I have a client starting as his request full body massage, who is in early stages of Parkinsons. Doctor has given the thumbs up.
I have no experience of this ailment, so planning to adapt to suit by asking carefully where most work is needed - and primarily trying to make it feel good and de-stressing. Any thoughts out there?
I have several PD clients - they all love massage.
Go with how he feels, but don't do a full treatment first time, regardless of how early he is with the diagnosis and how fit he may appear. It will exhaust him. Start slow and short and build up - try and see him once a week for around 6 weeks, and then discuss future treatment options. I see mine every 3 weeks - or more frequently if they really get demanding!!
You could do a full-body massage, but keep it light and swift. That would be another way around the problem of exhaustion. Rather than muller one area to death, a soupcon of everything, without rushing, might be a more balanced way.
Parkinsonism can follow behind a history of whiplash or upper back/neck strain. There is disruption to the proprioceptive feedback mechanisms regulating balance and control of the upper limbs. The increased neurological effort to control fine movement is what exhausts the dopamine production (hypothesis).
I've been treating a Parkinsons client recently. Originally she wanted work on her arms, shoulders and upper back, but now expanded with foot massage/reflexology as well. One of the reasons for working the feet was as Kvdp mentioned was for the proprioceptive feedback mechanisms.
RP
That is all very useful, thanks. I guess our standard 90 minute massage is not a great plan for him.
I've found that all the neuro disorders - Parkinsonism, Motor Neurone, MS etc - anything where there is spasming which tires out and knots up the muscles - is good, but am with Jabba and KDVP on not doing too much all at once. Small amounts more regularly are best, and you will get to know how his body reacts.
A couple of 30 minute sessions later and all is going well. Just doing back/shoulders/neck as that is where he feels it is needed. He is really tense across the upper back and neck and knotted too. Massage seems to help - thanks for the input. A pillow is needed under his chest for support otherwise he feels discomfort - but I think that may be pre-existing and due to body shape.