For seniors with Parkinson’s, joint pain and stiffness can make daily living challenging and uncomfortable. If your elderly loved one has Parkinson’s, there are some steps you can take to help him or her alleviate these symptoms. Read on for four strategies that the senior care experts at Philadelphia Home Care Assistance suggest can help manage Parkinson’s pain.
1. Neuromuscular Therapeutic Massage
A type of massage used for physical therapy, NMT applies deep pressure to skeletal striated muscles. For seniors who experience weakened or painful muscles, this form of massage can help reduce their discomfort by reconditioning the muscles and ligaments in the lower back and lower limbs.
2. Hydrotherapy
If your loved one experiences joint pain and stiffness, hydrotherapy is an easy treatment to do at home. Have your loved one’s hourly or 24-hour caregiver in Philadelphia add sea salts to bath water and let your relative soak in warm water. As sea salt baths can help ease muscle tension and reduce blood flow, having regular baths may help relieve some of your loved one’s discomfort by relaxing the nerves and diminishing inflammation.
3. Therapeutic Mineral Ice
Mineral Ice is a pleasantly scented balm that works as a mild anesthetic for muscle pain and stiffness. When your loved one experiences muscle discomfort, rub this balm into the affected areas and warn him or her that he or she should expect a tingling, but cool and soothing, sensation.
4. Tai Chi
An energizing form of yoga, Tai Chi is a gentle, senior-friendly exercise that promotes balance and concentration. To do Tai Chi seniors perform a series of poses as fluidly as possible. This type of focus on precision and balance is particularly helpful for seniors who experience trembling limbs, difficulty standing up straight, and muscle pain.
If you’re looking for other ways to help make daily life easier and more comfortable for your elderly loved one with Parkinson’s, turn to Home Care Assistance. Our Philadelphia Parkinson’s caregivers can help your senior loved one with a variety of in-home tasks, including navigating the home, personal grooming, cooking, cleaning, and more. To learn more about how our care services may benefit your elderly loved one, give a Care Manager a call at (215) 645-4663 and schedule a free in-home consultation.