It works the peripheral nervous system and increases your heart rate. When you come out, you feel wonderful. The last element in Powers' guide to managing Parkinson's is a daily massage, and believes that chiropractic care and traction are vital for musculo-skeletal problems. The daily massage, he says, should be very light and plucky, as opposed to a deep tissue or athletic massage that might cause fatigue for days afterwards. Massage helps in that it brings blood and oxygen to the muscles while at the same time eliminating toxins and lactic acid, which the damaged nervous system can't remove on its own.
Massage also gives the recipient a feeling of wellbeing and returns energy to the body.
Joanie is very helpful, he says, to all those who ask for advise on massage therapy. You need the love, emotional support and caring of a mate or friend. I owe it all to her. But, he doesn't dwell too much on how his life might have been different. There's too much to do now, and too many other people in the same predicament to encourage onward.