Parkinson’s: Needing treats
Treats!
This first treat is a gift from Patrick. He emailed it to me the other day and my eyes lighted up for 2 reasons. First that I would get to listen to a bunch of British accents and the British sense of humor tickles my funny bone and 2ndbecause I could pass this treat on to you! The Parkinson podcast tip from Patrick- British personalities- all with Parkinson's- they are comedy writers and public speakers and journalists
https://open.spotify.com/show/4dipKcMG0IocnGsdRmB2nJ?si=ca2996d30d0b43b8
Who needs treats? We all do. But lately, I am thinking that treats may be a necessary part of my life.
Having a food treat makes the Dr. and exercise appointments into dates for my husband and I. I try not to make them into sweet treats (though I do sometimes get a craving for a Micky D Mocha Frappe or a half of a chocolate muffin from Dino's. A half of a huge chocolate muffin with chocolate chips in it, has got to be better than a whole, right?) which are not good for anyone and definitely not good for people with Parkinson's. Sugar causes inflammation. Chronic inflammation is one of the processes thought to be involved in PD. But every once in a while......Don't Worry, Be Happy....
OK, let's go on to something that is probably a more acceptable treat- An art date!
“Making Art challenges your mind and helps prevent cognitive decline as you age, according to a 2015 report from the Mayo Clinic. Art classes have also been linked to mental benefits like improved memory, reasoning, and resilience.”
Ms. R supplied me with a new art medium to try- 20 gorgeous, vibrant colored, alcohol based inks and a pad of Yupo paper to play with. I have heard of them but never used them. Thank you for the treat Ms. R.
Yupo paper is a synthetic paper with a smooth surface. You can “wipe to reveal the white surface scratch when dry, blend and merge color. “ So it says on the pad. And best of all, Corrine who is visiting her daughter and grandson here for another month has promised to try it with me!
I think most people think of getting a massage as a treat. I sure have. But I am thinking differently now. My major symptom for Parkinson's is muscle rigidity. And honestly it sucks.
I have thought a lot about massage. And I found a paper about massage and Parkinson's. This first line is what caused me to shout Hurrah! Not really, but it did sound great.
“MASSAGE EASES RIGIDITY AND INCREASES BLOOD FLOW.”
Massage can ease the joint and muscle stiffness that is a cardinal symptom of PD, because it works to relax the muscles and work out the tight spots. Constantly increasing stiffness and tremors lead to muscle exhaustion, similar to that found in athletes. However, exhausting sporting events are typically followed by long periods of rest, but the poor muscles of the Parkinson's patient never have any rest. Massage helps muscles to temporarily be softer and more pliable. Of course, the Parkinson’s-afflicted body will revert to its rigidity, so only regular massage can be of long-term benefit. But it has a powerful effect. In five minutes, the long strokes of Swedish massage carry 10 times the amount of blood to a muscle as arrives naturally during a 15-minute rest. (The increased blood flow can also help your medications to be better absorbed.)”
“MASSAGE HELPS ACHES FROM EXERCISE”
“Daily exercise is also recommended for those with Parkinson’s, and exercise can result in muscle aches and sore spots. These too can be alleviated by massage; massage helps keep the body not only flexible, but stronger and able to handle more activity. Many massage therapists have also seen improvement in their clients’ tremors.”
“MASSAGE EASES PAIN”
“The use of massage in Parkinson’s also can address the symptom of pain. Sometimes pain in PD is related to abnormalities in motor functioning or in body mechanics. Again if the abnormalities continue, the massage needs to be ongoing to be truly helpful.”
“MASSAGE RELIEVES STRESS”
“Finally, that characterization of massage as indulgent can also help people living with Parkinson’s. Massage can provide stress relief,, and stress is one of the most harmful challenges to PD.'
“RESEARCH ABOUT MASSAGE AND PD”
“There is only a little research about massage in Parkinson’s, but in one study, a group of adults with Parkinson’s disease who received two massages a week for five weeks experienced improved daily functioning, increased quality of sleep and decreased stress-hormone levels. In another study, a woman with PD who could not walk on her own received one weekly massage for five weeks, and showed a decrease in resting tremors after every session, as well as an overall improvement in gait.”
“Massage therapists must be certified and licensed to be qualified to administer massage therapy, but there is no training – either as part of their massage training or in addition to it – that trains them specifically for work with people with Parkinson’s.”
I'm not sure about that last statement. They can be trained in Neuromuscular Therapy, which I think, is training in working with people with brain diseases that affect your muscles.
Therapeutic massage services provided by a physical therapist as part of a medical treatment plan are typically covered by Part B. The distinction seems small, but it’s important for Medicare purposes.
If you get massage therapy as part of physical therapy, Part B pays 80% of allowable charges after you meet your Part B deductible.
Theresa has given me the name of a massage therapist, ( who works in town, with many people with disabilities. I have heard wonderful things about her for years, but didn't think to check her out. Thank you Theresa! I'll tell you later on how it goes. Or not. You might need to ask me about it later on :-)
May all of our lives include many different kinds of treats.
Cheers,
Nancy & the Snark
Glad you enjoyed the English accents and humour . My favourite is Jeremy Paxman M r Grumpy !
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