How Can It Help In Parkinson’s
Research suggests that massage can help to relieve the muscle stiffness and rigidity that is often found in Parkinsons. It can also help reduce stress, promote relaxation and enable you to identify tension in your body, and so find ways to minimise or reduce this. Tension can make symptoms worse so it is important to keep it under control.
Massage can also be invigorating and stimulating, both for the mind and body. It is important to decide what effect you want relaxing or stimulating before your massage session starts!
Massage can work in two ways:
- A mechanical action in which the muscles and soft tissues of the body have pressure applied to them or are stretched using specific movements. This can help in breaking down knotty, fibrous tissue, keeping joints loose and connective tissue in good repair.
- A reflex action in which massaging one part of the body has an effect on another part, for example massaging the neck can help with back pain, or massaging the lower back can help with leg pain. This works because nerve pathways connect various parts of the body and so massage can have a knock on effect.
Massage benefits may include:
- reduced stress, anxiety and depression
- reduced pain
- improved circulation and elimination of waste and toxins
- improved quality of sleep
- greater sense of self-awareness and wellbeing
- improved vitality.
These benefits can obviously be enjoyed by carers and family too.
Is There A Suggested Theracycle Workout That Will Improve My Pd Symptoms
Studies show that riding at 14 to 15 miles per hours for 40 minutes, 3 times per week, can prompt a significant improvement in PD symptoms. It is recommended that you begin with an easy, 10-minute warmup and follow with a relaxing 10-minute cool down. Learn about the benefits of forced exercise with the Theracycle »
The Physiology Of Parkinsons
Experts believe that in Parkinsons disease, neurons in the brain gradually break down or die. Many of the symptoms are due to a loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that stimulates motor neurons, the nerve cells that control muscles. When dopamine production is depleted, the motor system nerves are unable to control movement and coordination. People with Parkinsons disease have lost 80 percent or more of their dopamine-producing cells by the time symptoms appear. While symptoms may appear at any age, the average age of onset is 60 years old.
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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.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Parkinsons
The main signs and symptoms of Parkinsons are often not very noticeable when they first commence. After some progression, there are unmistakable signs and symptoms that start to appear and they include:
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Benefits Of Massage Therapy For Sufferers Of Parkinsons
The degenerative process of Parkinsons can be delayed through the practice of systematic physical exercises. There are countless benefits to massage for Parkinsons including that it slows the progress of the disease from one stage to the next.
Regular massage can help to increase the quality of life of a Parkinsons sufferer to that they are able to more easily perform their daily activities. With massage therapy, people who suffer from pain and loss of movement can regain some of their motivation to live.
A regular massage can also be a source of socialization when a patient is isolated. The exercise that is associated with the massage can help to release endorphins so that the patient feels euphoria and pleasure.
How Can Massage Help Parkinsons Disease
In my experience, massage therapy can help ease the tremors caused by Parkinsons Disease. I have worked with several clients with Parkinsons Disease, and noticed an improvement in those clients tremors with regular massage therapy. The clients also benefitted from the relaxation and stress relief?that?massage therapy provides. While there have been no large studies done to back up my experience, there is one study in particular that sheds some light into the powerful PD treatment offered by massage therapy.
In the study, a woman had been living with PD for 14 years. She experienced a great deal of rigidity and resting tremor from the neck down on her left side, while her right facial muscles spasmed out of control. She could not walk on her own or care for herself. After receiving one weekly 60-minute massage therapy session for five weeks, the woman showed a decrease in resting tremors after every session. While the results were not long-term, massage therapy did bring the woman a great deal of comfort and relief for certain symptoms of PD.
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How Can Massage Help To Manage Parkinsons
Massage therapy has been found to help improve the wellbeing of the person suffering from Parkinsons, as well as reduce their joint and muscle pain. This is because massage can relieve muscle tension and pain, stimulate circulation, and relieve stress and depression.
Other massage benefits for a sufferer of Parkinsons can include:
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved energy levels and vitality
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
- Improved self awareness.
A case study of a patient suffering from Parkinsons disease found that massage therapy had a positive effect on reducing resting and postural tremor, as well as temporarily reducing muscle stiffness.
As Parkinsons typically causes muscle stiffness, alleviating tense muscles and joints has a soothing effect that instantly improves symptoms in a client. Not only that, but massage is proven to release happy hormones including endorphins, which helps to improve the clients overall mood and outlook.
Updates From Our Team Of Experts
What is Parkinsons Disease?
Parkinsons disease is caused by death of nerve cells in mid section of the brain particularly the cells that are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine. This reduction causes, Parkinsons, a progressive neurological condition where part of the brain become progressively more damaged over many years.
Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body and the reduction of this chemical is responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. The average age for the symptoms to start is around 60 although around 1 in 20 cases first develop in people aged fewer than 50. Men are one-and-half times more likely to get Parkinsons disease than women.
Symptoms of Parkinsons
The brain cells and nerves affected in PD normally help to produce smooth, co-ordinated movements of muscles. Therefore, following common Parkinsons symptoms that gradually develop are:
a)Tremor: One of the first symptoms observed in one or both hands, often spreading to the feet. Observed shaking and involuntary movements.
b) Stiffness: Stiffness of muscles and muscles may feel tenser. Also, your arms do not tend to swing as much when you walk. Sometime this disease creates lower work capacity in our movement or necessities. The degenerate of bone, limitation articulate and atrophies in our body.
c)Hyperkinesias. Poor mobility in articulation and slow projection in the movement, frustration.
Massage & Parkinson
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Nicole Cutler Lac Mtcm Dipl Ac
Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., MTCM is a long time advocate of integrating perspectives on health. With a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester and a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches Institute, Nicole has been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000. She has gathered acupuncture licenses in the states of California and New York, is a certified specialist with the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, has earned diplomat status with the National Commission of Chinese and Oriental Medicine in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology and is a member of the Society for Integrative Oncology. In addition to her acupuncture practice that focuses on stress and pain relief, digestion, immunity and oncology, Nicole contributes to the integration of healthcare by writing articles for professional massage therapists and people living with liver 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.
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Complementary Therapies For Pd
Complementary therapies are healing practices, performed in addition to standard treatments, with the goal of improving quality of life. My previous blog on art therapy and its use in Parkinsons disease introduced the concept of complementary therapies. Today, I will discuss complementary therapies more generally and also concentrate on music, dance and singing therapies that are used for PD.
As I have mentioned, some of the complementary therapies that are in use for PD include exercise/movement therapies such as boxing, yoga, and Tai chi, mindfulness techniques such as meditation, manual practices such as acupuncture and massage, and creative pursuits such as singing, music therapy, dance therapy, theater and art therapy.
Most of these complementary therapies have been formally studied in PD patients in some manner, although usually only in small groups of people. Dont see your therapy of choice mentioned? Dont worry the above list is not meant to be comprehensive and does not include every complementary therapy which has been studied in PD patients.
How Does Massage Therapy Help With Parkinsons Disease
No matter the cause, Massage Therapy can help with musculoskeletal pain and joint stiffness. Parkinsons occurs most frequently in those over the age of 50, who may already be feeling the effects of aging. Massage can help with muscle spasms and rigidity.
Daily exercise is recommended for people with Parkinsons Disease. Massage can help keep the body flexible and able to handle more activity.
As mentioned early, Parkinsons can affect quality sleep. Massage therapy promotes healthy and deep sleep by relaxing the body and giving the mind a chance to rest as well. Massage can reduce the occurrence of restlessness and thrashing during sleep.
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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.
Parkinsons Disease And Massage Therapy
Parkinsons Disease is a central nervous system disorder which affects the bodys motor function. This dysfunction is due to a lack of dopamine which is a brain chemical or neurotransmitter produced in the brain. Dopamine enables motor function . Parkinsons will often result in symptoms including rigidity in the muscles and joints, uncontrolled movements, and tremors. Difficulty with slow controlled movements such as holding a glass of water is common, as well as difficulty walking.
Massage in general plays a great role in reducing muscle soreness, and improving range of motion, so in the case of those suffering from Parkinsons where severe muscle tightness and restriction in movements are an everyday issue, regular massage is very beneficial. Massage also decreases sympathetic nervous system firing, which is essential to reducing high tone in muscles. Massage therapy has also been shown to be beneficial for constipation in people with Parkinsons.
If massage therapy can help such extreme muscle rigidity and stiffness, imagine how it can also help those with everyday muscle tension. Our skilled registered massage therapists are usually covered by your insurance and can help relieve symptoms of Parkinsons disease such as muscle stiffness and constipation.
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What Is Parkinsons Disease
Most people are familiar with the symptoms of Parkinson?s Disease: tremors, loss of balance, and loss of motor functions. This is because PD is a neurodegenerative brain disorder. Many people will slowly develop the symptoms over a long period of time and can live for many years with the disease. In its most advanced stages, most PD sufferers cannot stand, walk, dress or feed themselves. Researchers are still uncertain as to what causes PD. While Parkinsons is not fatal, complications associated with the disease?such as an inability to swallow, incontinence, and dementia?are ranked as the 14th top cause of death in the U.S. by the CDC.
My Relationship With Pd
My paternal aunt was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease more than 10 years ago. My maternal grandfather received the same diagnosis several years later after falling again, and again, and again. Their progression was very different – one suffering very much with the psychological aspects of the disease, the anxiety, the depression, the hallucinations. The other, a very physical presentation – hence the falling. But the one similarity? The slowness of movement, that deliberate way of walking that once you have seen, you can recognise a mile off.
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What To Expect During A Massage
As a certified massage therapist, I can help patients with the logistics of a massage, as well as provide the comforting benefits of massage. Patients will have the benefit of a table that can raise and lower to make getting on and off a lot easier. I can also help with removing shoes, putting them back on, and other dressing requirements if needed. I talk with all of my patients before a massage to ensure that the patient will receive the best level of care they need.
If you or someone you love has Parkinsons Diseases and is suffering from the symptoms, please call today to schedule an appointment. Relief is on its way!
Keeping The Muscles Loose
Part of the severity of my fathers muscle rigidity is largely due to the fact that he does not want to do his physical therapy. He tried in the beginning but slowly lost motivation. We had to get creative in getting his muscles moving and loose so his pain and rigidity would lessen.
My sister and I have chronic upper back and shoulder pain. We are always looking for cheap deals on massages or the next best massager. We found the HyperVolt Percussion Massager. The one my sister bought is quite strong and very much so on the pricier end of the spectrum.
However, we felt it was a real investment because, especially during the pandemic, it replaced in-person massages. We were sold. We wondered if this was something that could help our dad.
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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.
Using Sports Massage Therapy As A Complementary Therapy: Parkinsons Disease
As you will know or have read by now, Sports Massage Therapy is not only beneficial to a sportsperson. It can have a positive effect on a vast number of people and for many, make a huge difference to their everyday lives.
Parkinsons Disease is a nervous system condition, involving the progressive degeneration of nerve tissue and a reduction in neurotransmitter production in the central nervous system. As a movement disorder, most symptoms often associated with Parkinsons affect movement and are often called motor symptoms. It is a very individual condition with each person presenting and experiencing different symptoms. Not everyone will experience the same, and the way in which they appear and progress also varies from person to person. The main symptoms are rigidity , tremors and slowed movement. Other physical symptoms include poor balance, restless leg syndrome, pain, sleeping problems, speech and communication problems, a shuffling gait, bladder and bowel problems, and eye problems. Other symptoms that arent related to movement can be referred to as non motor symptoms and include depression, dementia, hallucinations and anxiety.
Shorter, more frequent treatments would be advisable and more beneficial as the positive effects of massage on the muscles will decrease with time in between sessions. Hopefully this will help in controlling symptoms and pain, therefore improving a clients mobility and effecting motor symptoms.
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