Rock Steady Boxing, Widnes & Warrington

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

Our Tuesday Thursday early session guys showing Parkinson’s whose boss 🥊🥊

17/06/2026

Why Does My Back Hurt So Much?

If you live with Parkinson’s Disease and struggle with back pain, you’re certainly not alone.

In fact, back pain is one of the most common complaints among people with Parkinson’s. Yet many of us are surprised when it happens because we don’t immediately think of Parkinson’s as a disease that causes pain.

The truth is that several Parkinson’s symptoms can contribute to back pain.

Rigidity is one of the biggest culprits. When muscles remain tight and stiff for long periods, they place extra strain on the spine and surrounding tissues. Over time, that constant tension can become painful.

Dystonia can also play a role. Dystonia causes muscles to contract involuntarily, sometimes pulling parts of the body into uncomfortable positions. These muscle spasms can create significant discomfort and pain.

Posture changes are another factor. Many people with Parkinson’s gradually develop a more forward-leaning posture. Even small changes in posture can place additional stress on the back, shoulders, hips, and neck.

Reduced movement can make matters worse. When pain causes us to move less, muscles often become weaker and tighter. Unfortunately, this can create a cycle where pain leads to inactivity, and inactivity leads to even more pain.

Of course, Parkinson’s is not always the only cause. Arthritis, disc problems, old injuries, and the normal aging process may also contribute. Sometimes several causes are working together at the same time.

Poor sleep can make pain feel worse. Stress can increase muscle tension. Fatigue can reduce our ability to cope with discomfort. Everything becomes connected.

The good news is that there are often ways to improve the situation.

Regular exercise remains one of the most effective tools available. Walking, stretching, cycling, strength training, yoga, and programs such as Rock Steady Boxing can help maintain flexibility, improve posture, and reduce stiffness.

Physical therapy can also be extremely helpful. A therapist familiar with Parkinson’s can identify specific movement patterns and exercises that may improve mobility and reduce pain.

Most importantly, don’t simply assume that severe back pain is “just Parkinson’s.” New or worsening pain should always be discussed with your healthcare provider so that other causes can be evaluated.

Pain may be common with Parkinson’s, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it without looking for solutions.

What do you believe contributes most to your back pain: rigidity, posture, arthritis, poor sleep, stress, or something else?

16/06/2026

The weather is warming up again!!

Please keep HYDRATED!!

15/06/2026

Frequent Urinary Tract Infections and Parkinson’s Disease

Many people are surprised to learn that urinary problems are common in Parkinson’s Disease. While tremors and movement issues get most of the attention, changes in bladder function can significantly affect quality of life. In some cases, these changes can increase the risk of frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Parkinson’s can interfere with the normal communication between the brain and the bladder. As a result, some people experience urgency, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder completely, or leakage. When urine remains in the bladder after urination, bacteria have more opportunity to grow, increasing the likelihood of infection.

Common Symptoms of a UTI

* Burning or pain during urination
* Frequent urge to urinate
* Feeling unable to completely empty the bladder
* Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
* Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort
* Fever or chills
* Increased confusion or sudden worsening of Parkinson’s symptoms

For people with Parkinson’s, a UTI may sometimes cause a sudden increase in symptoms such as stiffness, balance problems, fatigue, confusion, or even hallucinations. Family members often notice these changes before the person realizes they have an infection.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk

* Drink adequate fluids throughout the day.
* Do not delay urination when you feel the urge.
* Practice good bathroom hygiene.
* Discuss bladder symptoms with your healthcare provider.
* Review medications that may affect bladder function.
* Ask about evaluation for incomplete bladder emptying if infections are recurring.
* Consider pelvic floor therapy if recommended by your doctor.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of a UTI, develop a fever, notice blood in your urine, or experience a sudden worsening of Parkinson’s symptoms. Early treatment can prevent more serious complications and help you get back to feeling your best.

Question for the community: Have urinary issues or recurrent infections been part of your Parkinson’s journey? What strategies have helped you manage them?
Parkinson’s Disease is often thought of as a modern illness, but it’s actually anything but modern.

In fact, descriptions of Parkinson’s-like symptoms can be found in ancient medical writings dating back thousands of years. Long before neurologists, MRI machines, and modern medicine, people were already observing the tremors, stiffness, and movement difficulties that we now recognize as Parkinson’s Disease.

14/06/2026

Trigger Finger: When Your Finger Gets Stuck

Have you ever tried to open your hand and had one finger suddenly catch, lock, or snap straight?

If so, you may have experienced a condition called trigger finger.

While trigger finger can happen to anyone, many people living with Parkinson’s Disease report problems with finger stiffness, locking, cramping, and reduced hand function.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon that bends a finger becomes irritated and swollen.

Normally, tendons slide smoothly through a small tunnel called a tendon sheath. When inflammation develops, the tendon can no longer move freely.

As a result, the finger may:
• Catch during movement
• Lock in a bent position
• Suddenly snap straight
• Become painful or stiff

The condition often affects the thumb, ring finger, or middle finger, but any finger can be involved.

Why Is It Called “Trigger” Finger?

The name comes from the snapping motion that can occur when the finger suddenly releases.

Many people describe it as feeling similar to pulling and releasing a trigger.

Is It Related to Parkinson’s Disease?

Trigger finger is not considered a classic Parkinson’s symptom, but people with Parkinson’s may be more vulnerable because of:

• Muscle rigidity
• Repetitive hand movements
• Changes in muscle control
• Dystonia and abnormal muscle contractions
• Arthritis and aging, which are also common in the Parkinson’s population

Sometimes what appears to be trigger finger may actually be Parkinson’s-related stiffness or dystonia affecting the hand.

Common Symptoms

People often notice:

• Pain at the base of the finger
• Morning stiffness
• Clicking or popping sensations
• Difficulty gripping objects
• Trouble buttoning clothes
• A finger that locks and must be manually straightened

In severe cases, the finger may remain stuck in a bent position.

What Can Help?

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms.

Common approaches include:

• Resting the affected hand
• Splinting
• Gentle stretching exercises
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections
• Activity modifications

For stubborn cases, a simple outpatient procedure can often release the tendon and restore smooth movement.

When Should You Talk to Your Doctor?

Consider contacting your healthcare provider if:

• The finger repeatedly locks
• Pain is worsening
• Hand function is becoming difficult
• Symptoms interfere with daily activities

The earlier trigger finger is treated, the easier it is to prevent long-term stiffness and loss of motion.

The Bottom Line

Many people assume finger locking is simply another part of getting older.

Sometimes it is.

But sometimes it is trigger finger—a common and treatable condition.

If your fingers are catching, snapping, or locking, don’t ignore it. A conversation with your healthcare provider may lead to solutions that improve comfort, hand function, and quality of life.