Laurie Phillips has spent six years searching for the most effective treatments for his wife, Estelle, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease — a progressive and debilitating neurological disorder.
The Dorset-based couple have recently returned from Israel, where Estelle underwent a unique rehabilitation therapy that Mr Phillips, 66, says is “undoubtedly the best we have come across”. He now intends to bring the method to the UK.
Developed by Israeli martial arts expert Alex Kerten, the technique, Gyro-Kinetics, combines dance, touch and music to improve balance. There is also an emphasis on mental attitude. Mr Phillips, a retired psychotherapist, tells People: “In all the years I have been searching for treatments, this is the most meaningful one yet. It is not a cure but a way of managing the symptoms. We could see the benefits immediately.”
Mrs Phillips had her first 10 days of the treatment last November. She has since been practising the technique at home. Her husband notes that flying can be very daunting for people with Parkinson’s.
“We really want to get the courses running over here,” says Mr Phillips, who was declined funding by the Parkinson’s Disease Society. In response, he has been sending out leaflets to local Parkinson’s patients. “A lot of people have expressed interest but we need to spread the word.” He estimates that a seven-day course would cost £450.
