It is estimated that around 300,000 people contract Lyme Disease in the United States each year! Lyme disease plagues victims with a wide range of unpleasant symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, headache, neck stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes that can accompany the rash. It’s a chronic illness caused by a bacterium carried by black-legged ticks and transmitted by their bite. Those spending a lot of time in the outdoors are highest at risk. Fortunately for those in the Austin area, tick bites are rare. However, Autunites traveling to places with higher rates of transmission, such as the Mid-West and North-East regions of the country, have contracted the disease.
Most sufferers use conventional medications, such as antibiotics, diet, and supplements to manage the disease. Often times, this just isn’t enough. Lyme disease patients find themselves in need of relief from the symptoms that exist while on the path to recovery.
Can massage possibly help with pain relief?
In a case study conducted by the University of Wisconsin and published in the International Journal of Massage Bodywork, the effects of massage therapy on Lyme disease proved helpful in providing relief from pain. The patient studied found improvement in their overall well-being and decreased pain after receiving the massage.
If your suffering from Lyme disease, it may be beneficial to try massage therapy to manage your symptoms.
Follow these tips for using massage therapy to relieve Lyme Disease symptoms:
Ask for a Swedish massage; light touches are best. A Deep Tissue may cause an increase in symptoms. Talk to your therapist before starting the massage. Have open communication on what feels right and what is causing pain.Ask your therapist to focus on your scalp as it was found that this was particularly comforting to the patient in the case study. If you find the massage helped reduce pain, schedule a weekly or biweekly massage with your therapist.
Article Submitted by Trevor Cobb LMT of Dimensions Massage Therapy
For a link to the case study, go to Massage Therapy for Lyme Disease