Author: Landtiser

There is growing evidence that the mind-body Chinese martial art of tai chi has great value in addressing some of Parkinson’s most problematic symptoms, like balance and falling.

Parkinson’s affects one’s proprioception, which is the ability to sense the position of your body in space. A report in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that tai chi helps train sensory neurons in the inner ear and stretch receptors in the muscles and ligaments which improve balance in people with Parkinson’s. Tai chi also improves muscle strength and flexibility, which makes it easier to recover from a stumble. A fear of falling makes you more likely to fall; tai chi can help reduce that fear.

Continue reading “The Health Benefits of Tai Chi for Parkinson’s Disease”

With the opening of our new gym last week, I have had a huge influx of new fighters. As I conduct the fighter’s initial evaluations for correct class placement, I am amazed at how many people are not aware of the complexity of Parkinson’s disease. I’ve always thought of myself as an educator first, and a forever student at the same time. My mentors are the researchers and my teachers are the people who actually navigate Parkinson’s in their own lives, both the “patient” and their family support team.

In the beginning, people me tell me they are doing fine with their PD and their symptoms are minimal and hardly noticeable. However, when they come in the door it’s obvious their symptoms are not minimal. They could actually be considered dangerous to themselves.

Continue reading “Is Parkinson’s Tricking You into Thinking You Are Moving Normally?”