Massage Therapy Can Help with Parkinson’s Disease

Massage Therapy Can Help with Parkinson’s Disease

Therapeutic Massage for Parkinson’s Disease Patients

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease? While there are many treatments and therapies, massage can really help with the day-to-day physical frustrations.

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that develops slowly in most people. Usually, the symptoms take years to develop and many people live for years with the disease. However, it can be quite difficult at times.

While the disease itself isn’t fatal, complications resulting from Parkinson’s Disease do cause quite a few deaths. There is currently no cure but drugs and different therapies, like massage, can help alleviate symptoms.

Related: Massage For Seniors: Healthy Aging Benefits

What are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease has many symptoms, including:

  • tremors and shaking
  • loss of the ability to smell certain odors
  • dizziness and fainting
  • interference with sleep
  • 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 Parkinson’s Disease.

How Does Massage Therapy Help with Parkinson’s Disease?

No matter the cause, Massage Therapy can help with musculoskeletal pain and joint stiffness. Parkinson’s 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 Parkinson’s Disease. Massage can help keep the body flexible and able to handle more activity.

As mentioned early, Parkinson’s 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.

What type of massage is best for a Parkinson’s patient?

There are many different types of massage.

  • Swedish Massage
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Thai Massage
  • Shiatsu Massage

Please read A Short Primer on Different Types of Massage for more information.

I always work with an individual’s situation and recommend types of massage based on symptoms. I also take into account levels of pain and the amount of pressure a patient prefers.

How Often Should I Get a Massage?

This depends on many factors and will be evaluated on a case by case situation. We will take into account the severity of pain, stiffness, and movement limitations. Some people find that a regular, weekly massage is the most helpful in managing symptoms.

Related: How Often Should I Get a Massage?

Massage Should NOT Replace Medical Care

Massage therapy should be viewed as a complement to a patient’s ongoing medical care for Parkinson’s Disease–not a substitute for it. Parkinson’s is a debilitating disease and massage can certainly help by offering great relief from symptoms.

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 (and their caregivers if necessary) before a massage to ensure that the patient will receive the best level of care they need.

If you or someone you love has Parkinson’s Diseases and is suffering from the symptoms, please call today to schedule an appointment. Relief is on its way!

517-898-2899

Massage For Seniors: Healthy Aging Benefits

Massage For Seniors: Healthy Aging Benefits

Massage for Seniors: Feeling Good at Any Age

Massage for seniors is incredibly helpful in maintain flexibility and movement. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Therapeutic massage can help you feel good at any age, including seniors. It is especially beneficial as you grow older.

Massage can:

  • improve general health
  • address problem conditions
  • improve sleep
  • enhance quality of life

Challenges of Aging

Even though aging is a normal life process, there are things we can do to lessen the effects and slow the process.

Some physical effect of aging include:

  • decrease in general mobility
  • decrease in muscular strength
  • slower nerve conduction
  • less tissue elasticity
  • thinner and drier skin
  • loss of bone mass
  • decreased function of the senses
  • less efficient immune system

Chronic stress and inactivity can accelerate the aging process. Luckily, therapeutic massage combats both of these issues.

Related: Arthritis and Massage Therapy

Benefits of Massage for Seniors and the Elderly

Enhances General Health

Massage can be introduced to any health maintenance plan at any age. It helps keep the body and mind functioning optimally.

Massage Reduces the Negative Effects of Stress

As mentioned above, stress and anxiety can accelerate the aging process. Massage can help reduce the physical and mental effects of these debilitating conditions.

The elderly are particularly at risk because of:

  • accumulated losses
  • frustrations
  • possible isolation
  • lack of human touch
  • loss of independence

Massage for Seniors helps to:

  • enhance general relaxation
  • reduce muscular tension and associated discomfort
  • reduce anxiety
  • improve sleep
  • increase feeling of well-being

Mobility and Independence

Massage for seniors can help you keep the flexibility and strength needed to accomplish the activities of every day life. For example:

  • getting up out of a chair
  • walking
  • climbing stairs
  • driving a car
  • getting in an out of the bathtub or shower

Massage for Seniors Supports Fitness Programs

Regular exercise and movement is vital to lifelong fitness and slowing the aging process. Therapeutic Massage can be an important addition to an exercise routine. Benefits include:

  • Reducing injury and soreness
  • Relaxes tight muscles
  • Relieves muscle aches and stiffness
  • Speeds recovery from exercise

A Caring Touch

For seniors who are home bound, have lost independence and loved ones, massage can provide a caring touch. It also provides personal interaction and communication.

Related: Types of Massage and What to Expect During a Massage

Massage therapist can visit you in your home or residence or you can visit their office to receive a massage. Which ever is easiest for you.

Please check with your medical health provider first before getting a massage.

Also, please read our article on Massage for Alzheimer’s Patients and Dementia Care, as massage can be very helpful with this disease.

Schedule  A Massage Today

I have experience with massage for seniors and elderly care. I am also a cancer survivor and have extensive experience and a passion for helping cancer patients and survivors. Discounts are available for cancer patients, survivors and veterans. Call today to find out more information. 517-898-2899

massage for seniors


References:

Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging. Creagan, E., MD., editor. Rosetta Books, 2014

Ayarti, M. and Azarani, A. Paths to Healthy Aging. Amazon Digital Services. 2014

Rose, M.K. Comfort Touch: Massage for the Elderly and Ill. Baltimore: LWW, 2009

Therapeutic Massage for Healthy Aging by Patricia J. Benjamin, Ph.D. and Victoria Carmona.