Enduring the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be a challenge to those afflicted.  They affect mobility, comfort, and speech. While there’s no cure for this disease, massage therapy continues to be a promising alternative treatment for symptom relief. Massage therapy affects the body in many ways, providing benefits that can boost a person’s quality of life. If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, here is how massage therapy may help.

How Massage Therapy Improves Parkinson’s Symptoms

1. Reduces Muscle Tension

The symptoms of Parkinson’s leave many people immobile. Muscle rigidity is a common side effect and can cause constant pain. Massage therapy targets this issue by alleviating tension and stiffness. This not only reduces discomfort but can help some patients with mobility. The massage therapist may also focus on joints to eliminate inflammation and stiffness.

2. Improves Sleep Quality

Pain, tremor, and other symptoms of Parkinson’s can make it difficult for people living with the disease to sleep well. This can lead to constant fatigue throughout the day. Since massage therapy reduces muscle and joint stiffness, it makes it much easier for people to fall and stay asleep throughout the night. They experience a number of health benefits from this, as healthy sleep is a crucial part of general well-being.

3. Increases Dopamine Production

Parkinson’s disease occurs when dopamine-producing cells in the brain begin to die. This directly affects mobility, which is why most symptoms of Parkinson’s relate to movement. Research data shows that massage therapy can increase dopamine production and reduce stress hormones. These results can potentially reduce the rate that the disease progresses.

Ongoing research continues to explore the benefits of massage therapy for the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The volunteers at Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson’s  – with chapters in Southbury, Branford, and Glastonbury –  offer a variety of resources for people living with this disease.  Call (860) 266-6040 and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their volunteer work.