Massage and Its Role in Multiple Sclerosis - A Detailed Review

Introduction

Massage is an ancient form of bodywork therapy used to treat sports and war injuries. Recently, it has been used to relieve conditions that increase muscle tension. It can be used to relax muscles and reduce stress. Many symptoms of MS can be relieved by massage.

What Is Massage?

Massage is a type of therapy that can be used to relieve certain symptoms of MS in a few individuals. This therapy aids in improving the quality of life among those affected by MS. In the massage procedure, the therapist manually modifies soft tissues. Soft tissues include muscles, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. Massage helps relax muscle tension, improve circulation, and make you feel less stressed. According to a study conducted in 2018, it was found that massage therapy is one of the top three complementary therapies to treat individuals with MS.

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that destroys the myelin sheaths of brain and spinal cord nerve cells. This further affects the transportation of signals to other parts of the body and hampers communication. This can lead to the appearance of many symptoms, such as pain, muscle spasms, mobility problems, and fatigue. The course of a disease varies from one to another. Many healthcare strategies make use of relieving MS symptoms. Massage does not cure MS but helps relieve certain symptoms. These include

• Spasticity: This symptom exhibits stiffness and spasms of muscles. These may affect the ability to move a few joints through their full range of motion.

• Pain: This symptom is commonly found among affected individuals with MS. Pain is due to the destruction of the brain and spinal cord's myelin sheath of nerve cells. Pain is also due to other symptoms of MS.

• Fatigue: Feeling weak is a common symptom faced by people with MS. They tend to get tired easily while at work, school, or home.

• Sleep Disturbances: Getting proper sleep among those with MS is difficult. This makes them feel drowsy during the daytime. This may worsen certain MS symptoms.

• Pressure Sores: These are bed sores formed due to constant pressure on certain body parts due to MS symptoms. Pressure cuts off the blood supply and there is a breakdown in the skin.

• Poor Circulation: Massage can improve the circulation. This symptom is linked to MS and can be improved. Due to inactivity among those with MS, this therapy called massaging can improve blood circulation in the body and help in avoiding health-related complications.

What Are the Types of Massage Used in Multiple Sclerosis?

It was thought by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) that massage therapy can help prevent or relieve MS symptoms that may include spasticity and pain. One of the types of massage, called Swedish massage, is the most popular in the United States. This massage therapy is a combination of traditional massage techniques. It includes

• Effleurage: This technique includes long, gliding massage strokes.

• Petrissage: This technique involves kneading and compression. This is done with gentle lifting and squeezing of the skin.

• Vibration: This method includes fine, rapid, shaking movements.

• Friction: In this technique, deep, circular movements are used to create friction with the help of thumbs and fingertips.

• Tapotement: This method involves rapid striking or tapping the muscles using alternate hands.

• Reiki: This is considered an alternative therapy in which hands guide energy flow through the body. It helps in the healing process.

Other types of therapies include,

• Acupressure: In this technique, fingers are used to apply pressure at different pressure points in the body.

• Reflexology: It is similar to acupressure but concentrates on the hands and feet.

• Shiatsu: This technique also involves applying pressure. It works by increasing circulation and recovering energy balance in the body.

• Rolfing Technique: This technique involves deep pressure application on sheaths and internal organs. This method is used to correct body alignment.

• Feldenkrais Technique: This technique is used to correct habits that can strain muscles and joints excessively. This helps make the movement easier and more efficient.

• Alexander Technique: This technique is used to correct bad posture and movement habits. It helps reduce muscle strain and tension throughout the body.

• Trager Technique: This method combines gentle and rhythmic touch and exercises. This helps relieve tension related to posture and movement.

What Are the Benefits of Massage for Multiple Sclerosis?

Massage mainly reduces stress, relaxes muscles, and relieves conditions related to muscle tension. In the case of MS, it relieves symptoms like

• Spasticity.

• Poor circulation.

• Anxiety.

• Constipation.

• Pressure sores.

• Pain.

According to a study conducted in 2021, it was found that massage therapy reduced pain and weakness among individuals with MS. A study conducted in 2022 found that different types of massage therapies were useful for different symptoms of MS. An earlier study noted that massage therapy was more useful when compared to exercise, especially among those with MS. This may be because the person may find exercise exhausting.

When Is Massage Unsafe to Use in MS?

Massage may cause danger in certain conditions. These include

• Osteoporosis: This is a condition in which the bones appear very fragile. Hence, they can be easily broken.

• Enlarged Liver and Spleen: These conditions should be avoided.

• Edema: In this condition, swelling or puffing may occur due to the accumulation of watery fluids in the cells, body voids, and tissues. Some causes of edema include kidney disease or heart disease.

Other conditions to be considered before massage therapy include

• Arthritis.

• Ulcers.

• Cancer.

One should also check for

• If the person has undergone a recent injury.

• If the surgery happened recently.

• If someone is pregnant.

• If the person experiences relapses of MS.

Conclusion

Massage is a therapy that helps relieve some symptoms related to MS. It helps reduce stress and anxiety. It helps build self-esteem and stimulates mood. Massage brings about improvements in body appearance and also helps in improve physical and social functioning, especially among those with MS. Hence, it becomes important to know about massage, its, types, risks, and benefits. Knowing about it helps in the usage of massage in relieving symptoms of MS and enhancing the quality of life of individuals affected by MS.