Movement Disorders Are More Than Parkinson’s: Understanding When Movement Becomes Difficult to Control

Most of us take everyday movements for granted. Reaching for a cup of coffee, writing a shopping list, walking through the supermarket or turning our head during a conversation are things we do without much thought. 

But what happens when movements become slower, muscles tighten unexpectedly, or parts of the body move without our control? 

These experiences can be signs of a movement disorder – a broad group of neurological conditions that affect how the brain and nervous system control movement. 

While Parkinson’s disease is one of the most recognised movement disorders, there are many others, each affecting people in different ways.

Movement disorders don’t all look the same. Some make movement slower or more difficult to initiate, while others cause excessive, unwanted or involuntary movements. 

Symptoms may include: 

• Slowness of movement: Everyday tasks such as getting dressed, walking or changing positions take longer or require more effort.
• Tremor: Involuntary shaking of the hands, head or other parts of the body, which may interfere with writing, eating or other activities.
• Muscle contractions and abnormal postures: Muscles tighten or contract involuntarily, sometimes causing twisting movements, discomfort or changes in posture.
• Uncontrolled movements: Repetitive twitching, spasms or sudden movements that can be difficult to suppress.
• Stiffness and reduced movement control: Muscles feel unusually tight or resistant to movement, affecting comfort, mobility and daily function.

These symptoms may develop gradually or appear more suddenly, depending on the underlying cause. Some fluctuate throughout the day, while others become more noticeable during particular activities. 

Importantly, not every tremor, twitch or episode of stiffness indicates a movement disorder. A neurological assessment can help identify what is happening and whether further investigation or treatment is appropriate.

There are many conditions that can affect the brain’s ability to regulate movement. 

Parkinson’s disease commonly causes slowness of movement, stiffness and sometimes tremor, alongside changes in walking, balance and other functions. 

Dystonia involves involuntary muscle contractions that can cause twisting movements or abnormal postures. It may affect a particular part of the body, such as the neck, hands or eyelids. 

Tremor disorders, including essential tremor, can cause rhythmic shaking that interferes with fine motor tasks such as writing, holding a cup or using utensils. 

Hemifacial spasm causes involuntary twitching or contractions of muscles on one side of the face, often around the eye or mouth. 

Spasticity, while not generally classified as a movement disorder in its own right, is another neurological movement-related problem. It can occur following stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury or in conditions such as cerebral palsy, causing involuntary muscle overactivity and resistance to movement. 

Although these conditions have different causes and characteristics, they can share a common impact: making everyday movements less comfortable, efficient or predictable.

When movement becomes difficult to control, identifying the underlying reason is an important first step. 

Two people may experience what appears to be a similar tremor or muscle spasm, yet have very different neurological conditions requiring different approaches to management. 

A neurological consultation can help clarify symptoms, assess movement patterns, consider the underlying diagnosis and identify appropriate treatment options. 

Management may involve medication, neurological physiotherapy, targeted exercise, education or other medical interventions. 

For some conditions, botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) injections may be recommended to reduce involuntary muscle activity. This treatment can be particularly useful for selected presentations of dystonia, hemifacial spasm and focal spasticity. 

However, Botox is not appropriate for every movement disorder. Treatment decisions depend on the individual’s diagnosis, symptoms and goals.

Managing a movement disorder often requires more than one approach. 

Medical treatment may help address particular symptoms, while neurological physiotherapy focuses on how those symptoms affect movement and everyday function. 

At Coffs Neuro Physio, our neurological physiotherapists work with people experiencing a wide range of movement difficulties, providing individualised rehabilitation that may focus on: 

• Improving mobility, walking and balance
• Building strength and maintaining flexibility
• Developing strategies to manage movement difficulties
• Improving confidence and independence in daily activities
• Maintaining physical function and participation in meaningful activities

For people receiving botulinum toxin treatment, physiotherapy may also play an important role in helping translate reduced muscle overactivity into improvements in movement and function. 

The most appropriate combination of treatments will depend on each person’s condition and circumstances.

Coffs Neuro Physio is pleased to provide local access to neurological consultations with Dr Hugo Morales-Briceño, a consultant neurologist with extensive experience in Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders and botulinum toxin treatment.

Dr Hugo offers private consultations from our Coffs Harbour clinic, supporting people with a broad range of neurological conditions and movement-related concerns.

His services include neurological assessment, advice on diagnosis and management, and consideration of botulinum toxin treatment where clinically appropriate.

Having access to neurological consultations alongside an experienced neurological physiotherapy team creates valuable opportunities for coordinated care, with medical and rehabilitation approaches working towards the same functional goals.

It also means people across the Coffs Coast and surrounding communities can access more of the care they need locally, reducing the burden of travelling for neurological appointments.

Changes in movement aren’t always simply a consequence of ageing, and persistent shaking, stiffness, muscle spasms or difficulty initiating movement shouldn’t be ignored.

If these symptoms are affecting your comfort, mobility, confidence or ability to complete everyday activities, speaking with your GP is a good place to start. Sudden new neurological symptoms require urgent medical assessment.

With an accurate diagnosis and an individualised management plan, many people can find ways to manage symptoms, improve function and maintain their independence.

At Coffs Neuro Physio, we’re committed to helping people understand their neurological conditions and access the care they need to keep moving and living well.

To enquire about neurological physiotherapy or arrange a consultation with Dr Hugo Morales-Briceño, contact our team on (02) 5642 4092 or visit www.coffsneurophysio.com.au/contact. Appointments with Dr Hugo are available via referral.