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 are administered to people who have suffered a stroke is Swedish massage. Some benefits of Swedish massage include:

• Anxiety relief due to the trauma of experiencing a stroke and its adverse results
• Improved joint function
• Reduced muscle tension and increased relaxation

Swedish massage uses long, gliding movements to help relax the entire body, increase levels of serotonin, and decrease levels of cortisol. This massage technique also improves blood circulation and blood oxygen levels throughout the body. Stroke patients who are suffering from swelling, a reduced range of motion, or numbness in their arms and legs are likely to experience the benefit of improved sensation and mobility after having a Swedish massage.

Before having a massage, the massage therapist will sit down with the stroke patient to talk about their specific therapeutic goals. This may include topics such as improving their balance and ability to walk or improving the use of their arms.

Starting with a whole body Swedish massage, the massage therapist can then narrow down their center of attention and choose to focus their treatment on some specific muscles and joints. This will help the patient achieve their individual goals for enhanced mobility and healing.

Massage for the nerves is done by dragging the full palm slowly and lightly from the patient's head to their feet or down their arms to their hands. The course of motion is often changed throughout the massage, so it does not become repetitive.

After a few gliding motions in one area, the therapist will move to the other side of the body or begin to focus on one particular point. The massage is also varied by adding in some fast, brisk movements starting at the feet and moving towards the head before resuming the customary slow, tactile movements.

It is best to begin a massage regimen as soon as possible after the stroke has occurred. Massage can help people who have suffered a stroke both mentally and physically. While it can relieve stress and assist the patient to feel physical comfort, it can also help the nerves to create new connections to help restore body function. While other therapies should be taken into consideration before a massage is given, it is important to consider this additional type of therapy as soon as possible after the stroke has occurred.

Eugene Wood is a Licensed Massage Therapist located in Nassau County NY. Learn more about advanced massage therapy by visiting his website.

Additional Resources

• American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA): Stroke