Neuro Massage Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury
For those living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), pain and discomfort can be ever-present, with muscle spasms and atrophy adding to the list of unpleasant symptoms, that’s why a targeted neuro massage therapies are needed on a regular for the patient.
It is, therefore, no wonder that sufferers find themselves getting dragged down by the pain, feeling depressed and searching for some sort of relief. Whilst pain medication and pain management can help, massage for spinal cord injury can help to ease the pain considerably. Massage brings with it so many benefits as it is not only effective but also non-addictive and even pleasurable.
Benefits of spinal cord injury treatments using massage
As well as the physical and mental health benefits, specialist massages, such as neuro-massages, can be used to treat certain groups of muscles. The techniques used by your therapist will likely include gentle stroking, rubbing and kneading.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of massage for SPI and how it can help to aid recovery. A correctly applied neuro-massage will help with:
- Added flexibility of muscles and available range of motions
- Improved circulation
- Improved muscle tone
- Pain relief
- Stress relief
- Relaxation
Make use of the skills of a qualified and knowledgeable therapist
Naturally, you need to make use of the skills of a qualified and knowledgeable massage therapist as there are risks to be avoided when working with spinal cord injury patients. It is vital that the massage is carried out in the correct way and that too much pressure is not applied. Whilst neuro-massages can work well, other types of treatment, such as deep tissue massages should be avoided as they can aggravate instead of help remedy existing problems.
When a SPI patient is looking for the correct type of massage to suit their condition, then it is essential that they opt for a spinal cord massage that will not irritate and inflame either the spinal cord or the sensitive areas around it. When a neuro-massage is carried out, the negative effects of the wrong type of massage will be avoided.
Consult with your doctor
However, it is still recommended that spinal cord injury patients consult with their doctor as well as their massage therapist before treatment is commenced. Neuro-massage can be incredibly beneficial for spinal cord injury recovery but other types of massage, such as deep tissue, may not be as they could be just too strenuous for this type of physical condition.
Before commencing a spinal cord neuro-massage, you should take the time to discuss your condition with your therapist. All professional massage therapists will take a full medical history from you, ensuring that the neuro-massage applied by them is a rejuvenating and relaxing spinal cord injury treatment option.