The Benefits of Massage: Parkinsons Disease
Neuromuscular massage is extremely beneficial to those with Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease is often associated with muscle rigidity (stiffness) and slowness (bradykinesia) which leads to muscle shortening. It can also cause dystonia which is a movement disorder that happens when incorrect brain signals cause contractions in various muscles. It is a sustained or repetitive muscle twisting, spasm or cramp that can occur which can be extremely painful for those affected.
In general those with Parkinsons often get tight into their pecs, hips flexors and hamstrings causing them to stand in a forward flexed position. This muscle ridigity and subsequently muscle shortening leads to poor muscle performance. As muscles become less effective in contracting to produce movement, they can become increasingly stiff.
This can be addressed with deep tissue massage to increase muscle length, reduce tone and thereby improve muscle function, activity and subsequently mobility. It would involve stretches that would particularly stretch the lower back as turning in bed can often be difficult for those with Parkinson's. Hamstrings, pecs, hip flexors and calf stretches would also be involved to improve posture.
