Massage Therapy Can Help with Parkinson’s Disease

On March 21, 2018   /   Massage Therapy   /   1 Comment
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

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Hand and Foot Massage Services

On August 1, 2013   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Hand and Foot Massage Services

Hand and Foot MassageHand and Foot Massage Provide Just the Right Amount of Pampering

Although full-body massages are among the most frequently requested massage services, hand and foot massage treatments are popular as well. Often, hand massages and foot spa services provide just the right amount of pampering without requiring huge blocks of time.

“Pick-Me-Up” Hand and Foot Massage

If you’re looking for the perfect pick-me-up between your regular massage sessions, consider quick treatments that focus exclusively on your hands or feet. Perhaps you’re having a very busy period at work, or are dealing with a particularly stressful time at home.

“Just Hands” or “Just Feet” Massages are very effective for stress relief when you need to relax and refocus, but don’t have the time to schedule a full session. They’re also great after a particularly strenuous exercise or athletic event, like a marathon.

Each hand or foot massage lasts 20 minutes each. During a “Just Hands” Massage, your massage therapist will work with your fingers, wrists and forearms.

For a “Just Feet” Massage, the focus is on toes, ankles and calves. If you want to do both hands and feet, these sessions last 40 minutes total.

Hand and Foot Massage for Arthritis Relief

Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, that affect the joints are often felt first in the hands and feet. They cause localized swelling, lack of flexibility, and often, pain in sufferers. At the very least, they are inconvenient, preventing full enjoyment of daily activities. At worst, they are debilitating conditions that affect quality of life.

Massage therapy has been proven to be effective in dealing with the symptoms of arthritis. Massage reduces swelling caused by fluid retention in the joints of the fingers, toes, wrists and ankles. It improves blood circulation and promotes greater flexibility. A knowledgeable and skilled massage therapist will know the right techniques to use to help arthritis sufferers.

Paraffin Treatments

Spa services for pampering your hands and feet are also available. These involve paraffin treatments using essential oils, which soften and moisturize the skin. Dead cells, which make the skin dull, are removed. The skin’s elasticity improves, leading to softer and younger looking hands and feet. The heat generated during paraffin treatment is also beneficial for treating arthritis and pain localized in the hands or feet. Paraffin treatments are available as Add-on Services.

The Full Treatment

To complete the relaxation experience you can combined this with spa services like the Rejuvenating Face Mask, or Body Polish. They are also popular with any of the massages packages. As you can see, massage therapy isn’t just about Swedish massages for easing muscle pain and tension throughout the entire body. You can also pamper yourself with a quick and relaxing session focusing on your hands, feet or both. A hand and foot massage is also a great way to introduce someone to massage, particularly if they don’t want to commit to a full-body treatment just yet.

Call me today at (517) 898-2899 to schedule your appointment or purchase a gift certificate.

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