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Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease can be an overwhelming and life-altering moment. While it is true that there is currently no cure for this chronic disease, thanks to advancements in technology and modern medicine, your symptoms can be managed to ensure you still have a great quality of life. Massage therapy may also be a highly beneficial treatment option for individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson's disease treatment is complex and may involve a combination of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Through research, it has been proven that massage can alleviate some of the physical symptoms of the disease, including stiffness and tremors. Massage therapy for Parkinson’s can also help with blood circulation, flexibility, pain and discomfort. And the relaxing effects of a massage shouldn’t be overlooked either.
Massage chairs are a great option for those with Parkinson’s, not the least of which is due to convenience. Being able to receive a world-class massage from the comfort of your own home is paramount for someone with limited motor skill function. A massage chair can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which is often worsened with the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms. On top of that, massage chairs use many of the same techniques and reap many of the same benefits as traditional massage therapy.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. Parkinson’s occurs when the neurons in the brain that produce dopamine begin to degenerate and die. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger in the brain, that helps regulate movement and mood and has a hand in other cognitive functions such as learning, attention, and addiction.
As a result of these neurons dying, those with Parkinson's may experience tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with coordination and balance. An individual’s fine motor skills, such as writing or eating, may also be affected. Parkinson's can also affect other body systems, including the digestive and respiratory systems, and can lead to other cognitive issues like memory loss and confusion.
Symptoms and their severity can vary widely between individuals. As stated earlier, there is no cure for Parkinson's, unfortunately, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms, and scientific breakthroughs are happening at rapid rates. So, how can massage help? Continue reading to determine whether massage therapy is a viable option for you or your loved one.
The Effects of Massage on Parkinson’s
There are many benefits of massage therapy for Parkinson’s patients. Parkinson’s can cause the muscles to become stiff and rigid, leading to discomfort and difficulty moving. Massage can help with all these issues while providing a euphoric and intense relaxation experience that can put the individual at ease.
Note that with Parkinson’s, everyday tasks can be daunting and difficult, so the ability to relax and not feel pain for even a short amount of time can have tremendous benefits. For this reason, massage chairs are frequently recommended.
Overall, massage therapy from a trained masseuse or a massage chair can have a range of positive effects on an individual with Parkinson's disease, promoting physical and emotional well-being and improving the overall quality of life. Some of these positive effects include:
- Loosening and relaxing muscles
- Increased circulation
- Endorphin release
- Lowered cortisol & stress levels
- Reduced anxiety
- Reduced pain
- Reduced constipation
- Improved flexibility and mobility
- Improved quality of sleep
- Improved energy levels and vitality
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
- Improved self-awareness.
But, with so many excellent massage chairs to choose from, how do you know which chair is best for your individual needs?
Parkinson’s Massages Chairs
Massage chairs typically use a combination of rollers, airbags, and other technologies to provide a range of massage techniques and intensity levels similar to that of a trained massage therapist. Many massage chairs also have customisable settings, allowing an individual to tailor their massage experience to their specific needs. This can be incredibly beneficial for someone suffering from Parkinson’s.
Massage and Parkinson’s may be an unlikely duo, but we are pleased to inform you that our chairs can greatly improve your quality of life. While the neurological effects cannot be undone, regular massage therapy for Parkinson’s does show an overall improvement in mobility and a stark decline in pain. For this reason, regular sessions from a massage chair in the comfort of your own home should be considered.
Instead of worrying about how to massage someone with Parkinson’s disease, let one of our chairs take care of that for you. Our chairs will have multiple massage modes to target different areas of the body, including the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. Massage chairs have adjustable speed and pressure intensities for a personalised massage.
Using one of our massage chairs for Parkinson’s disease treatment should begin with short sessions occurring several times a week to help manage symptoms. As you progress, you can gradually extend your session length over time as needed. The key is to find a routine that works for you.
Overall, a massage chair can be advantageous for managing symptoms of Parkinson's disease as it eliminates travel time and will save you money in the long run. However, it is important to use the massage chair in moderation and with caution.
Hear From Our Customers: Andrew’s Story
We are certain that a Masseuse Massage chair can put you at ease and greatly improve your quality of life if you suffer from Parkinson’s disease. Not convinced yet? Don’t take our word for it; hear it first-hand from our customers. Hear Andrew's testimonial here and decide for yourself if a massage chair is right for you.
Manage Pain from Parkinson’s at home today
Parkinson’s can be a tough diagnosis to digest. But there are options available to help manage your symptoms. If you’re suffering from Parkinson’s and are unsure of your options, a massage chair from Masseuse Massage is a treatment option that is well worth considering.
As with any treatment or therapy, consult with your general health practitioner to see if this is a viable option for you. And when you’re ready, have a browse through our range and enquire to see how our chairs can aid in your Parkinson’s disease treatment.
