Massage Therapy and Autoimmune Diseases
By Natasha Harvey, LMBT, BCTMB
Massage therapy can be a beneficial adjunct treatment for people with autoimmune diseases, though it’s important to approach it with some considerations in mind. Here’s a broad overview of how massage might interact with autoimmune conditions:
Benefits of Massage for Autoimmune Diseases
1. Pain Relief: Many autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, involve chronic pain. Massage can help alleviate pain by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension.
2. Enhanced Mobility: For conditions like arthritis, where joint stiffness and muscle tightness are common, massage can help improve flexibility and range of motion.
3. Improved Sleep: Many individuals with autoimmune conditions experience sleep disturbances. Massage therapy can improve sleep quality by reducing pain and promoting relaxation
4. Improved Circulation/Reduce Inflammation: Some types of massage, such as lymphatic drainage, may help reduce inflammation by improving circulation and lymphatic flow. This can potentially ease symptoms related to inflammation in autoimmune conditions.
5. Stress Reduction: Chronic illness often comes with significant stress. Massage therapy can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can improve overall well-being and potentially impact the disease course positively.
6. Mental Health Benefits: Chronic illness can take a toll on mental health. Massage therapy can contribute to a sense of well-being and emotional relief, supporting overall mental health and coping strategies.
Everyone responds differently to massage therapy. Monitoring how your body reacts and adjusting the therapy accordingly is crucial.
Considerations and Precautions
1. Type of Massage: The intensity and technique of massage should be adjusted based on individual needs and the specific autoimmune condition. Gentle techniques like Swedish massage or lymphatic drainage might be more appropriate than deep tissue massage, especially during flare-ups.
2. Medical Consultation: Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting massage therapy. They can provide guidance based on your specific condition and overall health status.
3. Flare-Ups: During disease flare-ups or when experiencing significant symptoms, it might be best to avoid massage or opt for very gentle techniques.
4. Infection Risk: Some autoimmune conditions can compromise the immune system, making it essential to ensure that the massage environment and techniques are hygienic to avoid infections.
5. Personal Response: Everyone responds differently to massage therapy. Monitoring how your body reacts and adjusting the therapy accordingly is crucial.
Types of Massage
1. Swedish Massage: Known for its gentle strokes, can help with relaxation and improving circulation.
2. Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Is a light massage aimed at stimulating the lymphatic system, which can be beneficial for reducing swelling and improving immune function.
3. Myofascial Release: Focuses on relieving tension in the fascia (the connective tissue around muscles) and can help with pain and mobility issues.
4. Trigger Point Therapy: Targets specific points of pain in muscles and can help release tension but should be approached with care to avoid excessive pressure.
Ultimately, massage therapy can be a valuable tool for managing symptoms of autoimmune diseases. When considering massage therapy, it’s crucial to choose a therapist experienced in working with clients who have autoimmune diseases. It’s also important to communicate openly with both your healthcare provider and your massage therapist to ensure the therapy is appropriate for your specific condition and individual needs.
Natasha L Harvey, LMBT, BCTMB is a North Carolina Licensed, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist with 20 years of experience. She has worked in various settings including Spas, Medical Massage Offices, Chiropractic Offices and most recently private practice. She has held positions as Lead Massage Therapist, Spa Operations Manager, Therapeutic Massage Program Coordinator and Massage Clinic Supervisor.
She views massage as an effective asset to overall mental and physical health and well-being and would like to make a positive impact and reach as many lives as she can. Visit her site to book time with Natasha.
Spread the word
Medical Disclaimer: All content found on the HER Health Collective Website was created for informational purposes only and are the opinions of the HER Health Collective experts and professional contributors. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.
