Archive for October, 2010

Oct 29 2010

TMJ Misalignments and Parkinson’s

Published by under tmj

I listened to your interview with Cheryl.  WOW. There are articles on the internet that discuss TMJ and its relationship to motor skills, as well as the usual headaches, ear ringing, back and neck ache, fibromalgia, shoulder pain etc.

It kind of makes me think of TMJ correction as a myofascial release for the jaws where the condyles house the nerves and blood vessels.  As usual, and thru reading various myofascial release lit its exactly the same idea that the body affect somewhere isn’t exactly where one feels the pain but further up the body in another location.

The TMJ joint is one of if not the most used joint in the body. We hold tension surrounding it, we use it when speaking or chewing gum. We even grind teeth at night keeping it active.  It’s got a lot of nerves running through the condyl part of it.  It even has its own little disc for cushioning.

I can see why misalignment would cause problems all over the body.  I know if one part of me is out of whack, it makes me  feel bad all over.  So maybe  some relief or complete relief is possible if we paid more attention to our jaw then to our teeth on dentist check ups.

Myofascial massage therapists in general are hard to locate if you need help for knots.  It’s  special training and not many have heard of it.  Sort of like the 50 or so dentists that specialize in TMJ correction that Cheryl mentioned.

I believe that the causes of PD symptoms are multifaceted like trauma, both psychological, environment and physical.  TMJ correction sounds like something that should be researched.  I’m calling the Parkinson resource people Cheryl mentioned for the symposium in Indian Wells in January.

TMJ correction makes the most sense to me of all the stuff I’ve seen on PD.  I know my jaw is wacky.  I can feel it.  I’ve started getting ear ringing now ever so often.  TMJ correction works by bringing the lower jaw forward and retraining it if I understand it  right.   I’m totally excited about this whole concept.

Thank you Robert for everything you do !!!!!

Monica

No responses yet

Oct 28 2010

Road to Recovery

Published by under road to recovery

The publisher of Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease is offering an October discount of 20% off all books ordered. If you want the paperback to cozy up with – this is a good time to act.  For more information about the book visit:

http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

To claim the 20% discount, enter trick305 on the coupon field of the shopping cart.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

No responses yet

Oct 28 2010

Brain Fitness Program – 50% Discount Until Tomorrow Only

Published by under brain,brain fitness

I just learned that the Posit Science Corporation has a 50% discount off of their Brain Fitness Program which is good through Thursday, October 28th.They offer these discounts rarely and randomly. Enter the following coupon code to claim your 50% discount on the Brain Fitness Program: OCT199

Think Faster.Focus Better. Remember More. Posit Science brain fitness programs, clinically validated

The program consists of a disk which the company sends to you. You put the disk into your computer and presto – you are on your way to helping your neural networks create new pathways.  The program consists of 40 hours of exercises that challenge your neural networks to create new pathways.

I have no hesitation to recommend this program because it has a mountain of carefully crafted science behind it and there is a 90 day money back guarantee. If the program does not help – you get 100% of your money back. Regular price is $395. When you use the coupon on the shopping cart, the price is only $199.

Click on the link below to order. Again enter the code OCT199 on the shopping cart to claim your 50% discount. This program is well worth the price without the discount. With the discount, it is the bargain of the year.

Everyone in your family can use it. Your friends can use it. Your support group can use it.

Today is a good day to take action if you want to give your brain the nourishment it needs to remain healthy. People who are recovering take action. People who are feeling worse every week sit around and think about what they can do to feel better.

Think Faster.Focus Better. Remember More. Posit Science brain fitness programs, clinically validated

There are other programs listed on the link above. The 50% discount applies to the program titled “Brain Fitness Program” and to the Total Fitness Program which includes all of their brain exercises.

I just learned about the offer today. They come up quickly and they vanish quickly.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

No responses yet

Oct 27 2010

Angela’s Story

Angela is my guest on the radio show this week. As you can ascertain from her story below, she has had a fascinating journey on the road to recovery.

Angela will be available to answers questions from listeners on Thursday from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm pacific time.  Call the following toll free number to talk with her:1 (877) 590-0733 or visit the Parkinsons Recovery radio page here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

Angela’s History

Work as a freelance professional engineer in the pulp and paper industry. Based near Vancouver BC but work mainly overseas, particularly in Chile and in New Zealand.

In 2009, I won the Beloit Prize, the highest honour for engineering in the pulp and paper industry.

Have had previous training as a therapist in Hakomi body centered psychotherapy.

Was a trainer in “Living Love” method as described by Ken Keyes Junior in his book “The Power of Unconditional Love” and others. Ken taught that true happiness is uncaused, that no one or nothing is ever made us upset are unhappy. This is really good news since I realized I could change myself whereas it is impossible to change anyone else.

Living Love has really helped me with my PD. I don’t have to demand that I not have it, with all the attendant negative emotions. I can prefer to be PD free and work to that goal without negativity.

For many years, was an adept meditator. Spent much of my spare time on the spiritual journey visiting spiritual communities around the world.

My hobby and passion is fine wine. I am a past president of the American Wine Society. I know that many people with PD have lost their ability to smell but I still have mine. The result of long, intense training?

My outlook on life is decidedly optimistic. I am a “reverse paranoid” as I believe that everyone is out there to make me happy!

2006

First symptoms 2006 at age 59: cramped handwriting and frozen right shoulder.

Over the years my handwriting has remained cramped but my right shoulder has thawed. The tremor in my right hand has increased from virtually nothing in 2006 to intermittently bothersome in 2010.

Saw a neurologist in December 2006. Possible Parkinson’s. I rejected this out of hand as it was obvious that I have a “pinched nerve”.

Part of me still wants to believe the pinched nerve theory.

2007

Went for a second opinion. Saw another neurologist in May 2007. Diagnosis: idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. This was a terrible moment in my life as the urologist was almost gleeful when he told me what I had, as if he had solved some great mystery. I felt like I had been shot with a cannon.

On the recommendation of my neurologist, I started on Mirapex, a dopamine agonist. Dreadful side effects: somnolence, insomnia, nausea. Just about everything except compulsive gambling. I stopped taking Mirapex after four weeks and vowed to never again take a Parkinson’s medication.

It is as if the Mirapex put a “hole” in my brain. It took over three years for this to be repaired. I would classify Mirapex is a neurotoxin.

Desired third opinion. Had a PET scan at the Inglewood imaging center in LA. Supported diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Finally accepted that I had PD and decided to defy rather than deny it.

Having read that exercise is the “best medicine” for PD decided to get serious about it. Started running. Started going to the gym. Hired a personal trainer. Within four months I had lost nearly 50 pounds and became a lean, not-so-mean, fighting machine.

I exercise regimen at the gym typically consists of 30 min. of cardio (upright bike), 30 min. on the weights, and 30 min. of stretching.

My personal trainer concentrates on keeping all of my muscle groups functional. She also includes many balance exercises. Balance on my right leg is not as good as on my left but at least I still have it.

I regained use of right shoulder by numerous injections of prolotherapy, although my right arm remained significantly impaired.

Prolotherapy is merely the injection of dextrose into the tendons. This irritates the tendon and stimulates blood flow to the area. It really hurts! But after two months I could raise my arm that was formerly just hanging at my side.

I was introduced to kickboxing by my personal trainer. Found that I enjoyed it very much.

They usually have 2×30 min. sessions of kickboxing a week. Kickboxing also feels good and I believe it is the cyclic vibrations from alternating job-crosses, right hooks-left hooks, right kicks-left kicks, that keep my movements stabilized. I particularly like hitting a dummy that I have named “Mr. Parkinson”.

On the recommendation of a friend, I started playing tennis again (I had to stop due to my frozen shoulder) using my left arm instead of my right. Soon after, however, I regained the use of my right arm. Now, I have two forehands and a left-handed serve.

I now visit Florida for two months each year where I engage a tennis coach every other day to put me through my paces. When I am on the court, I can run like the wind, and have no problems moving sideways or forwards or backwards or running. As soon as I leave the court, my PD symptoms return. I wish I could play tennis 24/7.

2008

Saw Jon Stossel, Canada’s top PD researcher at the University of British Columbia. With him, I feel that I am being provided with the best service available from standard Western medicine.

I see Jon Stossel once a year.

Became a patient of ND Caleb Ng of Mountainview Wellness Center in Surrey BC. Introduced to protocol of Dr. David Perlmutter, the “renegade neurologist”. Embraced Perlmutter’s protocol of supplements for neuroprotection of Parkinson’s patients. This included co-enzyme Q10, omega-3, B-complex, N-acetyl cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, and others.

I have been taking intravenous glutathione once or twice-weekly. I began with 1400 mg but am now taking 2500 mg each time. Quite frankly, I have never noticed any of the miraculous improvements shown in Perlmutter’s videos.

Caleb also started me on chelation therapy as urinalysis revealed high contents of lead and mercury. I had about a dozen sessions but then have stopped. I understand that dozens of sessions are necessary for any improvement to be realized.

2009

While visiting my Hakomi teacher in Ashland, Oregon, I found out about the Center for Natural Healing in Ashland where herbalist Donnie Yance had a botanical protocol for PD. In late July, 2009, I commenced his protocol for botanicals and supplements. Botanicals included Mucuna pruriens, Withania somnifera, turmeric, and others. Additional supplements included vitamin D3, zinc, selenium, and others.

After one year on the Donnie Yance botanical protocol, I decided to stop taking Mucuna and NADH as neither of these appear to offer any therapeutic benefit whatsoever.

I am about to start using henbane, a botanical anticholinergic, in an attempt to reduce the tremors. The grand experiment is yet to begin however.

In June, 2009, I became a member of PatientsLikeMe.com (patient name: Dawn Angel). I also joined 23andMe.com where I learned that I did not have the LRRK gene for Parkinson’s.

In September, 2009, I visited John Coleman in Australia. The recommended that I go on a strict diet: gluten-free, dairy-free, coffee-free, sugar-free, peanut-free, cashew-free, and so on. He also recommended that a begin taking the Aquas. For therapy, he recommended Bowen.

I have recently stopped taking the Aquas as I have never noticed any benefit from it.

I had several sessions of Bowen therapy. Very relaxing. Not as effective as IMS (see below).

While working in New Zealand, I found a very good osteopath who was able to effect incredible improvement in my tremors.

Osteopathy is mostly hands-free bodywork. I have no idea how or why it works, but it does.

In December, 2009, I attended Robert Rodger’s “Jump Start to Wellness” in Olympia Washington. This is where I first learned that there were other people interested in getting well.

2010

A check of my free cortisol rhythm revealed that my cortisol levels were very low throughout the day. This is characteristic of “adrenal fatigue”. The only problem was, I remained high-energy and was not fatigued in the least, however, I began taking the supplement called “Adrenal Support”.

In January and February of 2010 I had a 10-session course of Hellerwork, a form of myofascial release. Very good.

Hellerwork is closely related to Rolfing. Over the 10 sessions my practitioner literally massaged all the fascia of my body. It felt great to have stiffened muscles worked upon. I return for an occasional tune-up.

I found a practitioner of intramuscular stimulation (IMS), who has been able to read awaken muscles that had become shortened due to disuse. This has been the most effective therapy of all for me.

IMS involves needling as in acupuncture but the needles are applied to the tendons instead of to fictional meridians. The benefits of IMS are immediate and last for at least several days. I see my physiotherapist weekly.

Despite improvements in my mobility and strength, the tremors in my right hand had become noticeably worse, especially when I visit either an M.D. or a neurologist. The tremors would go away as soon as they left their offices. This is clearly a manifestation of “white coat syndrome”.

I revisited John Coleman in May, 2010. He commented that tremors were the last symptom to go away for him.

After hearing about the possible benefits of neurofeedback for PD, I had a EEG done and found that my dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was not producing theta waves. I have since had six sessions of neurofeedback and have noticed improvement.

In a session, an electrode is applied to my scalp in the location of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. I listened to soothing sounds through headphones. When that part of my brain is active I hear the sounds. When it is in active, I hear only static. The reward is the sound and the brain actively creates the ability to hear the sound without intervention on my part.

I purchased a small unit for cranial electrostimulation (CES). This applies a very small current through my head by means of electrodes clamped to my earlobes. I find it very relaxing; indeed, it is a form of meditation. Since my diagnosis with PD, meditation has not come easy to me.

In October, 2010, I visited France where I completely abandoned my dietary protocol and gorged myself on foie gras, croissant’s, baguettes, rich cheeses, exotic desserts, café au lait, and other forbidden foods. After one week I felt better than I have in three years. Go figure, who would’ve thought there was such a thing as the “French Cure”! Vive la hedonism!

Angela

No responses yet

Oct 26 2010

This May Be a Little Premature But …

This may be a little premature but I am so excited I had to write you. First of all I want to thank you for your dedication in helping so many people out there with Parkinsons or should I say people with Parkinsons like symptoms. You truly are an angel.

I was diagnosed with Parkinsons about 13 years ago and have been struggling with this awful disease since. I am a nurse and had to leave my job about a year ago. I have done every alternative Rx you could think of. I started listening to your radio show over a year ago and even attended your jump start program in 2009. So I have had the pleasure in meeting you. My symptoms started getting worse and the medication Sinemet was not helping – leaving me very fatigued and not able to walk across the room without assistance.

Then about a week my husband saw a old friend and he purchased some honey and bee pollen from him. I might add this guy is a bee keeper and has his own honey and pollen. Well I started taken a spoon full of pollen with a spoon of his honey and I swear I felt a little better the next day, so I have been faithfully take a spoon of each every morning and feel it given me a lot more energy.

Then I came across your interview with Cheryl which was a blessing. I really believe God put us in the places we need to be at the right time and we all need to tune into our higher self. Listening to Cheryl’s story really interested me because her story sounded a lot like mine. I actually called in and spoke with her. I was the last caller Rose.

I immediately called the Parkinsons Resource Center and talked to Ms Rosen and she got back with me. Since I live in Maryland she suggested I see Dr Branden Stack in VA. And as it turns out he is the Guru of this treatment. I made an appointment and saw him today.

OMG, after his examination he told me my jaw was grossly out of alignment – he stated 1 inch – and immediately gave me an order to get a mri which I immediately went next door and tried to get it done on the same day but could not. I have to wait and get it done tomorrow afternoon. Dr Stack says he can help me.

So I know it is a little premature, but I have a gut feeling this is my answer to getting my life back as Cheryl so summed it up in those words. I will keep in touch and let you know my progress. Like I said my mri is tomorrow and my TMJ might have to be corrected with TMJ surgery which is minor. When I think of all the years and all the money I wasted, although I take that back, this was a learning experience and I am truly a different person today because of it. THANK YOU ROBERT.

Rose

2 responses so far

Oct 22 2010

Parkinsons Recovery Magazine

Published by under Parkinsons Recovery Magazine

The first issue of the Parkinsons Recovery Magazine is hot off the press. Enter your e mail address to receive email newsletters. The field to enter your e mail address can be found at the top right of this blog.

The first newsletter you receive will include an attachment of the Parkinsons Recovery magazine articles by individuals who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons.  Physical therapy Kevin Lockette has a helpful article, as does Dr. Jaroslav Boublik, an international expert on hydration.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

No responses yet

Oct 22 2010

Correct a Jaw Misalignment & Get Immediate Symptom Relief

Published by under tmj

Some people are discovering to their delight that when a dentist corrects a misalignment in their jaw through use of an oral appliance – their symptoms show a dramatic and immediate improvement. I interviewed one such person during my radio show this week.  Cheryl  described the results of the appliance she now uses to be a miracle.

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the radio show this week, it is worth taking the time to tune in. Cheryl experienced benefits from the dental appliance the day she began using it. You can listen to the radio show by visiting:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

Or – you can download the show from itunes. Simply run a search on Parkinsons Recovery.

As a result of my radio show this week I have received an explosion of emails and phone calls requesting additional information about dentists who are trained to correct the jaw misalignment. Most of the inquiries ask about a dentist in their area who has the equipment and training to do examinations and make the appliance.

You can search for a dentist in your area by visiting the following website page:

http://www.aacfp.org/cgi-bin/loc.pl

This list is maintained by the American Academy of Cranial Facial Pain.

There is also a video which describes the treatment in some detail and includes an interview with a person who currently experiences the symptoms of Parkinson’s.  The interview itself happens about 12 minutes into the video.

The TMJ dental treatment addresses a variety of other medical problems (such as headaches, fatigue and high blood pressure). It is probably more accident than planning that the appliance has been found to benefit persons who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The link to the YouTube video is:

http://au.video.yahoo.com/watch/1538178

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery

No responses yet

Oct 20 2010

Cheryl’s Miracle

My name is Cheryl. I’m 52 and have been living with Parkinson’s for 10 years now. I will get right to the point. As of 1 month ago, my symptoms are reversing, diminishing, going away. I am healing every day.”

After 10 years of searching, Cheryl has at long last found a therapy which she describes as a miracle. Want to learn more about the miracle that has made a huge difference to the quality of Cheryl’s life? Tune into my radio show Thursday (tomorrow), October 21st, at 11:00 am pacific time (2 pm eastern time).

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

You can also call the following toll free number to talk with Cheryl: 877- 590-0733. Cheryl will tell her incredible story and answer questions from listeners.

I can promise you one thing: You will not be able to predict the therapy that has transformed her life.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

No responses yet

Oct 06 2010

How to Skip Around the Parkinsons Recovery Radio Shows

Question:

Hi Robert,

Is there any way to fast forward on your archived shows?

Thanks!

Response:

Yes indeed there is. First, visit the radio show website here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com

Where it says “search blogtalkradio.com” type in “Parkinsons Recovery” and hit enter.

You will then see on your screen the most recent Parkinsons Recovery shows that have aired. You will have to scroll back to see shows that aired over several months ago. All shows are archived.

Notice that on each show page, you can choose one of two possible links – a “Play” link and a “Download” link.  Find the show that interests you. Right click on the “Download” link. (The Play link will not let you skip around).

You will then be prompted to save the show on your computer.  Save the show in a folder you can remember – or create a special folder where you can save all the shows you want to hear.

Once the show is saved on your computer [it will have a .mp3 designation) simply click on the file. Your computer will bring up a player you can use to scroll forward and backward. Or, you can download the file to a MO3 player and listen while you exercise.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

No responses yet

Oct 06 2010

Remedies for Slow Movement

Published by under mobility challenges

Question:

I am wondering about how to deal with slow movement. I never hear this question addressed. Are there any ways to overcome this? It is my worst symptom. People tell me I move very gingerly.

Thank you for your help.

Karen

Response:

The big picture is the reprogram your neural networks. It appears that your movements are being controlled by neural pathways that are a bit rusty.

There is no reason for panic! The brain has an incredible capacity to reconfigure pathways. You just have to begin moving a bit differently to configure the new pathways which will make walking easier and require less effort on your part.

First, I suggest that you listen to my interview with Professional Dancer Pamela Quinn from New York City. Pamela offers a number of suggestions you should find helpful. You can find her program from last week by visiting the Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network page below:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

Second, I suggest that you add a little music (with a nice hefty beat) when you walk. Use an MP3 player or IPOD  or something portable. Find some music you like to listen to which has a marching type of beat. Music with a strong beat does wonders for movements that are slow and cumbersome. Michael Jackson recorded some great songs with incredible beats you can dance to.

Third, there are a number of brain challenge exercises and programs which provide great ways to forge new  neural pathways. You might try out a few. They always have free ones to try out on the websites. I posted information on one such program on this blog September 30th from Posit Science which is backed by sound research.

Fourth, inside of thinking of walking from point A to point B, think to yourself that you will dance from Point A to Point B. You may be surprised by the difference created by the different in thought forms.

Let us know what turns out to help!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinson’s Disease News

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery
Meditations for Parkinsons

No responses yet

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