What are the Benefits of Massage for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that damages the myelin, the protective covering of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The damage from multiple sclerosis, also called MS, interrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This can eventually lead to permanent nerve fiber damage which can cause a range of symptoms, including:

 

·         Fatigue

·         Difficulty with memory, thinking and understanding information

·         Mood changes

·         Mobility issues: trouble walking or inability to walk at all

·         Numbness or tingling

·         Pain

·         Lack of coordination

·         Tingling

·         Vision impairment: Partial or complete vision loss or impairment may be double or blurry vision

·         Dizziness or vertigo

 

The location of damage in the nervous system and how severe damage is to nerve fibers affects symptoms, which can change from day to day and year to year and vary among individuals. Some individuals may lose complete mobility; others may have periods of remission with no new symptoms. While there is no cure for MS, certain treatments can manage symptoms, speed up recovery from attacks and modify the course of the disease. [1]

 

 

Understanding massage for multiple sclerosis patients

 

Massage for multiple sclerosis patients may be a way to reduce stress caused by worry over loss of control, emerging symptoms and changing capabilities, finances, and types of therapies to use. Massage also can relax muscles and ease joint pain resulting from weakened muscles, poor posture, loss of balance, loss of muscle coordination and muscle spasms. While there is some evidence that massage can relieve some MS symptoms, there is no evidence that it has any effect on the progression of the disease.[2]

 

In 2014, to understand the benefits of massage therapy as a supplement to conventional MS treatment, researchers conducted a study with 24 MS patients. The participants ranged from 3.0 to 7.0 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).  Study participants received Swedish massage treatments for four weeks. Researchers assessed exercise capacity and leg function as well as overall quality of life using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and the Hamburg Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS) instrument, respectively. Researchers measured results before and after a massage period and a rest period without any massages.

 

The results indicated no significant change in Six Minute Walk Test or Hamburg Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis. However, written comments from participants indicated their perceived improvement in overall health. Researchers concluded that massage is a safe noninvasive treatment that may help MS patients manage the stress of their symptoms. They suggested that further research is warranted due to the improvement in well-being expressed by patients in their comments and personal rating of their health. [3]

 

 

Benefits of massage for multiple sclerosis symptoms

 

Here are the ways in which massage therapy for multiple sclerosis can help in preventing and easing symptoms of the disease:

 

Pain: Pain can be the result of damage to the lining of the nerves in the central nervous system as well as other MS-related complications, as noted above. Massage for multiple sclerosis patients may ease muscle tension and release endorphins, the brain’s natural pain reliever, to reduce pain.

 

Pressure sores: Pressure sores, also called bed sores, result from lying or sitting in one position too long. The constant pressure on certain parts of the body can cut off circulation and cause a breakdown in the skin, which leads to sores. Massage may be helpful in preventing pressure sores. However, massage is not advised if there already are pressure sores or reddened, inflamed areas.

 

Poor circulation: Inactivity due to MS can lead to poor circulation, leading to other serious health conditions. Massage can improve circulation through superficial veins by use of friction, and through deeper arteries and veins using petrissage. Light stroking can also increase capillary dilation. [4]

 

Spasticity: Massage for multiple sclerosis patients can aid muscle relaxation and enhance range of motion.

 

Sleep: Having MS can cause sleep issues. The soothing strokes of massage are relaxing, which can possibly help improve sleep.

 

Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis. A 2020 case study of the effects of massage on a 58-year-old woman with MS who had symptoms of decreased mobility, fatigue and left ankle edema found while there was little change in mobility, the patient’s fatigue level and left ankle edema decreased. [5]

 

Safety of massage for multiple sclerosis

 

While massage may ease some of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, if someone has the following conditions they should check with their doctor before trying the therapy to make sure it is safe:[6]

 

·         osteoporosis

• arthritis
• edema (some massage techniques may not be safe, depending on the cause of the edema)
• ulcers
• enlarged liver or spleen
• heart disease
• cancer
• blood clots
• recent injuries

 

Clients also should check with their doctor first if they have recently been injured, had surgery, are pregnant or are experiencing a relapse. [7]