Today’s episode takes a deep dive into a topic that affects many lives: Parkinson’s disease. Our special guest is Garry Lavis, a seasoned massage therapist with over 23 years of experience, who is currently working on developing a specialised protocol for treating people with Parkinson’s disease through massage therapy. His journey from a diesel mechanic to a successful massage therapist is inspiring, and his insights into working with people living with this debilitating condition are invaluable.

Garry’s Journey: From Mechanics to Massage

Garry’s career in massage therapy didn’t start in the most conventional way. At the age of 16, he began working as a diesel mechanic, maintaining and repairing heavy machinery such as cranes, trucks, and buses. However, after years of working in this physically demanding and often isolating field, he realised he wanted more from his career and life.

While living in Canada, Garry began competing in triathlons, where many of his training partners were massage therapists. They encouraged him to pursue massage, which sparked his interest in human anatomy and body mechanics. He later returned to Australia, where he completed a Diploma in Remedial Massage at Loftus TAFE in Sydney.

Since then, Garry has owned and operated several successful multidisciplinary clinics. However, as time passed, he sold off his practices and transitioned to working as a mobile massage therapist, primarily serving tradespeople in the Lake Macquarie area. His focus now is on simplicity and providing high-quality care without the stresses of managing a large clinic.

Transitioning to Parkinson’s Care

Garry’s work with clients living with Parkinson’s disease began somewhat unexpectedly. One of his regular clients had a husband diagnosed with Parkinson’s and asked if Garry would be willing to treat him. This request led Garry to immerse himself in researching the disease, consulting with physiotherapists, general practitioners, and other professionals to learn how massage therapy could help manage Parkinson’s symptoms.

The results were remarkable. Garry discovered that massage therapy could significantly alleviate many symptoms of Parkinson’s, particularly those related to motor control and mobility. Over time, Garry’s practice grew to include several clients living with Parkinson’s, and he found immense satisfaction in providing relief and improving their quality of life.

Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding the Condition

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in motor function. The disease’s most recognisable symptoms include tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and impaired balance. As the disease progresses, these symptoms worsen, making daily activities increasingly difficult for those affected.

Unfortunately, Parkinson’s has no cure, and its progression is inevitable. People with Parkinson’s often face a range of physical and emotional challenges, making managing the disease complex. While there are various treatments available, including medications and physiotherapy, massage therapy has gained recognition as a beneficial tool in managing symptoms and improving the overall well-being of those living with the disease.

The Role of Massage in Parkinson’s Care

One of the key takeaways from Garry’s experience working with Parkinson’s clients is the importance of personalised care. Each client presents unique challenges depending on their stage of the disease and individual symptoms. Massage therapists must adapt their approach to meet each client’s specific needs.

According to Garry, the primary goal when working with Parkinson’s clients is to improve their range of mobility. Stiffness and immobility are major concerns, and massage can help alleviate muscle tightness, improve flexibility, and provide much-needed relaxation. He emphasises that while there may be no cure for Parkinson’s, massage can offer immense relief and improve a client’s quality of life.

One of the challenges Garry faces when treating Parkinson’s clients is the severity of tremors. In some cases, clients may shake so intensely that they almost fall off the massage table. Medication timing plays a significant role here, as clients who take their medication before a session tend to experience fewer tremors, making it easier for Garry to work on their muscles.

Emotional and Physical Demands

Working with clients who have Parkinson’s can be emotionally demanding. Many clients know that Parkinson’s is a progressive and incurable disease, and for some, it’s a death sentence. This reality can lead to emotional conversations, and Garry has had clients open up about their fears of not living to see their grandchildren or watching their children grow up.

It’s not just the physical aspects of the disease that take a toll; the emotional strain is equally profound. Garry has learned to listen more than talk during his sessions. He allows his clients to express their thoughts and feelings without offering solutions. This compassionate approach helps clients feel heard and understood, which is crucial in their journey.

Working with Other Health Professionals

Garry believes in the importance of collaboration between massage therapists and other health professionals. In his earlier years as a clinic owner, he worked alongside physiotherapists, psychologists, podiatrists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care to his clients. This multidisciplinary approach, he says, is essential when working with Parkinson’s clients.

For example, Garry notes that massage therapy and chiropractic care often complement each other. Clients who receive regular massage therapy often experience better results from chiropractic adjustments because massage helps to relieve muscle tension, making it easier for chiropractors to perform manipulations.

Developing a Parkinson’s Protocol for Massage Therapists

One of Garry’s current projects is developing a specialised training module for massage therapists who want to work with clients living with Parkinson’s. He recognises that there is no formal certification or protocol in place for this type of work and aims to fill that gap.

The module will cover essential topics such as:

• Safety protocols for treating clients with tremors and mobility issues
• Understanding the psychological and emotional impact of Parkinson’s
• Managing client expectations and building trust
• Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals
• Addressing common physical symptoms such as frozen shoulder, stiffness, and tremors

Garry is in the early stages of developing this program and hopes to make it available within the next few years. He’s passionate about ensuring that massage therapists are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective care for clients living with Parkinson’s.

Conclusion: A Compassionate Approach to Parkinson’s Care

Garry Lavis’ work with clients living with Parkinson’s highlights the significant role massage therapy can play in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. His personalised approach, combined with his ongoing efforts to develop specialised training, will no doubt help massage therapists better serve this unique and growing client base.

Garry’s journey is a testament to the power of massage therapy not just as a physical treatment but as a compassionate and holistic approach to healthcare. As Parkinson’s continues to affect more lives worldwide, his work is helping to pave the way for a more integrated and supportive approach to managing the disease.

For those interested in learning more about working with Parkinson’s clients, Garry encourages therapists to reach out and start a conversation. As he says, “The more input and collaboration we have, the better equipped we will be to provide the best care possible.”

Connect with Garry: ⁠⁠president@massagemyotherapy.com.au⁠