Stuck on Pause

By Dave F.

Hi Gary, I just found your Parkinson's online information a week ago or so. Your perspectives on a potential root cause of PD being related to trauma, stress, inhibited parasympathetic system, etc. seems synergistic with my path to address my PD. Although I do not call it PD anymore. I call it being "stuck on pause". I have a list of over 150 things I could be doing (does not include pharmaceuticals), and the therapy I am primarily focused on is based on the books "Recovery from Parkinson's" and " Stuck on Pause" by Janet Hadlock (available as pdf's on pdrecovery.org). While I address symptoms with 2 hrs of exercise daily, meditation, clean vegan diet, etc... my approach to recovery is getting unstuck. Unstuck from a norepinephrine/adrenaline based nervous system back to a parasympathetic/sympathetic balanced nervous system. Are you familiar with Hadlock's work? If so, what might be your perspective in relation to your findings? If not, I created a 2 page overview I can send if interested... or you can download the books for free.

Read More

Photobiomodulation or Red Light Therapy

By S.S. via email

I have late onset vascular Parkinsonism-diagnosed age 83, and came across Dr Catherine Hamilton’s blog redlightsonthebrain.blog. The author is a retired general practitioner who is involved in research in Australia. I have been using transcranial and intranasal lights for 5 months and have experienced relief from symptoms that has greatly improved my quality of life and am surprised not to see many (1 only) references to the benefits of this therapy.

Read More

Tremors Reduced

By Facebook Group Member

I have been having great success with the Hope Shortcut programme. I have both Lilian Sjøberg and Gary Sharpe courses. The material really resonates with me and this approach together with John Coleman Rethinking Parkinson’s is really helping. The tremor I have been experiencing is much reduced and often gone completely. I notice how it ramps up when I am stressed or self conscious. My mood and energy levels are much improved.

What hasn’t improved is the slowness and stiffness in my right hand and leg. It is probably not noticeable to others but I notice when using static bike and when folding washing etc. any thoughts on root causes of this slowness? Left hand side fine.

Thank you all for your work

Read More

Accessible Knowledge

By S.A.

Thank you both for all the work you have done. Lilian Sjøberg for your knowledge and Gary for helping to make it accessible. My daughter who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks and myself with PD found it so enlightening. I can also see how when my father 93, who also has PD, gets stressed his cognition deteriorates dramatically

Read More

Staying Positive

By Brad Maybury

Gary, I mainly want to thank you for this site and for your inspiring example. I was diagnosed with PD two months ago. On top of that, I'm in my sixth week of radiation therapy for Prostate Cancer with the accompanying hormone meds (fatigue). Your attitude and example are helping me to stay positive and feel that I can beat both of these! I've been doing the fast-walking per John Pepper, plus a bunch of other things. I'll get a mini-tramp soon. I already understood the trauma link, having discovered my own about six years ago, as well as being a fan of Gabor Mate (I see his book on your site). I had not made such a precise connection with PD until reading your story (thanks!). You are a huge inspiration and have already helped to improve my life!

Read More

Suggestions for Exploration

By Frederick Lowe

Your understanding of the many important factors that contribute to Parkinson's and the many practical suggestions on how to address them runs parallel to my learning over the last 5+ years. You are a man after my own heart. Love the Polyvagal theory knowledge. I knew somewhat of the importance of improving vagal activity, but not to the depth you have shown. Thanks. Totally agree with knowing how the Cell Danger Response is involved with being stuck in the inflammatory and alarm state. And few others besides ourselves appreciate the amazing role the fascial system plays in this, from head to toe. This is besides nutrition, movement, social interaction, meditation, breathing, eye exercises, inflammation, etc, etc. Big thanks for mentioning the Eye Guide. That looks amazing. Hope it is available in the U.S. sometime soon.


Now suggestions of a couple of things: 1). More exploration on the ramifications of mitochondrial dysfunction, all the factors that affect that, and how it can be addressed (so far, all genetic abnormalities affect mitochondrial function). 2) Learn about Stephen Kaufman's Pain Neutralization Technique work on rapidly, effectively improving vagal function. I believe it works reflexively via its effect on the fascial system primarily, but also probably the nervous system.

Read More

Parallels with Trauma

By Dennis S.

I am 45 years old and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015, at an age of 39. I always thought about chronical stress as a possible reason for Parkinson’s and recently I discovered the Polyvagal Theory. I guess similar to you, the parallels between Trauma and Parkinson’s seemed to be quite obvious to me. I had the experience that Somatic Experiencing can be helpful. Later someone recommended your website to me and I feel excited that you see it like I do. Thank you for that. it is always good to know that someone is sharing your point of view. I will read through your articles.

Read More

Correcting Dysfunctional Sleep

By Jacob Kidney, Essential Movements Yoga for Parkinson’s/movement disorders (ET/Dystonia)

I really love reading everything that Gary Sharpe has to write about his experiences with Parkinson's. He is always spot on. I know this is true from my own experience as well. My symptoms are always worse when I don’t sleep well. I love what he says here about sleep being the foundation for symptom reduction and moving in a positive direction.

So what can we do to have better sleep? I would love to hear what everyone does to help them sleep better.

For me, doing some sort of intense exercise earlier in the day and followed by a few different deep relaxation techniques/routines in the evening have dramatically changed my sleep patterns.

My sleep patterns were always very inconsistent all throughout college. Between working full time and full time school I would often go for three or four days at a time with only sleeping three to five hours per night. This pattern persisted for more than four years. It resulted in my tremors and overall health getting worse.

It has taken me two years of persistence to correct these dysfunctional sleep patterns to the point where I can manage my symptoms much more effectively and have begun to move in a positive direction.

This has been done by doing intense exercise every day. This can include biking, running,, hiking, weightlifting, yoga, etc. you need to effectively use the adrenaline in your body or else it is going to exacerbate your symptoms.

Then in the evening I will try a number of different things to help my body wind down and prepare it for sleep. This could include deep breathing, meditation, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. I always have an air mister defusing essential oils and gentle soothing music while falling asleep.

Also, scheduling daily free time to rest and take a nap if I need it has been invaluable. Especially, right after doing intense exercise.

Read More

REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder

By Darrell L.

REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) and the onset of PD

I stumbled on your site while probing the internet for info relating to a sleep disorder known as REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD). This has been a fixture in my life since I was a child...and has continued into my middle-aged years (I'm 37 now). At times it's been a mere curiosity as it doesn't noticeably disrupt my life to any great extent; however, in the resent years I've been sharing a bed with a partner who is somewhat less of a deep sleeper...so I've been hearing more about my night-time adventures. The curiosity took a bit of a turn when my reading suggested that RBD is a very common marker for the onset of PD. Statistics range from 80-90% of those who develop RBD receiving a PD diagnosis within 10 years. Interesting. From there, I started to investigate possible therapies/treatments. Currently, the sleep disorder could be considered ideopathic. Very little is known about the origins. Aside from lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, caffiene/alcohol intake, sleep hygiene, etc.), Clonazepam is recommended. There's an aversion to this treatment for obvious reasons. Melatonin is another potential option, as is, full spectrum CBD. Beyond these suggestions, there's not much else; however, Clonazepam is used to treat anxiety, so it got me thinking about the potential emotional links that may be embedded in the disorder. This got me thinking about Gabor Mate and his book, ''When the body says No.'' So, with PD and Gabor, I found you!

Such a wealth of information. I've only just scratched the surface, but feel a wellspring of gratitude that it's here. Just delving into the Polyvagal theory...and trying to put together some ideas for a course of action. I don't know that I'll develop PD, but so much of the material here rings true for me...so it's got me thinking about what I can do now.

I'm wondering if you've got any material on this link that exists (PD and RBD)...or if within your network you've encountered those who have story that's similar to mine.

Thank you so much for sharing your own journey. Such a helpful resource.

Read More

Yoga Therapy

By Theresa Conroy, C-IAYT (certified yoga therapist by the International Association of Yoga Therapists).

Gary Sharpe's website provides something invaluable to my Yoga Therapy clients with PD: informed, personal experience. My clients are engaged and knowledgeable about their disease, but they crave real-life input on treatments and wellness. Gary does that with clarity, style and humor. That's why his site is one I often use as a resource for my students.

Read More

Strategies of Recovery

By Babs Meade

Thank you Gary ! Your work is informing my work and life. As a healer-bodyworker, neuromuscular integrative movement therapist, Acupuncturist nerd, Esogetic Colorpuncture person with neuroimmune issues - addressing trauma awareness and recovery for people. Trauma-shock, shake, Reaction Patterns, Adaptations, Addiction. Sorting these out...sorting out strategies of recovery. Nourishment, laughter, music, art, emotions, Soul, Body, Spirit... thankyou Gary Sharpe for your excellent life’s work

Read More

Applications of Polyvagal Theory

By Olivia Streater Lavizzari

I spent the day reading your blog and videos -- SO profoundly MOVED AND AMAZED by what you are doing! It is incredible and wonderful. I wondered if you have the new(ish) book Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory. In the chapter on strokes by Deb Dana there is some great stuff that I think could also be applicable to PD. A lot of which you already cover in your blog; things like frozen facial expression etc. Very glad I came across and shared with my professor, who is researching use of Flamenco and Tango in dance movement therapy PD interventions.

Read More

Hope and Inspiration

By Rick Potvin

Your site was the very first thing I read the day I came home from the neurologist with my diagnosis of PD. It gave me so much hope and inspiration that I started the very same day on program of strenuous exercise, diet, etc. I actually picked up my guitar, my one true passion, and thought I can do this. Two years latter I'm still doing it thanks to your insight, research and sharing of knowledge.

Read More

Headed in the Right Direction

By Cheryl Nicholson

I’ve been very inspired by these posts. I have a Parkinson’s client who was in a wheelchair and who would crawl to get places. He’s now able to get up and walk to the washroom on his own. He even went out and shoveled his driveway. We are using targeted nutrition, intentional movements, red light intranasal therapy and Natural Bioenergetics to improve his life. He still has days where he goes backwards, but overall things are headed in the right direction. Many thanks for reporting on your own progress and providing information that helps others!

Read More

Husband Diagnosed

By Kay Pyke

Did a quick search this morning and found the website which has so much info that I’ve been looking for. My husband has just been diagnosed and I’m researching how to help him. This is so inspirational and I’ve forwarded it onto our neuro physio. Oddly enough she came today armed with hand exercises which is what led me to this website. I’m in tears. So happy to have found you.

Read More

Making Changes

By Adam M.

Gary, I want to say a huge thank you for your website! It has been a big help. I’ve changed my diet to fit Dr. Mischley’s recommendations generated by her research. I also bought the smovey rings. Right now I’m doing a Feldenkrais style movement intensive which seems to be helping.

Read More

Craniosacral Therapy

By Sue Watson, Sue Watson Craniosacral Therapy

Hi Gary,
I am so excited to come across such a refreshing approach/understanding of Parkinson's sisease. I am a craniosacral and physiotherapist doing a bit of digging for useful info about gut health and P.d. for a client when I came across your website. I don't know if you have had any experience of craniosacral therapy, but big into the effects of whole systems harmony, polyvagal theory and impact on neurophysiology/psychoneuroendocrinoimmunological etc.

I have recently taken a career break from the NHS to follow my passion for cranial work and develop how I integrate the understanding that comes from cranial teachings with movement based practice. Your findings sit so in harmony with my experience. I have to say that I haven't gone out of my way to look further into similar approaches to P.d. - from what I see on you website, you appear to be pioneering a way forward - is this all your own research, or can you point me to other sources too?

I have worked with a number of Parkinson's clients very effectively, but - as is often the case with 'complementary' approach, the challenge is in embracing quite a different way of thinking - and the medication/grip of disease/anxiety and stress are powerful and seductive hooks. The gentlemen I am looking into gut health for has found after a couple of our sessions, but not all the time, he is able to play piano after 9 years of his tremor being too disruptive. Our next work is with me carrying out cranial work while he is playing and exploring the sensory experience/interoceptive experience of doing so - then looking at ways he can find balance and access that 'place' for himself.

We (therapists) do a lot of work with trauma recovery, establishing resources with - building stronger neural pathways to grounded/balanced CNS states etc., as well as the benefits of the hands on work itself. Familiar with Gabor Mate/Lavine/Roschild etc, all sitting comfortably with how trauma affects movement and inhibition of such.

My experience as a physio in the community has involved lots of work with Parkinson's and increasingly I see the effects of stress and the social engagement system being critical to understanding and improving movement, and in the last 3 years have done much more work with body awareness during activity, whether it be gaining flexibility or strength or balance. The toughest part is engagement especially when the general physio community is not promoting the same message. As you're website implies, it requires such a commitment to your well-being. I totally admire your perseverance and have empathy for how challenging it must be for you at times.

Is your approach being embraced by the professionals researching the rehab/recovery work? I would be really interested to hear more. You may be interested in the work of Body Intelligence/biodynamic craniosacral therapy, Pain is Really Strange (FB and blog site) - although name implies about pain, it's that full mix of what you have been exploring yourself (Steve Haines, craniosacral therapist).

Kind regards, Sue Watson (Scotland)

Read More

Music is Medicine

By Consuela Harper

Gary, I love your approach, and the way you describe and illustrate it so well in this article. Watching the music and dancing video was a true delight. I also read your post about digital music as medicine, and wanted to comment on that because I felt so moved by it. I love this post so much!!! I can relate fully. I've said for a long time that music is medicine for my body. And it's a delight to see the videos of the effects of your music medicine on your body and spirit! :)

Read More