Dancing as therapy for PD.

[Ianfrizell]

Hi all

This is a link to my vlog about dancing as therapy for PD.

youtu.be/ll6mJHk2ORg(Not working as expected?)

Cheers,

Ian

[ElliotGreen]

I usually dance once or twice a week at 5 Rhythms or Movement Medicine sessions. I enjoy it and it helps me. Free body movement the way it wants to go. I always feel better.

[JAS9]

Free-form extemporaneous dancing is wonderful. I first discovered it in college and I re-discovered the freedom of it 4 years ago (7 years after dx). Granted, I'm not quite as spry as I once was, but I don't do it to entertain or impress anyone; I do it because it somehow frees up my muscles. In fact, I usually wait for my wife to go to bed before I put on my bluetooth headphones and let myself go.

[M1tz1 in reply to JAS9]

Please explain about your 'free-form...dancing', JAS9. As I am unsteady on my legs, would it be helpful or risky? I live alone. Moreover, there's not much space in my small home but I'd love to dance again in some form.

[JAS9 in reply to M1tz1]

You can do as little or as much as you feel safe doing. You might want to start by just moving your hands to the beat. Although I do it when nobody's watching, I do make sure someone's within "hollerin" range just in case.

Once you get the hands going, try doing something (really anything) with your feet. Hold onto something solid if you feel you should. If you're still wanting more, move with your feet for a beat and then your hands, but not together at first. You get the idea!

Here's a good book about it:

barnesandnoble.com/p/goodby...

[M1tz1 in reply to JAS9]

Thank you so much for this advice, JAS9. Frankly, since my husband died last year I have been battling depression (he was my best friend) and I know that some form of dancing would help. You've been a great encouragement. Bless you.

[M1tz1]

Thank you for the welcome reminder of how my late PwP husband and I used to enjoy dancing, Ian. My retirement village has chair-gym to music but it would be liberating to be able to dance again. I have diagnosed intentional tremor but have not approached a doctor about my gait and balance problems (no arm swing either)--no point, at 84. I have to use a stick. I do exercise in some form daily.

[Beckey]

Come on in, Ian -- the water's fine! After all, your peers are not pros, but other people with Parkinson's, most of whom have little or no dance experience.

I take dance classes for people with Parkinson's and not only enjoy the company but come out feeling energized and more confident in my movement.

Thanks for another enlightening video. I always look forward to these.