Aside from treatment, there are many ways people living with Parkinson’s disease can improve their health and well-being, retain physical function, reduce symptoms, and improve the quality of life. The key ones are daily exercise, eating a balanced diet, keeping hydrated and having enough sleep.
What about nontraditional therapy, though? Over the years, integrative treatments, such as meditation, massage, nutritional supplements and different movement strategies, have inspired studies to assess if they have a role to play in Parkinson’s disease treatment. Although the jury is still mostly out on some of them, many non-medical approaches to treatment still have quite a bit of potential.
To consider, here are five integrative therapies:
Nutritional Supplements
You may have learned that the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 or Co-Q10 can help Parkinson’s disease. However, a report examining the efficacy of Co-Q10 was stopped in 2011 by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke when it became apparent that the alleged preventive effects did not vary from placebo.
It is wise to ask your doctor about this and other reasons to seek a supplement, and you should never quit taking your medicine.
Calcium is one supplement that can have advantages for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, mainly because too many foods rich in calcium are also high in protein, which can interfere with the drug absorption.
Tai Chi
This type of exercise encourages balance and coordination, so it is fair to assume that it will help Parkinson’s disease patients. A 2012 study of three types of exercise, strength training, stretching and tai chi, found that in individuals with mild Parkinson’s disease, tai chi offered measurable improvement in balance and stability.
Yoga
Yoga practice is known to help improve flexibility and balance, and for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, yoga can have the same impact. A 2012 study found that yoga can improve mobility, balance, strength and flexibility, particularly if tailored to the needs of patients with a movement disorder like Parkinson’s disease. It can also help improve your mood and help you get more sleep.
Massage Therapy
Although not very well studied, even if that relief is not permanent, massage’s efficacy in relieving side effects of Parkinson’s disease, mainly tremor, appears apparent. After a 60-minute massage or hydrotherapy in Singapore, a 2016 study of studies found a measurable decrease in muscle rigidity and resting tremor.
Movement Therapies
Since Parkinson’s disease affects equilibrium and contributes to a progressive loss in motor skills, these effects can be counteracted by some movement therapies. For example, the Alexander Technique, a discipline that emphasizes posture and balance, may help maintain mobility for Parkinson’s disease patients.
The Feldenkrais Procedure, which helps to retrain the body to do complicated movements, is another therapy. Activities such as dancing and strength training (lifting weights or using equipment at a gym) can help relieve specific symptoms even though you do not engage in “official” movement therapies. Before embarking on a new fitness regimen, consult with your doctor.
