Relieving Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue with Regular Massage

Enhancing Quality of Life: Massage Therapy for MS

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have problems with their immune systems attacking their nerves, resulting in nerve damage. MS affects the brain and spinal cord, causing pain, movement problems and other symptoms. While the treatment for multiple sclerosis often involves medication to control symptoms, some patients may opt to include massage therapy as part of their treatment program.

In a recently published article entitled, “Massage Eases Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms,” authors, Hossein Negahban, Solmaz Rezaie and Shahin Goharpey, write:

“People with multiple sclerosis who received Swedish massage three times a week for five weeks showed significant improvements in pain, balance and walking speed, according to recent research.”

Patients with MS may have problems moving their arms and doing fine motor movements, such as picking up small objects with their hands. Weakness and tremors can also occur in patients' arms and legs. The authors argue that massaging the legs can help reduce spasticity, in which the muscles contract and become tight. In addition, massage therapy helps with flexibility, which improves patients' mobility.