Objective: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-fastest neurological disorders in the world. Although there is no cure, medicines, surgical treatment, and other therapies can treat the symptoms of PD. The objective of this study is to determine whether myofascial release massage (MFR) can decrease the symptoms of Parkinson’s-related tremor for people living an active lifestyle or playing sport.

Background: The researcher is a Level 6 Clinical and Sports massage Therapist working within Parkinson’s sports teams in South Wales, United Kingdom.

Method: A hands-on study using two questionnaires (with appropriate permissions granted) to measure the outcome of MFR on the participants. All participants were cognitively aware and able-bodied. A course of six weekly one – hour massages, using hot stones and MFR massage techniques. Week 1-6, weekly QUEST questionnaires and one PDQ Exercise in week one. Weeks 7-12 weekly QUEST questionnaires the day before each treatment and one PDQ questionnaire in week seven – the day before first treatment. One PDQ Exercise questionnaire at the end of the intervention period. Both questionnaires repeated in week sixteen to see if results held.

Results: Results of this study suggest that using MFR is too relaxing for a person living with PD and the jump between the CNS being in control daily and the PSNS during the massage is too much of a change and can only temporarily reduce the tremor for the duration of the treatment. Conversely, the respite that a relaxation MFR massage can give, was widely subjectively reported.

Conclusion: The researcher’s conclusion is that using more than one type of massage technique would potentially be better than taking one element and applying that to future studies of massage and PD.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/evaluating-the-effect-of-myofascial-release-on-parkinsons-related-tremor/