Some people barely sleep, while others sleep for 36 to 48 hours at a time. Neither is healthy. Please consult the doctor!
Vocal Softness (Hypophonia): We do many exercises and drills to address this topic. But of all the issues that frustrate people with Parkinson’s disease, this one [is particularly bothersome]. They know people can’t hear them talk, and it’s exhausting to repeat information over and over, so they stop participating in social events. Please continue to arrange social events such as watching movies, playing cards, and painting classes (great for fine motor skills).
All photography provided unless otherwise noted.
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.