MS AND THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
What is Multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is one of the most common causes of disability in younger adults. It is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, thereby causing a large number of different potential symptoms. Typical symptoms of MS include problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation, or balance. Depending upon which type of MS a sufferer has, their symptoms can come or go over time, or even progress. More severe symptoms range from problems with balance and coordination to problems with thinking, learning, and planning.
MS is a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause particularly serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild. In a lot of cases, it is possible to treat the symptoms of MS. Most often, the condition itself is diagnosed in people in their twenties and thirties, though it can develop at any age. It’s two to three times more common in women than men.
Benefits of massage therapy!
Massage can help with a number of the symptoms of MS, but most especially relaxation and gentle pain management. While it’s always worth speaking to your doctor if you have any concerns about receiving a massage, it is generally safe for people with MS to receive massages.
As well as the understandable reduction of any stress that the sufferer might be under, massage can help MS in more physical ways. For example, a good massage can help to increase flexibility which increases your mobility. Furthermore, massage can help to reduce any muscle stiffness caused by spasticity.
Most impressively, the best benefit is the reduction of pain. In 2009, a study was covered in the MS journal where researchers reported that after ten weeks of treatment, participants enjoyed up to fifty percent lower pain levels for the next three months. How impressive!
According to Livestrong, people who suffer from MS may experience pain if the disease impacts their sensory nerves. Massage has, on several occasions, proven effective at treating chronic pain. The reason for this is that massage stimulates the release of serotonin, which is a natural painkiller. On top of that, massage promotes circulation and boosts relaxation - both of which are hugely beneficial for pain management.
On top of that, massage also has strong roots in aiding sleep. According to Tiffany Field, Ph.D., ‘massage is very effective at increasing deep sleep. With more deep sleep, you have less pain.’ When a doctor working at the University of Miami’s Touch Research Institute tells you that more deep sleep leads to a decrease in overall chronic pain, then you should certainly listen.
Massage has a huge range of health benefits, but especially so for people who are suffering from MS. We’d highly recommend considering getting a massage for all the good it can do - give it a go!
