Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is progressive and causes symptoms of tremors, rigidity, depression, and fatigue. People with Parkinson's have trouble with balance and walking. A 2002 study by the Touch Research Institute, the University of Miami's neurology department, and Duke University's pharmacology department showed that massage therapy improved daily functioning, increased quality of sleep and decreased stress-hormone levels in the participants.

A 2016 case study in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork indicated that massage therapy had a positive effect on reducing resting and postural tremor in a patient with long-standing PD.

Constipation can have a significant impact on quality of life for people with PD, as well as other degenerative neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease showed that abdominal massage therapy was beneficial in relieving symptoms of constipation for people with Parkinson's.