Thai massage can help with Parkinson’s symptoms
Parkinson’s disease affects 1 in 350 people in the UK (Parkinson’s UK, 2018).
A ransomised controlled trail allocated 30 patients with Parkinson’s and muscle weakness to receive either six Thai massage treatments in three weeks alongside standard medical care or standard medical care alone.
Patients in the Thai masage group showed significant improvements in their peak flexion torque, peak extension torque and time to maximal flexion speed.
In conclusion the Thai massage study suggested Thai massage could help improve arm muscle strenght in people with Parkinsons.
References
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