Back and Hip Inflexibility

I've had PD for 10+ years and am doing remarkably well at age 63.......relatively speaking. I have the tremor, of course; extreme fatigue; ability to stand in line/walk for only short time (few minutes and then must sit). My major problem is my lower back and hips. They get stiff when I get out of a car after driving/riding 5 min or more and I have to stretch and walk to loosen up. Same with getting out of a chair. Getting out of bed is the worst. I have added one of those metal "thingies" to pull up with, but it's still difficult.
Anyone with similar experiences? My neuro says "some" PD'rs experience this. Any recommendations? I'm trying to better at stretching exercises and a little walking (in spite of hurting and falling into a chair after 15 min walk).

Post Edited (JudeD) : 11/11/2009 9:07:45 AM (GMT-7)

Hi JudeD,
My Mom has had Parkinson's for 16 years now and last year she said that she was feeling stiff in her lower back and legs as well. Not sure if you have Medicare or not but if you do...this is my recommendation.
I had my Mom's Doctor write a script for physical therapy! We had this physical therapist come work on her body 3 times a week, it was WONDERFUL and Medicare paid for the whole thing. The therapist came for 2 months and then we had to take a two week break, after that the Doctor would just write another script and the therapist would come back. It's GREAT and helped my Mom so very much! (I've become a pro at things like this!)
We live in California and I contacted Community Home Health Care...not sure where you live???
Now my fingers are crossed that you have Medicare!!!!!
Take Care!!!!