23 replies to this topic

[nomis]

I'm revitalising my interest in massage and its potential benefits. I'm a little surprised it doesn't appear to rate more highly in most peoples' lives...or, at least, that's the impression I have.

Firstly, I'd like to hear of any research involving massage and SCI that is available online.

Secondly, who gets all the massaging they want and why do you have it OR if you don't get massaged do you want to?

I get cold feet in winter and in this part of the world it's currently winter. When my feet feel icey cold to the touch my partner will give me a leg-and-foot massage and hey presto within an hour after the massage I've got warm pinky toes and all feels fine. That's gotta be good for me.

If it is true that massage can boost circulation to our extremities then why isn't the medical world advocating this instead of telling us to increase our power bills, go jogging or eat more pills? I get two reactions to massage from doctors, one lot says yeah that's fine, you go ahead, it can't do any harm - they don't advocate it but rather regard it as unhelpful but also unharmful. The other lot scoff and rubbish it. So, where's the research? Or, does it have to be packed into a paid-for presecription before it is acceptable?

In addition to the benefit that massage may have on circulation it's also reputably beneficial for some with pain and if you can get massaged wherever you can feel, well, it feels so great it's just got to be good for you.

Are SCI people getting the touching through massage that they need to keep healthy?

Edited by nomis, 28 June 2010 - 11:07 PM.

[Snakeye]

Tried a pro massage once. Since lying flat on my stomach is uncomfordable it didn't pan out...Couldn't feel where she rubbed anyway....Might work for others tho...

[StillFingers]

Hey Nomis,

I've heard from both schools of thought you mention and a third; and the third has kept me from deep massages for my lower body; legs, ankles and feet. The third school warns of possible blood clotting with deep tissue type massage to any areas that have excessive circulation issues/loss. I've done some minor research over these last three decades and not found any conclusive evidence against or much for it's use

I've had two major blood clots to deal with (both surgery related) and do get quite severe edema in both legs, so I'm very cautious and don't do any deep massage in impaired areas. But gentle massage I use regularly (well my better half or my carers do). In an effort to keep my skin in good shape, lotion and a light massage are near a daily routine. I'm incomplete and do enjoy the touch and warming up. And, while I can't prove it's of any benefit, at 53 my blood work is fantastic, I usually heal; muscle soreness, goes away quickly.

As for deep tissue massage, only my upper body; neck, upper back/chest, shoulders and biceps; everything else is gentle in nature. At the moment tho, do to my extended horizontalness (2yrs plus) my muscles are very week/sore and I'm refraining from any deep massage, opting the safer (in my mind) gentle massage to work the knots/kinks out...

Being a former heavy weight lifter massage was much anticipated after a few times through my gyms circuit...it didn't matter whose hands did the work, just that an exhausted body be relax after...and touch is such an important part of our humanity; it's benefits truly breathe life into every bit of you!

I like this topic, thanks for posting. Looking forward to other replies and info!

Jerry

Edited by StillFingers, 29 June 2010 - 12:02 AM.

[rue2you]

I would like to know about this too. A lady in my church has paid for me to have a massage twice by different people. The second lady was WONDERFUL. My legs were like ice (to the touch) when we started and an hour later they felt like normal. The lady was also a naturalist and did energy field stuff too. I don't know what to think about it all. She would take her fingers and go between your vertebreas. She would feel and then rub. She told me "This is about to hurt" and boy did it! She said it was all knotted up and I could tell. By the time she was done, I felt a LOT looser in my upper body.

She also said that toxins are stored in our muscles and that when we walk the blood flows through our muscles and washed out those toxins. She said that when we don't walk, the blood pools (which we all know) and the toxins just store in our muscles. After awhile, the toxins will just make us generally not feel good and she the manipulation of massaging those muscles helps to rid those toxins. She even made me drink something after it was over to help flush them out. I forget what it was - something natural.

Anyway, I loved it and if I had the money I would go every single week! I wish my insurance would pay for it. It costs $60 for an hour.

[snodrog742]

rue2you, on Jun 28 2010, 06:59 PM, said:

I would like to know about this too. A lady in my church has paid for me to have a massage twice by different people. The second lady was WONDERFUL. My legs were like ice (to the touch) when we started and an hour later they felt like normal. The lady was also a naturalist and did energy field stuff too. I don't know what to think about it all. She would take her fingers and go between your vertebreas. She would feel and then rub. She told me "This is about to hurt" and boy did it! She said it was all knotted up and I could tell. By the time she was done, I felt a LOT looser in my upper body.

She also said that toxins are stored in our muscles and that when we walk the blood flows through our muscles and washed out those toxins. She said that when we don't walk, the blood pools (which we all know) and the toxins just store in our muscles. After awhile, the toxins will just make us generally not feel good and she the manipulation of massaging those muscles helps to rid those toxins. She even made me drink something after it was over to help flush them out. I forget what it was - something natural.

Anyway, I loved it and if I had the money I would go every single week! I wish my insurance would pay for it. It costs $60 for an hour.

Maybe that's what I need. I started and internship and have been working 5-6 hours a day. My back and neck have been killing me and not feeling good/weaker than normal. Ugh..

[Lewis]

I have found the size to be very beneficial. Not two weeks ago I went for a visit after a long absence. I was reminded of how loose and ache free my upper back and shoulders become after just 30 minutes of deep tissue massage. Sadly, it's rather expensive but I think if you experiment he'll find a compromise between the benefit and your wallet.

[mellowgator]

i'm lucky that my insurance pays for massage as part of my pain management program. they massage my neck and back and then range me. i do feel much better after my massages. they also take my neck and range it so i don't lose rom there. the part i hate is when my pt makes me do pushups and other exercises after i'm all relaxed after my awesome massage.

mellowgator

[wheeliebear75]

I can vouch for the point of how much the circulation in my legs & feet is improved. I think the medical world often has trouble excepting anything they can't gauge in some sort of concrete units as in the application of various medications or other substances. Anything they can't write a scrip for they're unsure of how to perceive it. Now although the right massage can feel like Heaven the wrong one will feel like HELL!

[chrisarnold6]

nomis, on Jun 29 2010, 12:05 AM, said:

I'm revitalising my interest in massage and its potential benefits. I'm a little surprised it doesn't appear to rate more highly in most peoples' lives...or, at least, that's the impression I have.

Firstly, I'd like to hear of any research involving massage and SCI that is available online.

Secondly, who gets all the massaging they want and why do you have it OR if you don't get massaged do you want to?

I get cold feet in winter and in this part of the world it's currently winter. When my feet feel icey cold to the touch my partner will give me a leg-and-foot massage and hey presto within an hour after the massage I've got warm pinky toes and all feels fine. That's gotta be good for me.

If it is true that massage can boost circulation to our extremities then why isn't the medical world advocating this instead of telling us to increase our power bills, go jogging or eat more pills? I get two reactions to massage from doctors, one lot says yeah that's fine, you go ahead, it can't do any harm - they don't advocate it but rather regard it as unhelpful but also unharmful. The other lot scoff and rubbish it. So, where's the research? Or, does it have to be packed into a paid-for presecription before it is acceptable?

In addition to the benefit that massage may have on circulation it's also reputably beneficial for some with pain and if you can get massaged wherever you can feel, well, it feels so great it's just got to be good for you.

Are SCI people getting the touching through massage that they need to keep healthy?

Hello Nomis,

Recently I received some Shiatsu massage, and found it very relaxing, and something else I could not identify. This method is very gentle. I have started self massage, of the feet and toes, and legs. It's never hard and I can't feel a thing, but my wife says that my feet look less blotchy. It would be advisable to check out whatever you may try with the doc or nurse first.

Chris

[jenny407]

Unfortunately I can't contribute on SCI and massage. (My friend doesn't use it.)
But I generally have some experience, I find massage very, very helpful and relaxing. Like rue said, it serves to wash toxins out (yes, some say you should drink a lot of water afterwards). It's not only agreeable, but also definitely healing / helping. There are different forms (like Jerry said). So you should pay attention to which form it is you need / want.

Shiatsu Japanese massage (chrisarnold6): gentle, used to relax tension, healing effect
Ayurveda Indian massage: very gentle, too, usually with oil, relaxing, healing (there's a second line: animating, tougher, with silk tissue)
Reflexology (feet or hand): I don't know how that works with SCI. Uses special reflex points for healing / medicine purposes. Tougher.
Tuina Chinese massage: very gentle, helps to lesson tension in special acupuncture points of your body (can be used all over your body, depending on what you need), makes the qi (= energy) flow. Often used after acupuncture itself.

And of course: sports massage, tough, deep in the muscle, after doing sports.

Massage can be given: by a friend / spouse (there are very good books, e. g. on Ayurveda massage), or just as it feels good. It's certainly better to be gentle.
- by a professional (ayurveda, shiatsu, tuina is better than sports massage, then, in a SCI case)
- by yourself (auto-massage) (again: gentle)

The helpful effect has been written about - but where? Sorry, I have no link to offer. I found something on wikipedia (shiatsu, tuina, ayurveda). For shiatsu massage, you also find scientific evidence on wikipedia, but not specially for SCI.

I know there is special research into qi gong* and SCI. (Again: sorry, no idea where)

*) a bit like yoga, Chinese

[carole338]

My sister has been a licensed Message Therapist for over 25 years. I also have a good friend who is also a licensed Message Therapist. They both give me message therapy and I absolutely believe it helps me.

My sister gave me Reiki when I got out of the operation and was paralyzed and continued with it these past 3 years. I know my hard work and her treatments of Reiki, message and Reflexology helped get me to where I am now, which is more independent and from T10/11 to L2.

My sister’s and my friend’s treatments help warm up my freezing legs and feet. They ease the pain caused by lack of circulation. My grandchildren message my legs and do range of motion exercises for my feet.

I feel any message we are lucky enough to be given benefits us both physically and emotionally.

[Scribbler]

nomis, on Jun 29 2010, 12:05 AM, said:

I'm revitalising my interest in massage and its potential benefits. I'm a little surprised it doesn't appear to rate more highly in most peoples' lives...or, at least, that's the impression I have.

Firstly, I'd like to hear of any research involving massage and SCI that is available online.

Secondly, who gets all the massaging they want and why do you have it OR if you don't get massaged do you want to?

I get cold feet in winter and in this part of the world it's currently winter. When my feet feel icey cold to the touch my partner will give me a leg-and-foot massage and hey presto within an hour after the massage I've got warm pinky toes and all feels fine. That's gotta be good for me.

If it is true that massage can boost circulation to our extremities then why isn't the medical world advocating this instead of telling us to increase our power bills, go jogging or eat more pills? I get two reactions to massage from doctors, one lot says yeah that's fine, you go ahead, it can't do any harm - they don't advocate it but rather regard it as unhelpful but also unharmful. The other lot scoff and rubbish it. So, where's the research? Or, does it have to be packed into a paid-for presecription before it is acceptable?

In addition to the benefit that massage may have on circulation it's also reputably beneficial for some with pain and if you can get massaged wherever you can feel, well, it feels so great it's just got to be good for you.

Are SCI people getting the touching through massage that they need to keep healthy?

Hi Nomis,

How did I miss your Thread until now; I like reading your posts.

I've had 2 PA's who were qualified in various forms of massage. I found it very helpful for my neck and shoulder pain; digging their thumbs in those knots, nice but painful.

One of them told me that massage lowers your BP, so advises AB clients to sit still for a few moments before getting up. One lady didn't listen and promptly fainted.

A qualified masseur will refuse massage to any cancer patient. My wife wasn't allowed massage as it supposedly spreads toxins round the body.

Personally, I'd find it relaxing for any attractive young lady massaging me with a bottle of chip oil; its just relaxing to have someone massage you. I wouldn't go as far as saying 'healthy', just therapeutic.

[Travelling Blackbird]

I get massages sometimes from my physiotherapist, and sometimes from my neurologist's assistant. They focus on my shoulders and upper back though, basically on keeping everything there in order because I tend to overwork them. It's rare that they work on the muscles below the injury.

[airart1]

its bound to help, relaxation sure is hard to come by, my jacuzzi makes all the difference in the world......

[Ratticis]

I find if I rub my feet for a bit after I get in bed they feel a lot better and any swelling goes down quick. Some days my feet look like playdough and I can leave finger imprints in them. Could definitely use something to loosen up my shoulders and neck and everywhere really.

[nomis]

interesting. Good comments.

Jerry, I agree with the warning re deep massage. I'd certainly keep away from rolfing etc. Any massage on nonsensory areas should be light and gentle. I like your comment about the good state of your skin after years of massage. That's a very serious part of us that needs looking after.

Scribs, it's always going to be therapeutic (which should be a healthy thing) but can also be caring or even loving as I'm sure you've experienced. And that's very healthy. But, quite rightly, it's proper to treat massages from professional people as therapeutic.

I'm a little surprised by the many referrals to professional massage. I shouldn't be surprised but it's not the area of massage that I'm familiar with. Firstly, I don't have the money but more importantly when available I love the personal, more intimate thing of caring. There's heaps of books on massage so it's easy for anyone to learn the basics which is all that's needed for basic massage. The whole professional thing takes itself too seriously and is riddled with humbug, over zealous good intentions and cash-greed.

I'm currently getting all the massage I can enjoy which puts me in a satisfied place. But it hasn't always been like that. In recent times I've had promises of massages from friends who were both trained but they were always promising but never delivering. So frustrating.

Nowadays, I'm trying out regular massages to combat the winter chills and it seems to be working. It's also a nice time with my partner where I'm getting lots of caring even though I can't feel the touch and also a time for some quietness or gentle conversation. In addition to that, she'll also do my back and shoulders and that is a whole other game. Foremost, I can feel - I especially like the rush or tapering off as she crosses from my nonfeeling to feeling zones. And deeper work around my shoulders and neck help relax those muscles which get tense from holding myself upright in the chair.

I think the world generally is missing out on the simple, caring touch of massage. It's so easy to do, can benefit both parties leaving everyone happy yet we make it so difficult and awkward to ask for it or offer it even to those we care about.

[qbounce]

Well then Nomis, this accounts for all your absences. Your *ahem* excused. ;)

[snodrog742]

nomis, on Jun 29 2010, 06:07 PM, said:

interesting. Good comments.

Jerry, I agree with the warning re deep massage. I'd certainly keep away from rolfing etc. Any massage on nonsensory areas should be light and gentle. I like your comment about the good state of your skin after years of massage. That's a very serious part of us that needs looking after.

Scribs, it's always going to be therapeutic (which should be a healthy thing) but can also be caring or even loving as I'm sure you've experienced. And that's very healthy. But, quite rightly, it's proper to treat massages from professional people as therapeutic.

I'm a little surprised by the many referrals to professional massage. I shouldn't be surprised but it's not the area of massage that I'm familiar with. Firstly, I don't have the money but more importantly when available I love the personal, more intimate thing of caring. There's heaps of books on massage so it's easy for anyone to learn the basics which is all that's needed for basic massage. The whole professional thing takes itself too seriously and is riddled with humbug, over zealous good intentions and cash-greed.

I'm currently getting all the massage I can enjoy which puts me in a satisfied place. But it hasn't always been like that. In recent times I've had promises of massages from friends who were both trained but they were always promising but never delivering. So frustrating.

Nowadays, I'm trying out regular massages to combat the winter chills and it seems to be working. It's also a nice time with my partner where I'm getting lots of caring even though I can't feel the touch and also a time for some quietness or gentle conversation. In addition to that, she'll also do my back and shoulders and that is a whole other game. Foremost, I can feel - I especially like the rush or tapering off as she crosses from my nonfeeling to feeling zones. And deeper work around my shoulders and neck help relax those muscles which get tense from holding myself upright in the chair.

I think the world generally is missing out on the simple, caring touch of massage. It's so easy to do, can benefit both parties leaving everyone happy yet we make it so difficult and awkward to ask for it or offer it even to those we care about.

Two words: Lucky

[Tetracyclone]

Nomis is driving up my ally. I worked as a massage therapist for 12 years and studied many different modalities: deep tissue, shiatsu, reiki, lymphatic massage, and Zero Balancing. It is true that you can find people in the profession that suffer from big-headedness.

The important points have all been mostly covered. Toxins: it may be more useful to call them your muscles' waste products. That is what they are.

It is so true that people get the most benefit when there is lots of caring between the individuals. Anyone can give a nice massage if they can put their hands on the other person. When my partner puts his feet in my lap it is time for foot massage, which he cherishes for his arthritis. I do exchanges with one friend, also trained in reiki, and move around the massage table mostly in my chair, but also standing for certain moves. When I worked in massage I did a LOT of exchanges. I have never really enjoyed paying for massage- to me it leaves out a key element of mutual caring. this may seem odd to you as I made good money at massage due to being located in a hotel, but I always cared for most all my clients. That is my nature.

I think that massage is under-appreciated by medical people precisely because most anyone can do a credible massage. Also, the need to be touched is so huge and so unmet that few insurance companies, or national health agencies, want to pay for this. It would sink them in no time.

Most of us who wish to give as well as receive massage can learn to channel our caring in this way. You do not need complete hand function. In fact, it can be minimal, though you need to be able to put your hands on the other person. You can rub and stroke with a fist or with an elbow. The gentle stroke of a 3-year-old can send you near ecstasy- the purity of their caring is so clear, and it relaxes people.

People who cannot use their arms could learn reiki level 2 and direct healing energy with their minds. Anyone can do it at least a little, and we all get better with practice. It is a marvelous form of focused meditation.

As you can see, I encourage all of you to exchange massages with your friends.

Reiki can be lovely and requires no ability to apply pressure. One simply channels energy with their hands. There are 3 levels of reiki and the second teaches you to do "absent healing", in which you can do this style for someone far away. A colleague of mine, my reiki master, worked on me every night for 3 months after my accident. I don't doubt that she helped me a great deal. A funny story occurred a few months ago when I unexpectedly had a great independent bowel movement. I called Christy to share my glee and she exclaimed, " I just worked on your colon this morning! " It was the first indie BM in 8 months, so it was not exactly an accident.

Too true that reiki and some other modalities attract some real nut cases. When I hear messianic fervor I run the other way.

Touch each other tenderly, skillfully, and a lot. Put massage professionals out of business!

[Ches]

I met a massage therapist about 4 months post,.. she was so eager to help that she offered her work for free and I accepted. The lady is/was amazing, a lot like Rue described the good one. I saw her for nearly two yrs, few times a month, and I swear she is the reason I have made it this far without any lingering pains or abnormalities. I consider her an angel.

[McRobb]

I had several deep tissue massages on my shoulders, neck, upper back ,arms and hands before I could get surgery for carpel tunnel. The guy who did it was a professional and he even came to my house as his office was not accessible. But, he firmly refused to do any work at or below my SCI.

Massages were wonderful and he was a really nice guy but every two weeks to spend $50 per hour was just too much for me to afford. Wish I could afford to have it done daily and I would do it.

[lissalyon]

i go to my osteopath about 3 times a year for 3 sessions at a time. He does deep tissue massage and it is just vital for your all round maintainance.

it is just wonderful.

my osteopath has a lovely wheelchar accessible office-i feel very comfortable and trust him implicitly.

i come away from there feeling amazng

[Carolie]

Massage has helped with the spasms in the back for me.

Carolyn

[airart1]

they bound to help, just relaxation is worth alot..............