For many years, people who have been diagnosed with chronic or auto-immune illnesses have considered integrating massage therapy as a part of their health plan. Studies show that this can be helpful in many conditions. Fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis along with degenerative disc disease are a handful of these conditions. Even within one autoimmune disease, there can be a wide range of experiences, and none of these diseases look the same person to person. With any new patient suffering from such chronic medical conditions, I must get a sense of how it affects them, and consider that the ultimate goal is to help benefit them thru massage therapy. For that reason, it’s extremely important to ask, among other things, about all medications the patient might be taking. For example, patients that are currently on NSAIDS will say “the deeper the pressure the better.” As a therapist, I have to know when to stop and I must recognize that deeper work isn’t always better. It is important to know these medications and to always check in while working with the patient with deep pressure.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, more than 80 auto immune diseases affect 23.5 million Americans. They can affect any part of the body and disproportionately affect more women than men. In fact, According To the Autoimmune Related Disease Association, 75% of Americans with autoimmune disease are women.
In one recent case, a man was diagnosed with a rare condition called Cardiac Sarcoidosis, This is a condition in which clusters of white blood cells coagulate and react against a foreign substance, scarring the heart in the process. Doctors said his heart had been so badly damaged by the disease that he had gone into heart failure and, as a result, put on the organ transplant waiting list. Although his cardiologist suggested he try massage therapy, Mr. Cook was skeptical. His son, who is a physician, said his doubts vanished after several appointments of weekly lymphatic massage therapy. “It really helped the circulation in my fingers, toes and legs and I kept with it because I saw some pretty significant benefits.”
Lymphatic massage therapy is one of many techniques offered at our office. Call our office whether recently diagnosed with any new or existing chronic condition, or you are on the mend and trying to speed up healing and recovery from more acute conditions such as the cold and flu. Meanwhile, during this concerning time of rapidly spreading viruses, be sure to keep your hands washed and away from your face! Drink plenty of good fluids to stay hydrated and consider herbs like elderberry and echinacea. I incorporate essential oils into my practice, which can be a fantastic adjunct to massage for colds and flu, as well as other ailments.
What once used to be viewed as a luxury, massage therapy is increasingly recognized as valuable in conditions ranging from improved immunity to more chronic conditions..
