TL;DR: While massage therapy cannot cure Multiple Sclerosis, it is an excellent way to safely manage symptoms like muscle spasticity, pain, poor circulation, and stress. If you have MS, gentle styles like Swedish massage are highly recommended, while heat-heavy styles (like hot stone massages) should usually be avoided due to heat sensitivity. Booking a mobile, in-cabin massage in Broken Bow is the perfect way to experience these therapeutic benefits without the draining fatigue of traveling to a traditional spa.
If you or someone you know lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you know the significant effect that it has on daily life. Symptoms like spasticity, poor circulation, and overall pain can make regular tasks difficult. To help manage these symptoms, you may consider scheduling a visit to a wellness day spa. Although massage therapy will not treat or cure MS, it can help to ease some of your symptoms.
Easing MS Symptoms Through Massage Therapy
At A Servant’s Hands Massage Therapy, our goal is to help our clients feel well-rested and rejuvenated, all while keeping a focus on their safety and comfort. Through specialized movements and motions, we use our hands in harmony to bring you relaxation while helping you experience the many physical benefits of getting a massage. As such, massage therapy can help to ease several common symptoms of MS, including:
- Spasticity: Massage therapy will help you relax your tight, involuntarily contracted muscles while improving your flexibility and range of motion.
- Pain: By carefully manipulating muscles and tissues, your massage therapist can reduce neuropathic pain and muscle soreness.
- Poor circulation: Massages naturally stimulate blood flow, encouraging a healthy flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body—which is especially helpful if mobility is limited.
- Fatigue and stress: MS takes a toll on mental health. The calming nature of a massage lowers stress hormones and promotes a deeper, more restorative sleep.
Choosing the Right Massage Style (and What to Avoid)
Because MS affects the central nervous system, certain spa treatments are better than others. For example, many people with MS experience heat sensitivity (often called Uhthoff’s phenomenon), where exposure to high temperatures causes symptoms to temporarily worsen. If you are sensitive to heat, you should avoid hot stone massages, heated tables, or hot towel treatments.
Instead, a Swedish massage is often the best choice. It uses gentle, flowing strokes that promote deep relaxation and circulation without overstimulating the nervous system or overheating the body. Be sure to communicate your preferences and sensitivities with your massage therapist so they can design the session entirely to your comfort.
When Should You Not Get a Massage?
Experienced massage therapists know how to safely and effectively bring relief to their patients. However, there are some situations or conditions in which massage therapy is not the ideal solution. Because MS can sometimes be accompanied by other health concerns, you should meet with your doctor if you have:
- Edema, which is swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in tissues, body cavities, or joints. Your physician should be able to determine the cause of the edema, which then determines if a massage is safe.
- Osteoporosis, which is a disease that causes the bones to become weak and brittle. As people with MS tend to have a comparatively low bone mass (due to low mobility and medication side effects), you should meet with your doctor before scheduling a massage.
- Ulcers or an enlarged liver or spleen.
- Arthritis.
- Heart disease.
- Recent significant injuries or surgeries.
In general, before you schedule a massage to help with your MS symptoms, it is often best to first discuss it with your doctor. Once you and your doctor decide that massage therapy is safe for you, scheduling a solo or couples massage Broken Bow is an ideal way to experience relief and relaxation during your next vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is massage therapy safe for someone with Multiple Sclerosis?
Yes, for most people with MS, massage therapy is incredibly safe and highly recommended for symptom management. However, because MS affects everyone differently, it is always best to consult your neurologist or doctor before booking your first session.
Should I avoid hot stone massages if I have MS?
If you experience heat sensitivity (which is very common with MS), it is best to avoid hot stone massages, heated massage tables, and steam rooms. Elevated body temperatures can temporarily worsen MS symptoms.
How do I prepare my cabin for a mobile massage?
You do not have to lift a finger! Our mobile massage therapists bring the table, linens, hypoallergenic oils, and soothing music directly to your Broken Bow cabin. All you need to do is show us to a clear, quiet space (like a bedroom or living area), and we will handle the entire setup.
Key Takeaways
- Massage therapy is an effective way to relieve common MS symptoms like spasticity, muscle pain, and poor circulation.
- Because many people with MS are sensitive to heat, gentle techniques like Swedish massage are recommended over heat-heavy styles like hot stone massages.
- Booking a mobile, in-cabin massage is ideal for those with MS, as it eliminates the physical fatigue of traveling to a day spa.
- Always consult your doctor before booking a massage if you have conditions like edema, osteoporosis, or recent injuries.
Experience Relaxation at Your Private Wellness Day Spa
At A Servant’s Hands Massage Therapy, we aim to extend the benefits of our massages for as long as possible by creating the perfect spa atmosphere. You will not have to travel to a busy spa to relax alone or enjoy a couples massage Broken Bow. Instead, we will come to your cabin with everything needed to create a relaxing, customized spa experience.
To learn more about our massage therapy services or to enjoy an in-cabin massage during your next trip to Broken Bow or Hochatown, please get in touch.