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Parkinson's and AIS

I have a new client coming to see me specifically for AIS in hopes to address his Parkinson's disease. He was a musician and is now unable to play the piano due to this issue. From what I've gathered on the phone, his shoulders seem to be a big issue for him.

I have an idea of how I will use AIS to treat, but am looking for input from other therapists who have experience with Parkinson's. Are there any adjustments that need to be made to either how the stretch is done or to the protocol?

Much Thanks.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dr Ben Benjamin on June 1, 2011 at 1:38pm

Amy,

I am very passionate about this work. Please see my article on AIS & Parkinsons. I would be happy to speak with you more about this topic!

Regards,

Ben Benjamin

Permalink Reply by Amy Grimes on June 6, 2011 at 4:35pm

Actually it was your article that got my client to my door. Thank you!

His symptoms are in his R forearm and hand and the anterior neck. However, the hypertonicity goes beyond those areas. He is a musician and the long term goal is to be able to play the piano again, even if it's for his own pleasure.

I only get one hour once a week to work with him and so far we've only had one session. I'm still waiting on feedback from him.

With 1 hour a week fitting in the amount of work I'd like to do seems difficult. This week I completed part of the shoulder protocol and the neck protocol as well as educated his wife (a massage therapist) on the basics of performing an AIS stretch so she could continue the work through the week. We didn't make it to the hand work, but as we become more efficient in sessions that is next on my current plan.

There is some trunk and pelvic work to be done with the thoracic kyphosis, but am trying to be as effective as possible with the time limit the patient has set.

My first questions would be:

1. What are the bare necessities that I need to focus on in these sessions given the time limitations?

2. How soon do I begin to introduce some strengthening/resistance work into the sessions?