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December 2011 Hands-on Approach to
Parkinson’s Disease By Wendy Hammarstrom, LMT
When my 60-year old mountain-climbing, world-traveling aunt developed trem-
ors in her left hand she was disconcerted. When she began to have problems with bal- ance and her walking became more like shuffling, she sought help and was surprised to hear the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
Parkinson’s Disease is a slowly progressive disease affecting at least one million
Americans; commonly occurring between the ages of 60 and 70 but increasingly in those who are under the age of 50. It is a result of degenerative changes in the mid- brain, characterized by a loss of dopamine producing nerve cells. Dopamine in the brain is essential for coordination of complex muscle systems required for every intentional movement. Along with muscular rigidity, primary Parkinson’s symptoms include tremors at rest, intention tremors (the closer you get to an object, the more tremors you experience), difficulty with walking due to delayed motion (to the point of freezing mid-motion) and loss of balance. Muscle pain and cramps and sleep dis- turbances are often common, as well as quite a few more secondary symptoms, in- cluding dizziness when standing. The cause is unknown. However, current theories include environmental pollutants and exposure to industrial solvents, genetic predis- position, or a viral infection.
In a study conducted by Touch
Research Institute at the University of Miami along with staff from the university neurology department and Duke University’s pharmacol- ogy department, they found that massage improved daily function- ing, increased quality of sleep and decreased stress hormone levels in people with Parkinson’s disease.
When we are stressed, symp-
toms are exacerbated. Massage therapy is helpful because it re-
duces stress, which reduces symptoms. Its soothing effect gives the client a sense of normalcy and improves mood and outlook on life. It is a cumulative effect. Like regular exercise the benefits are maintained between sessions and improved upon in the next session. The more time your body spends at ease in a low stress state the better chance it has to heal. Massage also seems to enhance the utilization of vari- ous L-dopa combinations that are being used to treat Parkinson’s patients with good success, and if proven true can prolong the effectiveness of medicines. As with any therapy, on-going communication and feedback before, during and after sessions is crucial for positive effects.
Relentlessly increasing stiffness and tremors lead to muscle exhaustion simi-
lar to that found in athletic endeavors. The available oxygen is insufficient for the amount of work the trembling and permanently contracting muscles need in order to stay in good repair. Experiencing Parkinson’s is similar to the stress of extreme sporting events, but after sports you can follow with long periods of rest, whereas the poor musculature of Parkinson’s patients never has any rest period. According to Dietrich Miesler, former director of Day Break Geriatric Massage Institute, in just five minutes long Swedish massage strokes carry ten times the amount of blood to the massaged muscles as arrives during a fifteen minute rest. Gentle muscle kneading and soothing strokes lessen the muscle stiffness, decrease pain as well as increase cir- culation. For clients with more advanced Parkinson’s who are mobility challenged, the benefits of receiving massage make up for their limited movement. Abdominal massage helps with digestion, as well as with developing core awareness and bal- ance. Easing up scalene muscles on sides of neck may help the head turn with more ease.
Massage and passive stretching ease muscle rigidity in the lower limbs and help
clients normalize gait and improve sense of balance, as well as reduce calf cramps. This minimizes problems often encountered when trying to rise from a sitting posi- tion or getting out of a car. Massage, stretching and reflexology can help keep the feet flexible as well as contribute to overall well-being.
Wendy Hammarstrom has been practicing and teaching yoga and massage to all ages and bodies for over 30 years. You can call her at 951-303-4508 to purchase a holiday gift certificate.
The Chronicle
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