Massage Therapy And Parkinsons Diseasea Review Of The Literature
Today, the majority of PD cases are effectively treated with a combination of medications, including the drug levodopa however, the degenerative effects of PD will still eventually lead to the progressive deterioration of neuromuscular control affecting bodily functions and activities of daily living. A study reviewing the research base states that, while many PD patients receive regular massage to alleviate PD symptoms, the lack of high-quality studies leaves the efficacy of the intervention for improvement of any measure other than relaxation, sleep, or emotional health unknown.
A number of recent global studies have been conducted in an attempt to determine complementary and alternative medicine usage by PD patients, with a worldwide usage rate varying between 26% to 76%, and usage of massage therapy in particular varying between 7% and 40%. The patients generally tending to turn towards CAM treatments in addition to the medical and pharmaceutical care they are receiving are those who have had a younger onset or longer duration of disease, those on higher doses of levodopa, and those with more severe motor symptoms.
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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We offer a 48-month interest-free financing program through First Mutual Financing. The procedure requires a credit application to be submitted for review. You will hear back within an hour.
Your Theracycle specialist, after assessment, will provide the cost of the purchase to be financed. They will give you the link to the application and the Merchant number.
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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.
Is It Safe To Use
The Theracycle is designed specifically for users with movement disorders and has many safety features. Its motion can be stopped instantly using either a push of a button or a pull of a cord. The structural steel and cast iron parts help support the users weight safely and the seat is extra large for comfort and stability.
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What Should I Expect At A Massage Appointment
Massage is not regulated in many. It is therefore a good idea to ask your doctor or other healthcare professional for recommendations. Friends, family, other people with Parkinsons or your national Parkinsons association may also be able to advise based on personal experience.
It is advisable to see a therapist who has experience of Parkinsons so do ask about their experience of the condition as well as their qualifications.
Massage can take place almost anywhere that is relaxing. It may be in a clinic, at your home, the practitioners home or at a hospital. You will generally lie on a special massage table or sit in a massage chair and usually you will need to be partially undressed or fully undressed, in which case towels or sheets should be provided for modesty.
At the first appointment the practitioner will ask about your medical history and any specific problems you have. It is important to tell them of any injuries or disabilities you may have. The first session will usually be around an hour long, with follow up sessions between 30-60 minutes. The length of a course of treatment will depend on your individual needs and should be discussed with your massage therapist at the outset.
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If you are looking for the best and advanced massage therapy services in the Richmond Hill area, then look no further as we have what you need to live a healthier lifestyle. At Richmond Hill Massage Therapy, we give professional massage therapy treatment and only use natural healing elements and techniques to ensure that our clients needs are fully met.
We have been providing excellent massage therapy service to our valued customers for many years. The Richmond Hill Massage Therapy team is trained to ensure that each therapy massage session is comfortable and relaxing while relieving the source of your pain and discomfort. Our registered massage therapists have years of experience dealing with different pain, stress, and muscle tension, which various reasons may cause. Whether you want massage therapy for relaxation or to get rid of your back pain, we will help you reach your health goals.
Our RMTs are highly trained professionals who will work hard to make sure you feel better after just one session. Plus, we offer competitive rates that cant be beaten. Schedule and book an appointment with us today!
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Find A Qualified Massage Therapist
If you have Parkinsons, its important to seek a qualified massage therapist to help give you the best treatment. You should look into working with qualified massage therapists who have completed a qualification in deep tissue massage and can be trusted to treat a range of injuries and complaints including muscle stiffness and pain.
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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.
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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
- 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.
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.
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Is Theracycle Safe To Use
The Theracycle is designed specifically for users with movement disorders and has many safety features. Its motion can be stopped instantly using either a push of a button or a pull of the safety cord. The structural steel frame can support up to 350lbs and cast iron parts are extremely durable and built to last. The seat is extra large for added comfort, safety and stability.
How Does Bodywork Help
When an individual visits a spa, the licensed massage therapist can recommend bodywork to help a client feel better. Massage therapy is suitable for most clients who have Parkinson’s disease, but it is important to seek a physician’s approval first. Massage therapy offers an assortment of benefits, including: Reducing rigidity in the muscles Increasing blood flow through the body Promoting restful sleep Improving posture A licensed massage therapist may use acupressure techniques to find the trigger points in the body where there is muscle or joint stiffness. Pressure on these areas can reduce the adhesions to improve a client’s posture and mobility. A relaxing Swedish massage may help a client to sleep at night rather than having muscle tremors. In addition, the Alexander technique is a form of alternative medicine that is highly recommended for anyone with Parkinson’s disease because it focuses on improving mobility and posture.
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How Can It Help In Parkinsons
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:
These benefits can obviously be enjoyed by carers and family too.
The Health Benefits Of Massage Therapy Treatments
- Eases muscle pain If youre experiencing fascia related muscle pain, tightness, strains, and spasms, youll benefit from massage therapy.
- Pain Relief If you are suffering from health problems and conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, joints & ligaments sprains, or any other type of chronic pain, youll find that massage therapy can help relieve it.
- Can counteract all the sitting you do The benefits of massage therapy can counteract the imbalance caused by sitting for an extended period of time.
- Improves sleep Massage improves relaxation and sleep in regular people and those undergoing chemo or radiation therapy.
- Soothes Anxiety and depression Depression and anxiety respond well to massage therapy, with both mental and physical benefits.
- Boosts immunity A massage boosts patients white blood cell count, which plays a vital role in defending the body from disease.
- Relieves Headaches Messages decrease the frequency and severity of tension headaches. A single massage therapy session immediately affects pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.
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Massage Therapy & Parkinson
The benefits of massage therapy have long been recognized by people with Parkinsons disease. Parkinsons disease typically causes muscle stiffness and rigidity, bodyworks ability to alleviate joint and muscle stiffness makes it a logical choice.
If the client has sensation in the area being worked on, it is safe for bodywork.
IMPORTANT: Communicating with a client throughout a bodywork session will ensure a positive experience.
However, before working with a Parkinsons client, bodyworkers must understand the following:
- Parkinsons disease is a CNS dysfunction and will not be completely resolved with bodywork alone.
- Work in cooperation with a clients primary physician, as massage may impact the need for antidepressants and other medication.
- Since uncontrolled movement is characteristic of this disease, getting on and off a massage table may pose safety issues.
- Bodyworkers must predict this with Parkinsons clients and either improvise or take extra cautionary measures to ensure the clients safety.
Research
According to a 2002 study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, along with staff from the universitys neurology department and Duke Universitys pharmacology department, Parkinsons disease symptoms are reduced by massage therapy.
The studys authors reported, These findings suggest that massage therapy enhances functioning in progressive or degenerative central nervous system disorders or conditions.
Homeopathy Doctor Near Me For Homeopathic Treatment For Parkinsons Disease
Since homeopathy belongs to a category of holistic medicine, all homeopathic doctors treat all diseases because homeopathic treatment applies to a patient, not to a disease. When you are looking for homeopathic practitioners, consider a homeopathic school. This physician graduated, experience, and online reviews. Homeopathy, similar to other holistic methods , is not something that any practitioner can do. In holistic medicine, never settle for less get the best.
At the Philadelphia Homeopathic Clinic, internationally recognized homeopath, medical doctor Victor Tsan has 40+ years of academic and clinical experience. Contact our clinic 621-8485 to schedule your first appointment for a homeopathic evaluation with Dr. Tsan or do it online.
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How Often Can Massage Be Used To Help Manage Parkinsons
Massage therapy can be utilised whenever necessary. While theres no way to get rid of the disease, regular physical treatment can reduce symptoms of muscle pain and stiffness, as well as reduce tremors. Although Parkinsons is a neurological disorder, excessive tightness of the muscles can make symptoms such as tremors worse. In this way, massage therapy acts as a great way to relieve muscles and nerves.
If youre suffering from excessive muscle pain and tightness, or if symptoms are becoming worse, you can book an appointment for a massage.
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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.
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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.
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Is Massage A Good Fit For Those With Parkinson’s
Note: In July 2018, I originally put together this reference sheet about massage and Parkinson’s to use as a resource when speaking with healthcare professionals and/or clients. I am now sharing it here as well as a blog post . The information is current as of Since then, I have seen some new articles but feel the information provided is still current. I will, however, go back to this blog post every so often and update it as I come across new research or information., changing the highlighted current as of date listed in bold. Please just keep in mind that the information may only be as current as the highlighted date above
Overview
While Parkinson’s or Parkinsonism have differences, they are related by similar symptoms. For many clients with Parkinson’s or Parkinsonism, massage therapy can add to quality of life through stress and anxiety reduction. Therapeutic massage may have additional benefits including a temporary reduction of rigidity and/or have a positive effect on tremors, but the science is unclear and more research is needed. While I am not currently aware of any randomized clinical trials to support the use of massage therapy for the treatment of symptoms of Parkinsons or Parkinsonism, some smaller studies and case reports have demonstrated positive effects. Anecdotally, many massage therapists including myself, report positive results for tremors and rigidity from their clients, at least on a temporary basis.
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