Massage and Its Role in Multiple Sclerosis - A Detailed Review

What Are the Benefits of Massage for Multiple Sclerosis?

Massage mainly reduces stress, relaxes muscles, and relieves conditions related to muscle tension. Massaging in individuals with MS has benefits such as relieving:

• Spasticity.

• Anxiety.

• Constipation.

• Pressure sores.

• Pain.

A 2021 study found that massage therapy reduced pain and weakness in individuals with MS. A 2022 study revealed that different types of massage therapies were effective for addressing various symptoms of MS. An earlier study noted that massage therapy was more effective than exercise, especially among individuals with MS. This may be because exercise can be exhausting for some people with MS.

What Are the Types of Massage Used in Multiple Sclerosis?

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) believed that massage therapy could help individuals with MS improve blood circulation and prevent or ease symptoms such as spasticity and pain. Swedish massage, the most popular type of massage in the United States, is a combination of traditional massage techniques.

It includes:

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

• Petrissage: This technique involves kneading and compressing the skin by gently lifting and squeezing it.

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

• Friction: In this technique, deep, circular movements using thumbs and fingertips create friction.

• Tapotement: This method involves rapidly striking or tapping the muscles with alternating 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 massage therapies include:

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

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

• Shiatsu: This technique also involves applying pressure using the thumb, fingers, and palms. It works by increasing circulation and restoring the body's energy balance.

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

• Feldenkrais technique: This technique corrects habits that strain muscles and joints excessively, making movement easier and more efficient.

• Alexander technique: This technique corrects 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.

• German massage: This type of massage combines Swedish techniques with therapeutic baths, though hot baths are discouraged for individuals with MS who are sensitive to heat.

What Are the Other Types of Bodywork Therapy?

Other types of bodywork therapy that can benefit individuals with MS include:

• Manual lymphatic drainage: This method stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to reduce swelling and promoting fluid drainage from swollen areas to healthy lymph nodes through gentle hand movements.

• Thai massage: This is an effective therapy that can help stretch major muscle groups.

• Yoga-based bodywork: This therapy utilizes specialized forms of yoga tailored to the individual needs of individuals with MS. It focuses on gentle stretches, breathing exercises, and balancing poses, thereby improving both physical and mental well-being.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Massage Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis?

Risks of massage therapy for MS include:

• Heat sensitivity: Individuals with MS often experience heat intolerance; therefore, therapists should avoid using heated massage techniques.

• Osteoporosis: Individuals with MS often have low bone density; therefore, therapists should exercise caution when massaging.

• Edema: If you have edema (excess fluid buildup), it is essential to consult a doctor before receiving therapy.

• Spasticity: Excessive massage can cause muscle stiffness or spasticity, which can lead to movement difficulties; therefore, therapists should be aware of how to manage spasticity.

• Sensitivity: Individuals with MS are susceptible to some regions of their bodies, so massage should be performed carefully.

• Others: In case of a recent injury, flare-up, heart issues, arthritis, or pregnancy, one should always consult a healthcare professional because these MS cases can contraindicate massage therapies.

Side effects of massage therapy in MS individuals include:

• Individuals may experience headaches, muscle pain, or fatigue after receiving a massage.

• Individuals who relax too much during the massage session may have trouble walking.

• If heat or cold therapies are used, the symptoms can worsen.

• Due to changes in circulation, dizziness may occur.

• There may be muscle soreness or bruising, which are common side effects.

Therefore, always choose a qualified therapist who specializes in working with neurological conditions, and consult a doctor before undergoing these therapies.

When Is Massage Unsafe to Use in MS?

Massage may pose a risk in certain conditions.

These include:

• Osteoporosis: This is a condition characterized by bones that 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 recently undergone an injury.

• If the surgery happened recently.

• If someone is pregnant.

• If the person experiences relapses of MS.

How to Find a Massage Therapist for Multiple Sclerosis?

To find a massage therapist for MS, one can always consult a doctor for their recommendations. One can also search the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) database, which lists qualified therapists experienced in treating MS patients. One can also ask their rehabilitation teams or physical therapists for referrals. However, when finding a massage therapist, they must be experienced, know about the condition, look for client reviews, and schedule a trial session.

Conclusion:

Massage therapy for individuals with MS can help alleviate some symptoms associated with the condition. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety. It helps build self-esteem and stimulates mood. Massage can lead to improvements in body appearance and help enhance physical and social functioning, particularly among individuals with MS.

Therefore, it is essential to understand massage, its various types, potential risks, and benefits. Being aware of it helps in the use of massage to relieve symptoms of MS and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by MS.

Key Takeaways:

• Massage can help people who have MS feel better. It can help relax their muscles, improve blood circulation, and reduce pain and stress.

• Studies show that massage is one of the top three complementary therapies that can help people with MS feel better.

If you have MS and want to try other treatments, like massage, you should talk to a neurologist first to make sure it’s safe for you.