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Massage Modalities & Parkinson's Disease

The primary benefit of massage for Parkinson's disease is improved movement and range of motion. Looking at massage modalities and Parkinson's disease shows a variety of modalities can provide effective results.

  1. Research

    • A 2002 study from the Touch Research Institute showed that Parkinson's patients who received massage rated themselves as having improved daily functioning and less disturbed sleep.

    Massage Modalities

    • The September/October 2005 issue of Massage Magazine includes an article that reports effective results for Parkinson's disease with these massage modalities: deep-tissue massage, reflexology, Jin Shin Jyutsu, raindrop massage, Swedish massage, and Watsu.

    Choice of Massage

    • In considering massage modalities and Parkinson's disease, be aware that different types of massage may work best for different individuals. A properly trained massage therapist will take many factors about a person into account when giving a massage.

    Additional Benefits

    • Massage also provides stress-relief and relaxation, an important consideration for a person with a degenerative disease.

    Safety

    • A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology recommends that massage for Parkinson's be done only under a doctor's supervision. Care is also needed for people whose limited mobility may make it difficult to get on and off a massage table.

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