Multiple Sclerosis Massage Therapy
Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory condition of the myelin tissue, surrounding the nerves. This inflammation may exacerbate and then gradually pass off. Following inflammatory response, scar tissue is formed which hampers the neurological function and commonly affects the spinal cord, brain stem and cranial nerves.
Massage therapy has been considered to be beneficial to patients with multiple sclerosis. Firstly, massage therapy helps fight stress and secondly it works towards alleviating some of the symptoms including pain and functional loss suffered by MS patients
Benefits Of Massage For MS
The biggest problem with patients with MS is stiffness of the muscles and joints which restricts their mobility and functionality.
In serious conditions, muscular weakness may result in atrophy which in turn further deteriorates the patient’s condition. In such situation, massage therapy improves blood flow and oxygenation of the affected muscles and helps regain health and vitality.
Massage Therapy For MS Patients
The massage therapy advocated in MS patients would depend upon the severity and the phase of the disease. Massage therapy needs to be avoided during acute exacerbation phase, as it may aggravate pain and discomfort.
Deep tissue massage has been considered to be highly beneficial in releasing knotted muscles and helps reduce pain. Trigger point therapy is also considered effective. However Swedish massage therapy (which involves gentle massage) is recommended in initial phases, when even slightest pressure can stimulate a painful response.
Specific Therapy to Treat Multiple Sclerosis
- There is no specific therapy for multiple sclerosis. The decision to treat an acute attack is a matter of judgment.
- For acute attacks the preferred treatment is intra-venous methyl-prednisolone succinate, given as infusion for 5-7days.
- Alternatively, ACTH can be given for a month. For patients who do not tolerate ACTH, a tapering course of oral prednisolone can be given.
- Long term treatment should be started before rapid decline in ambulation occurs. A selective immuno-suppressant is preferred.
- Recombinant interferon-beta, given subcutaneously on alternate days, reduces the frequency of relapses as well as accumulation of lesions of MRI in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
- Azathioprine has limited use as an adjunct to steroids.
- Other therapies include cyclophasmide, alone or in conjunction with ACTH and cyclosporine A.
- Copolymer-1, monoclonal antibodies to TNF-alpha and the CD4 molecule and toleration with oral myelin are some therapies under trail.
Symptomatic Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
- Spasticity can be reduced with diazepam or drugs such as baclofen, dantrolene or tizanidine.
- Transient improvement in vision and administrating 4-amino-pyridine (potassium channel blockers) intravenously or orally can be started.
- Painful tonic spasms usually respond to carbamazepine or phenytoin.
- Bladder care is important; for urinary urgency and hesitancy probanthine or oxybutynin are useful.
- Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression should be treated with tranquilizers and antidepressants.
Of prime importance in the management is encouraging and support of patients and their relatives. Regular medical supervision contributes to this end. Patients with motor disabilities should avoid any gain in weight. Periods of physiotherapy help the disabled patient. Assisted and passive movements and walking exercises improve gait as well as the patient’s morale. In general the patient should be advised to avoid long periods in bed during inter-current infections. Pressure sores should be prevented by advice about changes in posture and skin care; should they occur they must be treated in hospital.
Walking aid such as tripod supports or frames and the provision of wheel chairs and motor vehicles together with advice of an occupational therapist may enable the patient to function more easily at home and at work and to enjoy some form of social life.
- Related Topics
- Natural Remedies For Multiple Sclerosis
- Early Signs of MS: Earliest Warning Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
- Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis: Important And Subjective Symptoms
- Massage For Osteoarthritis: Deep Tissue Massage Therapy Benefits
- Cranial Sacral Therapy: Benefits of Craniosacral Massage Therapy
