What is ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), aka, Lou Gehrig's Disease?
ALS (called Lou Gehrig's Disease) is a motor neuron disease in which motor neurons in the spinal cord atrophy and die. As a result, they can no longer send nerve impulses to the muscles in the body. Since these nerve messages are necessary for the body to function properly, the eventual effect is weakening of the voluntary muscles of the body. In Greek, 'A' means 'NO' and 'MYO' refers to 'muscle' and 'TROPHIC' means 'nourishment.' In other words, amyotrophic means 'No muscle nourishment.'
There are many theories as to what causes ALS, yet the only valid, scientific evidence to date validates that ALS is not contagious, nor is it necessarily a genetically-inherited disease. The other 5-10% of ALS patients have 'Familial ALS' which simply means that there is a known relationship to another family member who has also been diagnosed with ALS. The average onset of ALS occurs at around age 55 and the average survival rate from time of diagnosis is 2-5 years, although many ALS sufferers have survived years beyond this due to scientific advances in respiratory and medical technologies.
Individuals with ALS have special needs as the course of the disease progresses. (ALS is a terminal disease.) As time goes on, caregiving becomes increasingly complex and challenging. The quality of life of the ALS patient depends upon well-coordinated healthcare team efforts as well as other support and advocacy programs that are available and in place for the patient and their caregivers.
I lost my sister, Barb to ALS in 2008 and I am especially concerned with the needs of ALS sufferers, as well as individuals dealing with chronic and long-term illnesses. Please feel free to speak with me regarding your health issues and concerns. All conversations are confidential and I will take the time to customize a session for your specialized needs.
Tell me about A Peaceful Journey Relaxation Center
A Peaceful Journey Massage Therapy echoes the needs of people who aspire to live life to its fullest in spite of debilitating or chronic illnesses. At our Center, we are intentional about designing our practice around palliative care clientele; emphasizing and honoring the particular needs of ALS individuals and their caregivers.
I am educated in anatomy, physiology and various integrative massage modalities that enables me to employ various massage therapy techniques in various settings. I am a passionate and mature professional who is sensitive to the intricacies of every individual. I am dedicated to creating a program of massage therapy that can be coordinated with your healthcare team and which is exclusively adapted for you. My compassionate and gentle approach keeps me attuned to helping you strategize each visit according to your individual needs. For guests with unique health concerns, I will formulate a schedule that honors and accommodates your needs and concerns. This assures a smoother and more peaceful and harmonic journey through whatever health issues you may be experiencing.
Further progress is needed to inform and guide families through progressive illnesses such as ALS. Moreover, today's baby boomers are earnest for preservation and quality of life. (Incidence of ALS is highest in this population). As a result, A Peaceful Journey Relaxation Center maintains a commitment to provide informed, genuine and compassionate massage therapy for populations such as these.
What is the usefulness of massage therapy to individuals (or others who suffer with chronic conditions) with ALS in a palliative care program format?
The course of ALS is unique to each person, once they are diagnosed, though most share a similar journey that is characteristically expected over the course of this illness. The benefits of therapeutic massage that is specifically intended for the ALS patients and used in conjunction with other therapies, is a valuable asset which can play a profoundly positive role in an individuals' life in terms of helping with coping mechanisms, reducing anxiety, assisting in circulatory issues, healing touch and much more. Massage therapy stands alone in its delivery and style of bodywork and touch. Detailed and developed strategies should include varying massage therapy protocols for these types of ailments that fall under the heading of palliative care.
What is Palliative Care?
In 2006, The American Board of Sub-Specialties named Palliative Care as an acknowledged and relevant field of medical practice. Palliative Care refers to supportive and comforting care versus healthcare that is designed to treat a particular disease process. Palliative Care involves a team of professionals who work together to nurture individual choices and to treat symptoms; facilitating and enhancing a person's quality of life.The distinction that massage therapy has in this venue is that it employs a combination of bodywork and touch therapies that play a vital role in allowing the patient and caregivers to embrace life on their own terms.
To read more about ALS and related issues such as current research, fundraising, volunteerism as well as other helpful information for families and friends of ALS-affected individuals, please visit: www.alsaco.org (The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the ALS Association)
