What Does The Research Say
In a 2002 study conducted by a research institute at the University of Miami and a team from its neurology department, symptoms of Parkinsons disease were reduced by massage therapy. The subject cases underwent bi-weekly massages, over a period of five weeks.
They reported a boost in their day-to-day functioning, enhanced quality of sleep, and a reduction in their stress level hormones. The massage received in this study included focusing on the buttocks, back, thighs, ribs, feet and calves, forearms, hands, upper arms, face, neck, and head.
Leaders of this study recorded that there was a definite enhancement in the subjects abilities to sleep, function, and in their overall mood.
Massage As Supplemental Treatment Of Parkinsons Disease
Patients with Parkinsons suffer from progressive stiffness and rigidity of their voluntary muscles. When a massage therapist is included in the treatment plan, improvements can be made to range of motion and flexibility. Massage also has proven to be valuable in reducing the anxiety and depression that often accompanies the diagnosis.
Great care must be taken with patients who have difficulty controlling their movements. The act of getting on or off a massage table alone can be quite an undertaking. Patients should be assisted at each repositioning.
As long as the massage therapist is working within the clients comfort level, all modalities may be used. Clients with Parkinsons Disease have responded best to the following types of massage:
Off Time Can Be Managed
Your doctor can recommend medical management approaches, such as changing your medication dosage or dosage schedule, or taking levodopa in a different way. They may also prescribe add-on medications, such as Azilect , Gocovri , or apomorphine, which can reduce off time and dyskinesia. Other treatment options for Parkinsons, such as deep brain stimulation, can also reduce off time.
However, there are many steps and lifestyle changes you can try to manage off time at home.
Dont Miss: Massage Or Chiropractor For Sciatica
Recommended Reading: Parkinson’s Disease Is The Result Of
Using Massage To Manage Pain From Parkinsons
Massage therapy is used to treat a range of mental and physical health conditions, and can be a good alternative to conventional methods of treatment. When it comes to individuals with Parkinsons disease, massage can help to relieve both physical and mental tension, as well as help to alleviate symptoms of pain and muscle stiffness.
Also Check: How Is Parkinsons Disease Associated With Headaches
Massage Therapy For Parkinsons
While data analyzing the role of acupuncture in treatment of PD symptoms is fairly limited, the data on the role of massage in the treatment of PD symptoms is even more so. One clinical trial was done assessing the effects of a 40-minute massage session, with some participants then continuing to receive seven weekly sessions. The control group was not blinded to their status . Despite these limitations, the study showed that massage was helpful in improving quality of life for people with PD.
All of the above begs the question should a person with PD try acupuncture or massage to help their PD symptoms? The bottom line is that there is little formal evidence that either treatment is truly effective. Larger and better designed clinical trials are necessary before these treatments will be routinely recommended.
For now, people with PD can choose to make their own assessments about whether these practices improve their well-being and whether to incorporate acupuncture or massage into their weekly routine. In general there is minimal risk in trying acupuncture or massage, aside from perhaps disappointment if they do not work for you. If you plan to try acupuncture and/or massage, be sure to go to reputable practitioners, preferably ones with experience in treating people with PD.
You May Like: Massage Envy In Chester Nj
Don’t Miss: Rehabilitation Programs For Parkinson’s Disease
Jummico Fabric Recliner Chair
Here is Amazons no. 1 best seller in the recliner chairs category and is also the preferable lightweight transport recliner in the list of the best living room chair for people with mobility problems.
So what makes this wheelchair so special it is because of its simple design with a modern look, adjustable reclining position, portability, ease of use, high-quality frame, and price.
This high-quality recliner features breathable fabric with thick padding that provides better comfort. Its steel frame design leads to the more stable, freely adjustable angle of the footrest that is perfect for relaxation during your rest time. The backrest can be adjusted to from 90° 165°, giving you a perfect position to read books, watch TV, or take a nap.
It is easy to assemble, just slide the backrest to the base connection and screw the 4 legs. It is also easy to clean, durable, and can support a weight of up to 265 Ibs.
You May Like: Parkinsons Big Movement Exercises
Forms And Uses Of Coconut Oil
Since there isnt a solid case for how or if coconut oil can treat Parkinsons symptoms in the current literature, we cant be sure how much you should take to try the treatment. But there are some general guidelines for consuming coconut oil.
If youd like to try coconut oil to treat your Parkinsons symptoms, there are several forms available. Cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil is available in liquid form at most health food stores and even major supermarket chains. Starting with 1 teaspoon per day of the pure coconut oil is a good idea, and you can gradually increase to 2 teaspoons if you like the results.
You can also start by using coconut oil to prepare food, substituting it for olive oil or butter in your favorite recipes. Coconut oil is also available in capsule form. Another idea is to start by consuming raw coconut meat and see how it affects your symptoms. And rubbing coconut oil on your muscles might provide relief for soreness caused by spasms. Its anti-inflammatory properties make coconut oil an excellent massage agent.
Read Also: Hair Massage For Hair Growth
Recommended Reading: Part Of Brain Affected By Parkinson’s
Managing Medication Side Effects
- Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration-induced headaches and muscle tension.
- Drink green tea, bone broth, or ginger tea to boost your immune system.
Dont:
- Drink alcohol or coffee or any other caffeinated beverages to avoid having sleep issues.
Knowing what to eat and what to avoid can help you manage the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Follow these tips to relieve symptoms and have a better quality of life.
Consult your doctor to know what other foods you can consume to help you manage Parkinsons.
Engage with the community by asking a question, telling your story, or participating in a forum.
Read Also: Massage Envy Hiring Front Desk
Music Therapies For Parkinsons Disease
Music therapy, which utilizes rhythm, movement, voice and creativity to try to improve Parkinsons disease symptoms, are very popular for people with PD. Music-based therapies may work in a variety of ways to improve Parkinsons related challenges. The types of therapies that utilize the qualities of music are numerous and varied and it is hard to capture the full breadth of what is available.
A few types of music therapy:
All of these activities may have additional benefits including:
- Providing avenues for socialization Working with others to perform a dance or a song offers the opportunity for socialization and collaboration.
- Enhancing mood and/or cognitive function Some studies support the ability of music-based therapies to improve mood and cognition.
Recommended Reading: Side Effects Of Parkinson’s Meds
Parkinsons Disease Treatment Plan And Goals
When a patient is being treated with massage therapy for Parkinsons Disease there is a variety of things that should be considered including:
The position of the patient needs to be adjusted to accord with the degree of rigidity of the patient. If the patient is extremely rigid then there will be fewer changes in position. Massage treatment should be performed using a lot of content for a relaxation style massage.
This will help the patient to relax and may increase their range of motion as well. If it is noted that a patient has edema, then MLD or Manual Lymphatic Drainage should be performed.
Also Check: Microbiome Diet For Parkinsons Disease
Contact Us Now For A Massage In London
Contact us on for a massage tailored to your individual needs and requirements. Our expert team of staff will conduct a detailed assessment before the treatment, to help decide what benefits you would like to reap from the massage.
We look forward to hearing from you through the phone or through our online form.
Don’t Miss: What Are Motor Fluctuations In Parkinson Disease
Implications For Massage Practitioners
If there is any question in your mind why Parkinsons is such an important field for massage therapy, you just have to read the list of physical changes the person with the disease can expect, despite drug treatments. The picture, as painted in the authoritative Merck Manual of Geriatrics, is not very pretty. The following chapter is reprinted by permission of the publishers.
I Have A Movement Disorder Which Precludes Me From Traditional Type Of Exercise Will The Theracycle Really Allow Me To Exercise
Yes. The Theracycles motor assists you in attaining continuous exercise for longer periods that, due to lack of strength and endurance, would otherwise not be possible on traditional exercise equipment for users with movement disorders. We are so convinced the Theracycle will work for you, we offer a money-back guarantee within 30-days of delivery if you are not completely satisfied.
You May Like: Is There Pain With Parkinson’s
Surgery For Parkinsons Disease Is Another Approach To Help Patients
Deep brain stimulation is the popular surgical intervention that recently became one of the most recommended treatments for Parkinsons disease due to the following reasons:
- It does not destruct brain tissue
- It is rescindable
- It can be altered and adjusted according to the phase of the disease.
- Bilateral interventions can be made without a substantial intensification in opposing events.
Where Is Parkinsons Massage Good
First: Parkinsons disease, also known as tremor paralysis, is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs in middle age and above. The incidence of this disease is between 50 and 60 years old. The prevalence rate increases with age. It can reach 10% in the population over 60 years old. The male is more than the female. The onset of the disease is slow, progressive, the earliest feeling of patients may be limb tremor, or stiff and inconvenient, but the examination can be found to reduce movement.
Second: massage selected points for Baihui, zanzhu, Lugu, Fengchi, Ganshu, Shenshu, yinlingquan, Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, Taixi, Jianjing, Neiguan, Yongquan, Yintang, Taiyang, Qiaogong, etc. push Yintang to the anterior hairline alternately with the radial edge of both thumbs for 30 times, and push zanzhu to the temples on both sides with the threaded surface of both thumbs for 30 times.
Third: knead the temple 30 times with the thenar of both hands, knead Baihui 100 times with the screw surface of thumb, tap the head with the end of middle finger for 2-3 minutes, sweep the left and right sides of the head 30 times, knead Ganshu, Shenshu, yinlingquan, Zusanli, Sanyinjiao and Taixi 50-100 times, knead Fengchi, Jianjing and Neiguan 10 times, with slight acid swelling feeling in local area as the best.
Don’t Miss: Sean Penn Parkinson’s Disease
What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons Disease has many symptoms, including:
- tremors and shaking
- loss of the ability to smell certain odors
- dizziness and fainting
- muscle soreness and joint stiffness
- stooping
In addition to the physical symptoms, there are a whole host of emotional issues that can arise from having to deal with a long term illness. These can include:
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
Research supports massage therapy as a useful intervention for several of the symptoms associated with Parkinsons Disease.
How Do You Know You Have Parkinsons Disease
There is no definitive way to diagnose Parkinsons disease. Your doctor will ask questions about the onset of your symptoms and assess your movement to make referrals to specialists who can make a formal diagnosis.
You can expect to see a who can complete a neurologic examination. This may include brain imaging, an , or a PET scan to see activity in the area of the brain typically affected by Parkinsons disease.
Your doctor may also refer you to a movement disorder specialist. Seeing subspecialists is very important to avoid being misdiagnosed. Highly trained specialists can provide their expertise in specific areas of medicine where a precise diagnosis isnt possible from blood work or another definitive test.
Recommended Reading: Caring For Someone With Parkinson’s Disease
What To Expect At Your Massage Appointment
Massage therapy offers a relaxing and soothing experience. It shouldnt hurt, although it can be slightly painful if there are some knots to be worked out. However, in the hands of an experienced massage therapist youre guaranteed to be comfortable throughout the entire appointment.
Your massage therapist should be knowledgeable about Parkinsons and have an understanding of the bodys anatomy, as well as the correct treatment path for you. Your therapist will help you onto the massage table or chair and will apply soothing pressure to the muscles and joints to help you relax. Generally, a massage session will last between 30 minutes to an hour and will be in a comfortable room with soft lighting and relaxing music to help you to unwind.
Its important to tell your therapist if you experience any pain and to also explain to them of any injuries or disabilities you have. You should leave your session feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, with an increased feeling of well-being and decreased symptoms of pain and stress.
Improves Quality Of Life
Professional massage therapists agree that massages, when done properly, offer psychosocial benefits to persons with the neurodegenerative disease.
This is a factor that can help to improve the quality of life for those who are living with dementia.
Touching a person and massaging them with essential oils or lotions will not only soothe the skin but will also increase the circulation of blood and other nutrients.
This is a move that can help nerves function better as it helps them to relax.
Dont Miss: Does Parkinsons Cause Swelling
Don’t Miss: Progression Of Parkinson’s Symptoms
Oil Therapy For Parkinsons
Aromatherapy or the process of taking medically-valuable components from natural sources such as plants and making them into medication has been used for centuries. Though it is not conclusive, in some patients aromatherapy can help with diseases and pain in general. Of course, aromatherapy is not something you can rely on entirely, it should be used as a complementary form of treatment to other solutions and medications. This is why it is essential that you consult the doctor who is treating your senior, especially since they may need to provide a prescription for particular products.
Though its not a one-fits-all sort of solution, aromatherapy can have significant positive effects on the body. It can be especially effective considering the way it is used. With massage and other possible applications, the oil can penetrate the skin and reach the muscle tissue to relieve different symptoms connected to the patients movement. Though these applications and uses may sound simple, its important that you consult a medical practitioner. Using essential oils can sometimes cause unwanted reactions with the medicines your senior already uses, this is why caregivers need to be sure about whether or not aromatherapy is the right way to go.
Complications From Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is usually accompanied by these added issues, which may be treatable:
- Intellectual issues.
You might experience cognitive issues and thinking difficulties. These typically happen in the later phases of Parkinsons illness. Such cognitive troubles arent extremely responsive to medicines.
- Clinical depression as well as psychological adjustments.
You might experience clinical depression, sometimes in the really beginning. Getting appropriate treatment for depression can make it simpler to accommodate the other symptoms of Parkinsons disease.You might additionally experience various other emotional modifications, such as concern, anxiety, or loss of motivation. Doctors may offer you drugs to treat these signs and symptoms.
- Excessive salivating troubles.
You may develop troubles with ingesting as your condition proceeds. Saliva might accumulate in your mouth because of slowed down ingesting, which brings about salivating.
- Swallowing, chewing, and eating issues.
Late-stage Parkinsons illness affects the muscles in your mouth, making chewing tough. This can lead to choking and also inadequate nutrition.
- Insomnia and other sleeping disorders.
People with Parkinsons disease usually have sleep troubles, consisting of getting up often throughout the night, waking up early, or falling asleep throughout the day.
People might likewise experience rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, which involves acting out your dreams. Drugs may aid your sleep troubles.
You May Like: Inhaler For Parkinson’s Disease
How Does Massage For Parkinsons Work
The incidence of Parkinsons disease in the United States is estimated at 1 million, with an additional 50,000 patients being diagnosed every year. While it is generally considered a disease of those between 50 and 79 years of age, incidence below the age of 40 is rapidly increasing and epidemiologists suspect environmental influences are playing a part in this phenomenon.
If muscle balance is not in control, flexors can take over, which is a similar result as the muscle freezing after a stroke occurs. Ranges of motion exercises are very important with the process of relating the muscles that control the joints.
If resistance is encountered, then force should not be used, gentle coercion is instead the process to be followed. Patients who have had joint replacement should not be subjected to a range of motion exercises. The massage therapist works with the patient to massage and loosen where possible and regain some flexibility by working the muscles.
The origins of the scaleni are located deep in a network of blood vessels, connective tissues and nerves. Loosening up neck muscles should occur as a unit when massage is undertaken. Most of the symptoms of Parkinsons involve musculature. It is important to be sensitive to the needs of the patient and work slowly.