How Can Art Therapy Help Deal With Parkinson's - Dr. Shivam Mittal

With science and technology constantly changing, scientists and researchers are
always looking for newer and better ways to treat ailments – better ways to treat
older ones, and innovations to treat new unknown ailments. Just recently, top
Parkinson's experts from around the world gathered at the Parkinson's Foundationdesignated
Center of Excellence, where a presentation on art therapy was revealed.
Led by art therapist and consultant, Kimberly Faulkner, the presentation depicted
how art therapy can alleviate discomfort caused by Parkinson's.
Art therapy can help improve the physical, psychological, and social functioning of a
Parkinson's disease patient. The symptoms that art therapy can improve include –
Tremor – Almost 70% of people with Parkinson's disease experience tremor
at some or the other point in time. With the disease comes to stress, fatigue, and
intense emotions, which can temporarily worsen the conditions of tremor. Most
patients who undergo art therapy find it relaxing, as it is an effective way to reduce
tremor in times of stress and fatigue.
Impaired speech – Quite many people with Parkinson's experience impaired
speech symptoms, which again can be treated with art therapy. Art therapy can create

avenues of self-expression that are invaluable to those struggling with speech
problems.
Freezing – Some people who suffer from Parkinson's experience temporary
involuntary ability to move; the condition is known as freezing. Art therapy
introduces novel motions that are not part of everyday life. This is why it prepares
your body to operate lesser on autopilot, which decreases the possibilities of freezing.
Depression – Majority of people suffering from Parkinson's disease feel
ashamed and isolated from others because of their condition, which leads them to get
into depression. This is the worst case of Parkinson's. art therapy creates a sense of
community and emotional support that can reduce the feelings of isolation, and thus
depression.
After art therapy, patients feel relaxed and reconnected with their past, as their
paintings reminded them of their past good moments, and helped them express
themselves through colors and drawings. Obviously, a person with Parkinson's
cannot exactly depict what they have in mind in their painting, because of the tremors
they experience. Thus, when they want to draw a butterfly, it could turn into a
stingray; or anything else could be turned into an abstract piece. But, the joy that the
patients feel during the art therapy is unexplainable. Kimberly Faulkner said that
when patients share their paintings and experiences with others, it gives them an
opportunity to talk about their concerns, fears, anxieties, and all other feelings.
Well, although an art therapy could be a great way to relax the patients, that isn't the
cure. The right treatment lies in the hands of a Parkinson’s disease specialist in
Bangalore like Dr. Shivam Mittal, who can prescribe the right kinds of medications,
injections, exercises, and surgeries to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's and keep
patients away from physical pain and discomfort. Therefore, a treatment with a
Parkinson's disease specialist can ease physical discomfort, while art therapy can
ease mental discomfort.
For more details, visit: http://www.parkinsonsdiseasespecialist.com/