Massage Therapy for Nighttime Muscle Cramps

There is nothing worse than an ailment that keeps you up all night, tossing and turning while desperately searching for something - anything - to relieve the condition as you tear apart the medicine cabinet. Whether it's flu-like symptoms, Restless Leg Syndrome, or anything in between, no one relishes the thought of losing treasured hours of sleep because of discomfort. Here we are going to take a closer look at one of those ailments that generally comes along with severe and chronic pain, typically in the calf muscle, repeatedly all night long.

Nighttime muscle cramps are nothing to take lightly - just ask the millions of folks who suffer with them. These nocturnal contractions can occur not only in the aforementioned calf muscles, but sometimes in the feet, and come on suddenly. To say the pain associated with this suffering is intense is something of an understatement, but regular massage therapy has been proven to loosen up the muscles and stop cramping.

Why Do People Get Nocturnal Muscle Cramps?

The cause of nighttime muscle cramps is often a mystery, believe it or not, but many cases have been linked to:

• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Muscle over-exertion
• Dehydration
• Working/standing on floors made of concrete
• Improper seating

Some researchers have theorized that our modern lifestyle is to blame for nocturnal cramps in the legs and feet, while other experts have observed that when we lie in bed, our foot is often in a "plantar flexion" position - that is, the toe is pointing away from us, thus shortening the calf muscles. When the foot rests in this position for an extended period, even small movements of our feet could trigger a cramp.

Still others in the medical community believe these muscle cramps are caused by nerve issues (though not muscle disorders), citing electromyogram tests that have shown that nerves running from the spine down to the calf trigger these cramps. There is even evidence that dehydration or physical activity could be triggers, along with diet, medications, standing habits, calcium and magnesium deficiencies, and pregnancy.

The Massage Therapy Factor

When these cramps occur in a specific area of the muscle in question, that region is locked in a long-term spasm that calls for a deep (sometimes uncomfortable) massage - but once the area is relaxed, cramps typically disappear. Many therapists who specialize in these types of massages assist clients by way of:

• Gently stretching the calf muscles by straightening the leg and flexing the foot forward toward the knee; for additional stretch, the patient is asked to grab his or her toes and pull them upward toward the knee

• Massaging the affected muscles (or having a partner massage them at home)

• Making a massage appointment for deep muscle therapy

• Suggesting a hot shower or warm bath, or applying an ice pack to the cramped muscle

• Having the patient walk on the affected leg and then elevating it

Additionally, a process known as Trigger Point Massage can be used to help sufferers rid themselves of leg muscle cramps at night. The key is to take it easy on yourself and put your foot on the bed or a chair (which saves your back!). Alternatively, deep stroking massage with your opposite knee works very well, too, either when sitting or lying down.

Here's what to do:

• Move the leg that is cramping down over your knee
• Begin at the back of the ankle and end at the back of the knee

You will know when you find that tender spot - trust me. Go over that spot a few times (six to twelve short strokes should do the trick) and follow this up with some icing for about 15 minutes. Massage the entire area to get some blood flowing (massage professionals recommend stretching after a good massage).

For extreme situations, there are massage therapy beds available which can help prevent muscle cramps at night by gently relaxing the muscles during sleep.

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