How Massages Can Help Neurological Disorders
For most people, massage therapy is a way to relax by relieving the tension that accompanies everyday stress, but massages can also have incredible benefits for individuals suffering from several neurological disorders. Those who suffer from multiple sclerosis, migraines, fibromyalgia, and other conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system can benefit from massage therapy.
Massage therapy focuses on stimulating soft tissues, which allows muscles to expand without damaging or tearing them. Massages release serotonin in the brain, which is the human body’s natural painkiller and mood elevator. The release of serotonin helps the patient relax, lowers anxiety levels, and generally improves circulation.
Fibromyalgia Treatment With Massage
One of the most common conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system is fibromyalgia, and finding an effective treatment can be difficult since symptoms commonly fluctuate between different patients. There’s no known cure, and it can be incredibly painful for some sufferers. Massage therapy can help fibromyalgia patients by relieving muscle pain and relaxing joints naturally, rather than resorting to pharmaceutical painkillers.
Relief From Migraines
Migraine headaches can be excruciating, and treating them is difficult. However, massage therapy is a natural way to induce serotonin release, allowing the body’s natural brain chemistry to dull the pain. Massages also relieve tension in other parts of the body that may contribute to migraines, such as the shoulders, neck, and back.
Patients With Nerve Damage
In some cases, people who have suffered nerve damage can benefit from massage therapy. By lightly stimulating damaged nerve clusters, the nerve endings can “awaken” and become more responsive. A massage will also increase circulation to injured tissues and improve the healing process.
Massages can also be used for patients who can’t receive certain traditional treatments for a condition because of another. Medications may irritate or exacerbate some conditions, making a massage a preferable option for pain relief and symptom management. The benefits of massage therapy are innumerable, and patients suffering from neurological conditions may find relief with a massage professional who can identify and address their individual needs.