Living with a chronic disease is not easy, to say the least. Finding relief for the pain that comes along with a chronic disease can be a challenge, as well. Did you know that one way that many people find relief from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is through massage? While there are medications and other options out there for managing MS symptoms, massage is a great, holistic way to combat the pain that this condition can bring with it. Of course, many of you reading this with MS may already have a treatment plan through your health care provider. However, in this post, we would like to persuade you to talk with your health care provider about considering routine massage to alleviate nerve pain, relax your body, and improve your quality of life as much as you can!
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
For those who do not know what MS is, Medical News Today describes it as, “a chronic, often disabling condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). MS affects communication signals in the brain and spinal cord, which affects thinking, vision, movement, and sensation.” The condition can progress over time and certain types of MS can relapse on occasion.
Pain and stiffness are very common in people living with MS. Doctors can recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe specific medications in order to help provide some relief. But, if the medications don’t work or you are unable to follow specific diets or recommended lifestyle changes, massage can hopefully offer you a new type of relief with multiple sclerosis.
How Massage Brings Relief to MS
We’ve talked before in numerous older blog posts about how massage can benefit you physically. Many people get routine massages to help manage their blood pressure, alleviate headaches, and more. When it comes to massage for those with MS, there are of course some precautions you have to think about. If you are sensitive to pressure or at risk of blood clots or other injury, you’ll want to talk with your health care provider first. Otherwise, you may be shocked to find out what massage can do for you.
In 2024, a study was done involving 70 people with MS. Those people received two 50-minute sessions of a Swedish massage per week. The trial lasted six weeks. Participants reported lower levels of pain, overall fatigue, and muscle tightness! They even reported better sleep quality. What’s even better? The benefits aren’t purely physical.
Massage Brings Mental Relief, Too
Of the study done in 2024 with 70 participants with MS, many also reported lower stress, anxiety, and depression levels. This is quite important because, as we know, stress takes a massive toll on the body. Add together the effects of stress to the effects of tension, lack of good sleep, depression, and more, and you’ll create the perfect recipe for a physical disaster. Especially when you have such a physically destructive chronic condition!
Spread Awareness (and Book a Massage)
It is important that we spread awareness throughout our local community about chronic conditions such as MS. The more we talk about it, and are open to providing symptom relief and accommodations, the closer we can get to relief that works long term.
At Muscle Anthropology, we strive to create a warm, welcome environment for everyone that steps through our door. If you, or someone you know, is combatting multiple sclerosis and is in search for a new relief option, give us a call at (706) 267-0634. We are excited to help lead you on the path to manageable symptoms and comfort!