The Health and Wellness Newsletter of
BODYMIND MASSAGE THERAPY

May, 2006
Volume 2, Issue 5


Bodymind Massage Therapy
Helen Gutfreund, LMT, NCTMB
7 Prospect Street
New Paltz, NY 12561
845.255.3228


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SPOTLIGHT ON MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Massage and MS Symptoms
source: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Sourcebook-Massage.asp

Many people with MS use massage for relief of the following symptoms:

  • Spasticity - Massage can help relax muscles and enhance range of motion exercises.
  • Poor circulation - Massage can increase blood flow through superficial veins by friction, through deeper arteries and through veins by petrissage. It can increase capillary dilation through light stroking. It may be helpful in preventing the development of pressure sores but should not be used if pressure sores or reddened areas of inflammation are present.
  • Pain - Massage is useful in any condition in which a reduction in swelling or mobilization of tissues leads to pain relief. It can provide pleasurable stimulation, giving the client a chance to relax, relieving anxiety and fear. If massage is used as an aid for controlling pain, it should be used under the advice of a physician.

Massage and the Underlying Disease of MS
source: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Sourcebook-Massage.asp

While massage can be helpful in relieving stress and inducing relaxation, it has no effect on the course of MS. A 1998 study investigated the effect of massage in people with MS on:

  • Relief of anxiety and depression
  • Improvement in mood, self-esteem and body image
  • Increased ambulation and improved physical and social functioning.

The study used self-reports by the participants, and found that, at the end of a five-week period, physical and social activity had improved in the people receiving massage. Those in the massage group also reported a decrease in depression. There was, however, no improvement in grip strength and only marginal improvement in ambulation.

MS Walk, Sunday, May 7th, 2006
source: https://www.nationalmssociety.org//NYR/personal/default.asp
?pa=53991823&pd=NYR0EWLK20060507POG

At any time, someone with MS may suddenly be unable to stand up, hug their child or see a friend across the room. This year, I'll be participating in the National MS Society's annual MS Walk to help raise funds for research and local programs. It's a small thing for me to do for people who face the devastating and relentless effects of MS every day. Step by step, I hope to bring the National MS Society closer to a cure. Will you help by sponsoring me in this year's MS Walk? With your generous support, we can end the devastating effects of MS, sooner rather than later. Thank you!

For more information about how
Bodymind Massage Therapy can help you,
visit us on the web at
www.bodymindmassagetherapy.com
or to make an appointment, call
845.255.3228

Have a question or a suggestion about what you'd like to see in the next issue of bodyMinder? Let us know!

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