Massage & MS

What Is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease that destroys the protective covering of nerve fibers (myelin). Since nerves send signals from the rest of the body to the brain and vice versa, this nerve damage can cause serious symptoms including pain, fatigue, and vision loss, among others. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, with some people living mostly symptom-free much of the time and others living with severe, chronic symptoms that never ease.

Although there is no cure for MS, there are medications and treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms, reduce the frequency of exacerbations, and generally help people living with MS enjoy a more comfortable life. In addition to medical interventions, many people find a level of relief through holistic health options, including nutrition therapy, chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy. It is important to remember that these options are not a substitute for traditional medical care and medications!

How Massage Can Help

Because massage therapy directly impacts the nervous system, it can have great benefits for those suffering from neurologic conditions, including MS. The benefits of massage may include reduced spasticity and pain, as calming the nervous system can help muscles relax and provide a pleasurable sensation. For people living with chronic pain, the body’s parasympathetic response to appropriate massage treatments can even improve their mental and emotional state.

What To Look For In A Massage Therapist

So, if you’re living with MS and interested in trying massage therapy as a compliment to your other treatment plans, what should you look for in a massage therapist? It is worth noting that most states require massage therapists and bodyworkers to maintain a license, so your therapist should have at least a base level of knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology in order to achieve licensure. However, it is advisable to seek out a therapist with some additional training and/or experience with Multiple Sclerosis to reduce the possibility of causing an exacerbation or worsening symptoms. A knowledgeable massage therapist will understand the potential for heat sensitivity (heat is often used in massage treatments, either on the table or as heated pads and towels), areas of numbness or decreased sensation, and spasms that may occur mid-session, to name a few. These issues all require special consideration to treatment approach in order to protect you and provide the best possible outcome. In addition, you will want a therapist who listens to your concerns and acknowledges that you are the expert on YOU!

Have you tried massage therapy to help manage your Multiple Sclerosis symptoms? We would love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to contact us at: wellnesslifestylebodywork@gmail.com with your story!