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Treatments and TherApies
Parkinson’s Disease Alternative Therapies
Parkinson’s Disease alternative therapies are becoming more commonplace and accepted.
Examples of common Parkinson’s alternative therapies include, acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, magnetic therapy and massage. Before embarking on an alternative therapy, it is recommended you speak with your doctor.
YOGA
Yoga is one of the best things you can do to improve your strength, balance and posture. Not only will you begin to see improvement physically, but your mental health will improve as well.
MASSAGE
Parkinson’s disease typically causes muscle stiffness and rigidity, individuals who utilize massage therapy find it helps to alleviate joint and muscle stiffness.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is recognized as a viable treatment for various illnesses and conditions. A study was recently completed to determine if acupuncture can relieve symptoms of fatigue in Parkinson’s patients. The researchers conclude that acupuncture may improve PD-related fatigue, but real acupuncture offers no greater benefit than sham treatments. PD-related fatigue should be added to the growing list of conditions that acupuncture helps primarily through nonspecific or placebo effects.
MARIJUANA
Marijuana, also called cannabis, is made up of two major parts: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the major part that causes one to feel “high.” THC can cause hallucinations and anxiety and is therefore to be used with caution, if at all, in Parkinson disease. CBD, by comparison, may help with sleep and anxiety. Marijuana obtained from dispensaries is not as closely regulated by the FDA as prescription medications, so the labels on dispensary products may not reflect the product’s true content. Essentially, there is no definitive data on what dose of what parts of marijuana are helpful or harmful in Parkinson’s disease. Click here for the medical cannabis consensus statement from the Parkinson’s Foundation.Â
