How to treat peripheral neuropathy with massage therapy?

What is peripheral neuropathy?

The name of the condition tells you a lot about what it is :

Peripheral: Beyond or the corners.

Peripheral neuropathy refers to the conditions that result when nerves connected to the brain and spinal cord are damaged or diseased.

When affected, it disrupts the function of one or more peripheral nerves, causing changes in sensation or motor function. It is a disease or injury of one or more spinal nerves serving the hands, feet, or both. It can also affect the special senses or internal organs. 

What are the causes of peripheral neuropathy?

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Bacterial Infections – Lyme disease, shingles, hepatitis B and C, leprosy, diphtheria, and HIV
• Vitamin deficiencies – B-1, B-6, and B-12 deficiency
• Autoimmune disorders – Rheumatoid arthritis, Inflammatory bowel disease, etc
• Alcoholism
• Tumors
• Bone marrow disorders
• Inherited disorders 

It’s estimated that 20 million people are affected by peripheral neuropathy, and over half of those individuals suffer from diabetic neuropathy.

What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?

Symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include:

• Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms
• Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Pain in your feet when putting weight on them or when they’re under a blanket
• Lack of coordination and falling
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis if motor nerves are affected

What is massage therapy?

Massage or massage therapy is a system of structured movements of the soft tissues of the body. The massage system includes techniques such as stroking, kneading, gliding, friction, vibration, compression, stretching within the normal anatomical range of movement. 

These techniques are applied with or without the aid of a lubricant. It uses salt or herbs, hydromassage, thermal massage or a massage device that enhances the actions possible by a human. The purpose of the practice of massage is to enhance the general health and well-being of the person.

Massage does not include the diagnosis of a specific pathology, the prescription of drugs or controlled substances. Today, people use many different types of massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes. Massage is found to be useful with pain management, restoring immune system, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression.

What are the types of massage therapy and its benefits? 

1.Swedish massage.

Swedish massage is a therapeutic massage administered by trained therapists. They use a variety of manipulations to give a curative effect for a particular condition.

It is the conventional type of massage offered in most clinics, gyms, massage spas, and wellness centers. Its benefits include a reduction in back pain, neck pain. They ease superficial tension and Boost circulation throughout the body.

2. Deep-tissue massage.

Deep tissue massage is a centered, therapeutic massage that targets muscle knots. It also concentrates on specific problem areas in the more profound layers of muscle and connective tissue.

It is extremely beneficial for the release of muscle tension or chronic pain. It relieves tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia. It also aids in the improvement of the range of motion.

3. Shiatsu massage

A form of Japanese bodywork, shiatsu includes localized pressure using the therapist’s fingers, applied in a rhythmic flow along the body. The goal is to stimulate acupressure points on the body to improve the flow of energy and help regain balance. It is used to reduce stress and protect against stress-related health issues. 

It helps increase energy and promote recovery from injuries. It is quite effective in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. It is very good to treat conditions like arthritis, insomnia, back and neck pain, sciatica, and sinus problems.

4.Foot Reflexology

Foot reflexology is one of the best and most effective drugless solutions for neuropathy. The therapist uses finger pressure and methods such as kneading and rubbing to encourage relaxation with a foot massage.

Reflexology is based on “reflex areas” on the hands and feet, whose energy is connected to organs and other body parts. It is very effective for neuropathy as it focuses on pressure points in your feet, hands, and ears. It helps to correct imbalances throughout the body. 

7.Hot Stone Massage

In this type of massage, the therapist places warmed stones on certain areas of the body, most precisely acupressure points. The stones are used as massage tools or be temporarily left in place. The idea is that the direct heat of the stones relaxes muscles.

The hot stones also expand blood vessels, encouraging blood flow throughout the body. It is beneficial in relief from the pain of fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other chronic conditions. It is beneficial for neuropathy as it minimizes pain and muscle spasms. It also diminishes chronic stress and tension by enhancing flexibility in joints, aiding in easier mobility and movement

Can Massage Relieve Peripheral Neuropathy?

One of the symptoms of neuropathy is a lack of oxygen in the nerves of the feet and hands. The nervous system needs oxygen to function properly and survive. A lot of people with this condition experience blue appendages due to poor circulation.

This is where massage therapy can help. Massage therapy boosts the flow of blood to your muscles, thus delivering oxygen to the nerves and the brain. Massage improves local circulation in the peripheral nerves. People suffering from peripheral neuropathy experience an improvement in their condition after continuous sessions of massage. 

Regular massage therapy sessions, along with self-care tips between visits, can drastically improve neuropathy in the feet.

How does massage therapy help peripheral neuropathy?

Anything that improves circulating blood with oxygen and nutrients can only help the body to heal. Massage stimulates the nerves in the body, especially in the feet and legs. This with improved circulating blood with nutrients and oxygen help the nerves of the feet and hands to regenerate. 

In diabetic neuropathy, reflexology massage has a statistically significant reduction in symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.  The following are the benefits of massage in peripheral neuropathy. 

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Relaxes the nerves of hands and legs
• Reduce the incidence of trapped nerves. 
• Improved circulation helps to remove toxins and reduce stagnation which results from metabolic disease or chemotherapy.
• Lessen depression and anxiety
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system
• Sports injuries
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin
• Increase joint flexibility
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation
• Reduce spasms and cramping
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
• Arthritis
• Enhanced sleep quality
• Greater energy
• Improved concentration
• Reduced fatigue

Conclusion:

Peripheral Neuropathy causes immense pain and anguish to the sufferer. The main cause of the pain is the lack of oxygen to these nerves. The lack of oxygen can be due to trapped veins or fat accumulation or toxins residue. One of the best relief for peripheral neuropathy is a massage

Massage relaxes the nerves of the hands and legs easing the flow of blood for oxidation. It reduces fat, making circulation easier. It also aids in the removal of toxins cleansing the body. Therefore massage is one of the best solutions for treating peripheral neuropathy.