Issue link: http://www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com/i/1133761
ARTHRITIS Massage, by itself or in combination with aromatherapy, can be an effective strategy to help manage symptoms and improve function in people who have arthritis. Some studies looked at whole- body relaxation treatments, while others examined bodywork, including self-massage, targeted to the affected area. (See studies by Perlman, Nasiri, Tosun, Atkins, Peungsuwan, Zwoli´ nska). AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES Autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma, present challenges that massage therapy can address. Pain, fatigue, quality of life, mood, and self-efficacy (the belief that one can succeed and thrive in spite of obstacles) are all positively affected by massage for people who live with autoimmune diseases (Schroeder, Finch, Poole). In addition, these specific benefits have been found: Lupus Massage therapy is a popular intervention among people with lupus (Morgan), but it hasn't been extensively studied yet. Massage therapy, along with acupuncture, helped improve sleep and quality of life for a person with lupus in one case report (Mooventhan). Multiple sclerosis (MS) A specific type of massage at the injection site for MS medication may help patients tolerate side effects (Márquez-Rebollo), and abdominal massage has been seen to help with constipation among people with MS (Coggrave). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Moderate-pressure massage (compared to light- pressure massage) helped decrease pain and increase grip strength in one study (Field), and foot reflexology was seen to improve pain and fatigue for people with RA as well (Metin). Scleroderma Many people with scleroderma have trouble with mobility in their hands and arms. Lymphatic massage and other types of bodywork have been demonstrated A clinical trial found that blood pressure readings dropped after massage, and remained below baseline for 72 hours or more. For a list of resources used for this article, or to see the other ways massage is deemed beneficial, visit massagetherapy.com. www.massagetherapy.com—your resource for all things bodywork 7