Understanding Huntington's Disease and the Role of Physio

Huntington's disease is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, cognition and behaviour. It's a condition close to our hearts, and one where physiotherapy plays a valuable role in maintaining function and quality of life throughout its progressive course.

What is Huntington's disease?

Huntington's disease is caused by a faulty gene that leads to progressive damage of nerve cells in the brain. It typically causes a triad of symptoms: movement difficulties (including involuntary movements called chorea), cognitive changes, and psychiatric symptoms. Because it's genetic, it often affects multiple generations within a family.

How Huntington's affects movement

As the disease progresses, it commonly causes chorea (involuntary, dance-like movements), difficulty with coordination and balance, muscle rigidity in later stages, and changes to gait and posture. These changes evolve over time, meaning rehabilitation needs shift as the condition progresses.

The role of physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can't alter the underlying progression of Huntington's disease, but it plays an important role in maintaining function, safety and quality of life at every stage:

• Early stage — maintaining strength, fitness and coordination, and establishing good movement habits
• Middle stage — balance and falls prevention become a priority, alongside strategies to manage involuntary movements safely
• Later stage — focus shifts toward comfort, positioning, maintaining what function remains, and supporting carers with safe handling techniques

Falls prevention

Balance difficulties and involuntary movements increase fall risk as Huntington's progresses. A physiotherapist can assess fall risk, recommend appropriate mobility aids, and work on strategies to maintain safety and confidence with movement.

Supporting the whole family

Because Huntington's is hereditary, it often affects families across generations, both practically and emotionally. Our team understands the unique challenges this brings and aims to provide care that supports not just the person living with the condition, but their family as well.

If you or a family member is living with Huntington's disease, our team can help build a tailored physiotherapy plan for every stage. Contact us to discuss how we can support you.