If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you live life bearing a lot of pain. The treatment plan includes providing you with pain relief, especially because you have to deal with the loss of bone tissue that can make even the act of standing up almost impossible.
There are numerous ways to manage osteoporosis, and some experts suggest that having a massage can help you handle its symptoms. Is there truth in the belief that you can manage osteoporosis with massage therapy? Keep on reading to find out.
What Is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone condition caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D in the body. It usually occurs in older adults, commonly older women, but it also affects other demographics, even children.
When someone has osteoporosis, their bones become weak and porous, and they are more prone to fractures and breakage. Though these concerns are normal for anyone of advanced age, the risks are heightened when someone has osteoporosis.
Aside from nutrient deficiencies, a person may also develop osteoporosis because of genetics, smoking, regular alcohol consumption, lifestyle choices, medication, and other underlying conditions.
What makes osteoporosis difficult is how it is often undiagnosed unless a person is injured because of it. When a patient is injured because of their frail bones, osteoporosis makes the healing process much more prolonged and difficult to handle.
Can You Get a Massage If You Have Osteoporosis?
Every person who feels physical discomfort may lean towards massage therapy as a helpful solution. For people who have osteoporosis, this move may be one of the best choices. Before a person with osteoporosis can undergo massage therapy, they must obtain their physician’s clearance.
Once a doctor approves the treatment, it is essential to make the massage therapist familiar with the history of their condition so that they can develop the right approach to the massage therapy sessions. After the treatment plan is ready, the therapist will use the appropriate massage techniques that are soothing and often more gentle for the patient.
In some cases, the massage therapist will also apply reflexology treatments. It can be a good fit for those who have osteoporosis as it is linked to improving bone density and can alleviate associated symptoms of the disease.
How Can Massage Therapy Help an Osteoporosis Patient?
Massage therapy can loosen the tension felt by a person with osteoporosis. It also calms the nerves, reduces stress, and relieves anxiety. Be sure to ask your massage therapist if they use aromatherapy. This can increase the relaxing benefit of your massage!
As bones need an adequate blood supply to heal, increasing blood flow can assist the restorative process through massage. Massage also aids in getting rid of excess lymph fluid that can cause inflammation in problem areas.
Finally, massage helps the body’s natural painkillers set in, which aids in reducing swelling and diminishing the sensations of pain.
Final Thoughts
Osteoporosis is a disease that can hinder a person from enjoying their usual daily activities, as it causes discomfort and pain. With physician-approved massage therapy, people with this illness can enjoy a sense of relief and relaxation to help them manage the symptoms.
If you are seeking massage therapy in St. Albert and Edmonton, book an appointment with Therapeutic Body Concepts today. You can take advantage of services such as different types of massage, reflexology, and Manual Osteopathy. Contact us today for more information!
