Category Archives: road to recovery

Natural Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease

Question:

What other therapies do you recommend aside from the food aspect?
Gino

Response:

The thrust of my research has been to cast a wide net to identify any and all therapies that help persons who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons. After five years of a focused search, I am happy to report that I have succeeded in identifying dozens and dozens of natural, safe and nonintrusive therapies that people with Parkinson’s symptoms tell me help them immensely. To my surprise, I have not found very many therapies that do not have a positive impact to some degree.

The nature of your question is tied to several underlying assumptions. First, you assume that Parkinsons disease is caused by one and only one imbalance in the body. I disagree. There are a multitude of factors that create neurological symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. For many people, more than one  factor is present. The particular therapies that can help will be driven by the conditions that are causing  the neurological symptoms. There are no easy solutions of fixes.

Many potential therapies exist that will and do help depending on the circumstances that are present. This was the motivating impetus to sponsor the Parkinsons Recovery Summit last week in Vancouver, Washington which was free.

Twelve different therapies were represented. Therapists volunteered their time to give free treatments and consultations to all who attended. It was a historic event for all persons currently experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Second, you assume that I have a list of therapies that people should pursue if they expect to get well. That is, you assume that I promote a program of recovery. I am well aware that some medical professionals offer a very  specific protocol to treat the symptoms and that some of these programs are successful.

I am not a medical care professional. I am a researcher. As such, my job is to find the people who are figuring out solutions that are working for them and let others know about it.

I have just finished updating my book, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease. The book offers a detailed description of the many therapies that are helping people who currently experience the symptoms of  Parkinson’s. If I were to offer a full and complete answer to your question I would now be writing a post that is 330 pages long – which is the length of the 2011 edition of Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease.

Yes – there are many opportunities to get well. Seize the opportunities and you will begin to feel better day by day.

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

Symptoms Getting Worse – What Can I Do?

Question:

I have been suffering from PD for last four years (Started at the age 50). Currently I am on Apo_Pramipexold 3x1mg and Azilect 1x1mg. Tremor is under control and can walk easily but the problem I am facing now is that when I wake up its very difficult to get out of bed. I tried Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Massage therapy but situation is going to worsen day by day.

Any suggestion of exercise or home remedy may be welcomed

I Abbasi

Response:

My hunch is that movement will help the most right now – any movement be it dance, walking, swimming, weight lifting, forced exercise – you name it. Perhaps your physiotherapist might have some great recommendations on exercise that might help you in particular.

I received a call yesterday from a women who was diagnosed about the same time as you. She tells me she is doing great. No one would ever know she had Parkinsons given her symptoms are not evident to anyone.  How does she do it? She explains – exercise! The more the better.

My initial reaction is to suggest that you begin to move your body as often as possible – every day. Most of the therapies you have explored require passive participation on your part. Why not become more active?

What else might I recommend? The therapies you have considered so far represent a very small number of the natural and safe therapies you can consider in addition to the medications.  I have now documented 44 therapies that have given people currently experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson’s relief in one form or another. I discuss these many therapies in my book, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease.

Parkinsons Recovery is sponsoring a Summit March 7th. Why not join us? You will hear directly from people stories about what they are doing to recover.

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

Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease Now on Amazon’s Kindle

My new book was just released on Amazon’s Kindle today for the magnificent price of $9.99. If you already have a Kindle – you can acquire the book by visiting Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease.

A Kindle is a device sold by Amazon which you can use to read books which are all very reasonably priced. If you do not yet own a kindle, you can purchase one for Amazon’s new reduced price of only $139. Click on he  link below for the details if you are interested in buying a Kindle so you can my new book on Kindle.

Exciting News of Recovery

Good morning Robert.

I am as high as the 4th of July – no pun intended. I saw my neurologist yesterday – he is the head of the Movement Disorder Clinic in Vancouver, BC. They could find very few symptoms of Parkinson’s and were quite amazed. He said that the neurosurgeon who will call me about DBS surgery will probably say that I am doing too well!

I did keep asking them if they wanted to know why I was doing so well and I mentioned antioxidants, change in attitude, changes in diet and increased exercises … There were two nurses in the room who are also with this program and at the end of the appointment I asked them if they wanted to talk with me but they declined. I just hope that I have planted some seeds for change here.

I thought you two would be interested in the remarks of my holistic physiotherapist who I have been seeing for 12 years – she has been super for me.

Marilyn, huge congratulations! That is fantastic news and I know you will find the people who are receptive to your message to pass it on to. You’ve done great healing with your intention, positivity and openness to what is possible.

You’re a great role model of the healing journey and I’m very appreciative that you have shared part of your journey with me.


Thank you.

Warmth and Light,

Sharon

Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

I just received permission to post the following review of my new book, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease :

[www.parkinsonsdisease.me] .

It is a thrill for me to learn that Denise’s husband is getting quick relief from his symptoms from applying just a few of the suggestions offered in the book.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Your book ROAD TO RECOVERY is a gold mine of information. Fortunately  you are a researcher without any attachment to a corporation or institution. This freedom gives you the chance to have a larger vision of what it takes to recover our health and wellness.

You really do a good job.  That is the way  we can change the world and bring a new paradigm.  We just start reading book.  After 4 days of applying a few of your suggestions, we already have results.  Thank you for new  hope for my husband and me.

Denise

Another on the Road to Recovery

Just a quick note to tell you that after the cruise I was feeling so much better that I went off Sinemet

It’s been 20 days and so far I’m feeling better and better.  I think I’m on the right track. I also think it’s because I learned useful information  from your Jump Start Program and the cruise.  I wanted to thank you again for your efforts

Thanks and I’ll  keep you updated

Tom Harrelson

One More Letter from One Who is Recovering

You are getting some fascinating letters from others who are recovering – so good to know. I have quit leading 2 groups in the valley and now have more time to recover.

Suzanne Jonas’s Cd’s are marvelous and make a real difference. Randy Mentzer is helping with nutrition, medications and supplements.

The biggest change was the experience on the cruise of a deep knowing that I am getting better. I won’t be at Jump Start in Oct, though – too close to Mom’s big birthday bash. It will be a 3 day affair with over 120 people invited, she is so pumped. I do know where I get my stick to it attitude and she really enjoyed meeting you and the group. Thanks for making her feel special.

Marilyn

Restless Leg Syndrome

Dear Robert,

I have been diagnosed with PD in late 2007 and I am frequently listening to your radioblog. I am writing because I have gotten rid of RLS [restless leg syndrome] and some others may be helped too by following a similar path.

I am following the 12 step program of John Coleman for symptom reduction and have weekly sessions in Joga, Boxing, Gym and have a daily walking routine. Improvements were very slow and after consulting a new neurologist in 2009, I started to take 3 times a day 3/4th of one Madopar Tablet (Levodopa+Benserazide 200mg/50mg). I started to feel a bit better but because of RLS problems I could not sleep and in spite of eating well, I did not gain my proper body weight.

In mid-September 2009, following the advice of my neurologist, I started taking 1/2 tablet Mornings and Mid-Day, and one tablet in the evening of 0.50mg tablets of Sifrol (Pramipexole hydrochloride) a day in addition to Madopar. Within a week the RLS disappeared and I started to get back some of my earlier strength and my appropriate body weight.

I am very happy, feel very positive. I can easily take care of myself and travel extensively, and returning from four weeks in Uzbekistan, I listened to your Stories from People on the Road to Recovery and the interview with John Gold.

I leave it up to you if you want to pass on my note and wish you more success with your great work

Sincerely

Urs Sieber

Spiritual Growth from Parkinson’s

I have just returned from a trip to the Rocky Mountains in Jasper Alberta – attending a friend’s daughter’s wedding. It was a 9 hour car ride that I was dreading that turned out very positive. I took along Suzanne’s Cd’s and my portable player, drank in the splendor and generally felt very well.

How do I  tell people about the spiritual growth that is happening for me that is making all the difference. Physical symptoms just seem to be insignificant – the peace and joy I am experiencing is awesome.

Thank you for the cruise and your program. I very much felt a community of people committed to Recovering and also supporting each other – a solid foundation. I am no longer frantic to tell my story, rather I will spend my time doing the work I need to and sharing with those who are interested – it is so freeing up.

Marilyn

Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Hi  Robert:

We have corresponded before. I  live in Victoria BC. My name is Linda Ralph. I have had symptoms of PD for 12+ years now.

First let me say that I just finished reading your book on Parkinson’s: On The Road To Recovery AND IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!

I loved the way  you presented it in a clear, concise, easy – to- read fashion, so that even I could  understand it from cover to cover.(Ha.) At last a hands- on reference book for Parkis that is useful. Yeah!

Because of the chosen format, the wealth and variety of information, the adaptable index and contents, readers like myself, can access pertinent  information readily, or, if not, be shown alternative ways to gain such information. Good stuff.

I really enjoyed the inclusion of the anectodes of others who had/have this condition. Reading their stories, as well as listening to the guests that are featured on your radio show, have provided me with some new ideas and strategies that I would like to try. And hearing the success stories of those
who are completely free of the symptoms of Parkinson’s – well – that’s  my kind of reading. Yes!

The  Q. and A. section was personal and informative and  reminded me, and probably other readers as well, of some of  the same questions that we too  have pondered at some time or another along our way. Such questions are real.

Most importantly I think that your book provides Parkis and their family members with some HOPE in a society where doctors are still professing, even today, much gloom and doom to the newly diagnosed. And, HOPE where there is depression, anger, resentment, pain and lack of understanding about this condition.

I have already lent my book to a newly diagnosed friend of mine. I just wish that I had been given a copy way back in 1998 when I was first diagnosed. Perhaps my bout of depression, brought on by: fear, hopelessness, misinformation, and by the way my doctors treated me at that time could have been avoided. (Who knows?)

What you ARE NOT  providing for those of us with this condition is  a cure. And some may say,”Darn.”(or maybe something a wee bit stronger.)  But what  I am saying that you ARE providing, is something to hold onto. Something tangible that Parkis can use to fight their symptoms right now and in the future, a reference book that those of us with the symptoms of Parkinson’s and our families can pick up, look inside and maybe  find an idea or two that may just work. And dare I say maybe  glean just  enough information, and try just hard enough, to recover completely from this condition.

Thank you so much for this book. And  thanks to your staff, who worked alongside you to help you reach your goal. And thanks to you for all the work that you have done and continue to do  for those of us with this condition.

You are appreciated!

Linda Ralph

Linda gave me permission to post her review of my new book on the blog. You can find more details about Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease by visiting: http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

If you order Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease on April 1st, enter the coupon savings  code “aprilfools” (without the quotes) on the shopping cart for a 10% discount. The discount is only valid if you order on April Fools Day (April 1st) – and this is no joke!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Parkinsons Eye Problems
Vibroacoustic Therapy
Jump Start to Wellness
Parkinsons Recovery Radio CDs
Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room
Symptom Tracker
Parkinsons Recovery Radio Network
Daily News about Parkinson’s Disease

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

Power Within to Get Relief from the Symptoms of Parkinson’s

I received the e mail below last night from Danny. It makes my heart sing to know that my new book, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease [http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me]  is having a positive impact on people who are on the Road to Recovery.

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

Your book, Road to Recovery is absolutely phenomenal.  I’ve only read the first 50 pages and I can’t put it down.  I had to force myself to take a break and write you this email.  During my 10+ years with Parkinson’s, I have had doctors, family members, support group friends and personal friends insisting that with Parkinson’s I will get progressively worse as time goes by until I am eventually completely disabled.
.

How refreshing to finally find someone who tells me that that is not necessarily the case, that I have the power within me to relieve my symptoms and to heal myself. I have always felt deep down that it is possible to get better and as you know I have made much progress in that direction through the use of tai chi.

In your book, you provide proof that it is indeed possible through a myriad of alternative approaches, with the research and stories of people who have been successful.You provide the information in such a positive and optimistic light, allowing the reader to experiment, discover, and develop his own Road to Recovery that is suitable for his own individual journey.

You encourage us to live life to the fullest, using our creative powers to experience the wonderful things that life has to offer us.  These are indeed the best years of our lives.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Danny