Massage Therapy for Stroke Recovery
Individuals who have suffered a stroke are likely to receive treatment and support from a wide range of healthcare professionals, including licensed massage therapists. Massage therapy can help improve the nerve function and joint mobility and relieve stress that is associated with the trauma of having a stroke. Following a stroke, the intent of therapeutic massage is to stimulate the nerves, so the nervous system is not able to ignore the stimulation. This physical stimulation of the nerves causes the nervous system to follow and process the tactile sensations. When the brain is trying to find better and more efficient ways to handle the information, it is forced to develop new connections by creating new cellular circuitry around the damaged areas. This is called neuroplasticity. Massage therapy is recommended for stress relief and therapeutic benefits, but the primary focus of treating strokes with massage is to stimulate the nerves. One of the most common massage techniques that