Massage can increase flexibility and blood flow in the lives of Parkinson’s patients. The following information will give you some of the symptoms, and how massage can benefit people with Parkinson’s.  This article will give some background on Parkinson’s and the symptoms.

What is Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?

The following information is taken from the book “Parkinson’s Disease: What you and Your Family Should Know, Fourth Edition” written by: The National Parkinson Foundation, Inc. My intention is to give a concise explanation of Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that slowly progresses over time. It occurs in the midbrain area called the substantia nigra (Latin term, “black substance”). These nerve cells (neurons) die or become impaired. A vital substance called dopamine is normally produced by these neurons.

The messages communicated between the substantia nigra and the corpus striatum is the responsibility of dopamine. It is a chemical messenger responsible for transmitting the signal between them. Dopamine allows muscles to move smoothly and function in a coordinated way.

Before the chief features of PD manifest, studies have shown that approximately 80% of the substantia nigra are lost in the brain. It is unknown as to the cause of the cell death or impairment.

There is a theory that free radicals, exposure to pesticides and poisons in food supplies could be external triggers that could hypothetically cause PD.

The four cardinal features of PD are:

• Tremor (shaking) at rest
• Postural instability (impaired balance)
• Rigidity (stiffness) of the limbs and trunk
• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)

Visit the National Parkinson Foundation Website for more about Parkinson Disease.

How Can Massage Help?

While research is still progressing as to how and why Parkinson exists, there are some alternative therapies that have helped with the  symptoms of this disease. The therapies I offer are: Neuromuscular Massage, Cranialsacral Therapy, Reiki, Hypnosis, Myo 7 Step, and Swedish Massage can assist you in your healing process.

Some of the positive benefits and results of massage and/or energy work for Parkinson’s patients include:

• Reduces stress and pain
• Increases circulation, flexibility, range of motion, and blood flow
• Hastens the elimination of wastes and toxins
• Helps to improve sleep
• Gives a sense of well being
• Naturally increases dopamine levels
• Stimulates lymph circulation
• Soothes nerve endings
• Sets up conditions for the body to heal itself

My experience working with Parkinson’s patients both private and at Muhammad Ali Center for Parkinson’s Research, has given me a strong understanding of the needs of Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers. My most challenging patient was one who had Activa Parkinson’s Control Therapy.

Regular massage has helped patients to relax, increase flexibility and create greater body awareness. Body awareness is, the start of a person’s greater awareness of their state of being. After treatment from a Massage Therapist, clients become aware of the tension built up in their bodies, which helps to increase their understanding of its cause.

Some pain and tightness may be from unexpressed emotions withheld in the body. Long term stress and tension, results in inflexible muscles. Pain and tightness can be the result of a lack of exercise, water, vitamins deficiencies and/or symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

The real question is, “Where is your state of awareness?” How can you better communicate with your doctor, caregiver and most importantly yourself? How can you convey what you are feeling and sensing more effectively, to get your needs met?

The central nervous system consist of the brain and the spinal cord. Protective membranes, called meninges, cover the brain and spinal cord. The central nervous system and the integument (skin) are stimulated and responds to the environment we live in. The central nervous system and the skin (largest organ of the body), communicates with our environment to create homeostasis.  (Inner balance of the body).

In 1 square inch of the skin, there are:

• 500 sweat glands
• More than 1,000 nerve endings
• Yards of tiny blood vessels
• Nearly 100 oil or sebaceous glands
• 150 sensors for pressure
• 75 sensors for heat
• 10 sensors for cold
• Millions of other cells

Some concerns of my Parkinson’s patients:

• Back pain
• Neck stiffness
• Headaches
• Stiff inflexible arms
• Stiff legs and hips
• Painful feet
• Poor digestion
• Cold feet and hands
• Numbness or arthritis

Regular massage/energy work has helped to improve PD patient’s health and well being.

In the book “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Parkinson’s Disease” by Jill Marjama-Lynns, M.D. and Mary J. Shomon, it states there are definite benefits from these therapies:  Swedish Massage, Myo Therapy, Reiki, Craniosacral/Cranial Unwinding, and Hypnosis.

I believe in treating the patient and not the Parkinson Disease. The goal of the therapy is reducing the patient’s symptoms, by assisting them to a state of wholeness. (integrating the mind, body and spirit as one)

Considerations before Choosing a Massage Therapist

• Is your Therapist a licensed professional?
• Has your Therapist been developing spiritually?
• Does your Therapist receive regular massage?
• Do you want to approach your healing from a physical level or from a mind, body and spiritual approach?
• Does your Therapist treat you, the patient, and not the disease?
• Is your Therapist willing to be educated about the illness you have?
• Does your Therapist listen to your concerns?
• Does your Therapist allow you to express yourself openly and honestly?
• How far, in your therapy, are you willing to go to heal yourself?