Transcript Massage Therapy for Care of People Dealing with

Massage Therapy for Care of People
Dealing with Parkinson’s
and
Caregiving
Peggy Pilkenton RN, MSN, LMT
July 30, 2011
Inner Peace
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without alcohol,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
Then You Are Probably .........
The Family Dog!
Parkinson’s Disease
Nerve cells in substantia nigra area of brain die off
These cells produce neurotransmitter Dopamine
Dopamine sends messages to area of brain used to
control movement
Decreased dopamine results in noticeable tremor and
muscle rigidity
80 % or more of Dopamine transmitting cells have been
lost before symptoms show up
Common Effects of Parkinson’s Disease
Tremors
Slow movements
Muscle stiffness and rigidity
Pain
Fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Depression
Tremors and Rigidity
Lead to muscle exhaustion
- similar to sport related muscle stress
- difference is after sporting event, muscles get long
periods of rest and relaxation
- muscles of Parkinson’s patient never get rest
periods therefore suffer structural changes
Available oxygen is not enough to meet needs of
muscle that trembles and stays contracted
Massage Therapy
Improves circulation of blood
Relaxes tight muscles
Improves joint mobility
Relieves stiffness
Triggers relaxation response
Reduces anxiety
Improves sleep
Increases feelings of well being
FIVE minutes of
Swedish Massage
Carries 10 times the
amount of blood
to a massaged
muscle as what
would naturally
occur with a 15
minute resting of
the muscle
Gentle Massage
Releases neurotransmitters
including dopamine and
production of
endorphins creating a
calming effect
Enhances utilization of
various L-Dopa
medication combinations
Gentle Range of Motion and Stretching
with Massage Therapy
May alleviate pain and stiffness of joints
May improve movement, mobility, flexibility
and balance
Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy
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one on one attention
companionship
reassurance
skin on skin contact
nonverbal communication
nurturing
calming
increased body awareness
grounding & redirection of energy
Touch Research Institute and Neurology Department
(University of Miami) and Duke University
Pharmacology Department - 2002
Study of Adults with Parkinson’s Disease who received
Massage Therapy 30 minutes twice a week for 5 weeks
RESULTS
• Performed better in ADLs
• Reported improved sleep
• Greater ease moving around during day
• Increased dopamine levels
• Decreased stress hormones in urine
CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
Craniosacral System
Membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect
brain and spinal cord
“Cranium” = bones of skull, face, mouth
“Sacrum” = tailbone area
CST is a light-touch, gentle therapy derived from osteopathic
techniques that encourages own natural healing mechanisms
to dissipate the negative effects of stress on central nervous
system
Clients remain fully clothed making it more accessible for
some than traditional massage therapy
Reported CST Benefits with Parkinson’s
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Decreased pain
Increased relaxation
Improved comfort level
Improved balance and mobility
Increased ability to express self
Improved function
Improved sense of well-being
Decreased rigidity sufficient to allow passive range of
motion and slowing of progression of contractures
Edith G. Walsh, PhD, RN
Geriatric Applications of Craniosacral Therapy: Established Allied Health Professionals’
Use of Complementary Modailty
January 2007
Caregiving
Concern for well-being of loved one
Physical and emotional stress
Tendency to put one’s own needs last
Increased potential for own health problems
~ stress can cause or exacerbate 70-90% of all
medical conditions
“If you are traveling with small children or
anyone who needs assistance, put YOUR
oxygen mask on first, and then help those
traveling with you.”
THE
You can’t help another if you’re struggling to
breathe yourself. You have to take care of
yourself before you can help others
Massage Relieves Effects of Stress
Triggers the Relaxation Response
Relaxes tense muscles
Reduces anxiety level
Restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being
I’m Not Sure How This Works….
But it is amazingly accurate!!!
The picture below has 2 identical dolphins in it. It was used
in a case study on stress levels at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water. The
dolphins are identical.
A closely monitored, scientific study revealed that in spite of
the fact that they are identical, a person under stress
would find differences in the two dolphins.
The more differences a person finds, the more stress that
person is experiencing.
If you find more than one or two differences you may want
to take a vacation.
Humor
Is similar in effect on the body as progressive muscle
relaxation
Is like “internal jogging” or an inside massage
causes release of endorphins
People who share humor together tend to be more
productive, more cooperative and have fewer
conflicts
How to Choose a Massage
Therapist
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Referral/recommendation from someone you know
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Preferably trained in medical massage or elder
massage
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Licensed, credentials and certifications
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Belongs to a professional organization and is listed on
that organization’s website
• Ask if they have experience working with Parkinson’s
patients and an understanding of the disease
process
Caring For Self
BODY
MIND
SPIRIT
CONSIDER ADDING MASSAGE THERAPY
TO YOUR SELF-CARE AND THAT OF
YOUR LOVED ONE