If you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition, your doctor may have given you a treatment plan. It might include medication along with other types of treatments. In some cases, you might find that massage therapy can be beneficial along with traditional medical care.
Before You Begin Massage Therapy
Always talk to your doctor about getting a massage. Make sure they feel it’s safe for you to add this to your treatment plan. In many cases, they will support the idea and even encourage you, but there are times when it may not be the best option. The doctor may also recommend light pressure or other restrictions on the kind of massage you receive at your session.
Once your doctor has approved massage therapy, the next step is to talk to the therapist. Let them know about your medical condition and any instructions or restrictions the doctor has provided. Based on this information, they will recommend the type of massage that will provide the most benefit.
How Massage Can Help
Much of the time, massage therapy won’t cure your condition. However, it can help the body cure itself. In other instances, it can help you manage the symptoms, especially pain. Massage therapy increases blood flow throughout the system, which can stimulate the body to begin healing. It also relaxes you, which is important for your health and can alleviate pain.
If you’re fighting a chronic illness or a condition which can be terminal, massage therapy can help your mental wellbeing. The mind is a powerful part of your recovery, and a massage can reduce anxiety and depression, so you feel like continuing to fight.
Consider adding massage therapy to your treatment plan and see how it can improve your quality of life.