Massage?

[Sharon]

For those of you with joint or tendon pains associated with AI issues:
Do you find massage therapy helpful or potentially hurtful?

[Carebear]

If you find the right massage therapist, it can be very beneficial.  For me, massage can reduce the tightness in my muscles and associated pain.  Communication is key.  I am working with an RMT who does a combined type of massage, and does not work too deeply into the tissue.

This can promote overall healing and wellness.  But for many of us, less is more.

[Sharon]

Thanks Carebear, massage was very relaxing for me in the past but I stopped before the SJS began.
Maybe I'll give it another try.

[Joe S.]

I visited a few years ago with a gal that had ligament AI issues. Her history indicated that traditional massage and acupressure was out of the question. Reiki did help her but no massage of any type. it took a little longer but she did fall asleep on my table.

[warmwaters]

I find massage painful if any kind of deep work is done.  As in - in bed for the next two days painful.

[wendyoh]

warmwaters me too---I went against my rule not to do on Friday--and didn't get full massage by any means, but let a PT work on side of neck shoulder for a little while because its extremely tight right now, was desperate and its been many years since have allowed physical work, so some denial at play. plus I am a delayed responder, it doesn't typically hurt in the moment. But wow when pain set in SAt and Sun it was off the chart, feeling like was in car accident. I also walked around in 60 degree sun Friday because cabin fever but that is typically not a  good idea for me to be outside unless its cloudy or cooler than that.

At any rate what is your theory on what the bad reaction to massage is?

[Sharon]

Thanks all for your input.
I spoke with a massage therapist and when I mentioned I have joint pain
she refused to take me as a client claiming massage is counterindicated in such cases. 

[wendyoh]

I think I freaked out a few bodyworkers back in the day with the backlash I would get after a massage.....I get delayed reaction usually....hang in there I bet you can find someone else if you really want one

[susanep]

I enjoy just a light massage. I have never had  a professional one.

susanep

[A Mom on Spin]

I can't put up with the after-effects of the massage that comes with a pedicure. It feels rather good at the time, but soooooo painful the next day.  I can't even imagine letting someone massage my whole body!  I've even been afraid to go for my hands.

Liz

[Sharon]

I wonder why it would cause pain the next day?

[belovedchaos1]

Massage for autoimmune conditions can really help with flare symptoms and pain, however this not only depends on the therapist (as others mentioned before) but also the type of massage you get.

A lot of the time when we think of a massage, it's a deep tissue massage used to relieve knots and ease muscle tension. Unfortunately though, those of us with chronic illnesses can't particularly tolerate those or can but feel horrible or bruised the following day.

The best type of massage to consider would be either craniosacral therapy massage, or lymphatic drainage massage or both. Both are light but effective at helping to decrease pain and also to reduce inflammation that our bodies can release extra of due to our overactive immune systems.

If you have any questions about either or want more details, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm an RMT who practices both and I treat a lot of patients with autoimmune conditions who have seen a great benefit from it (myself included with my own therapist)

[Sharon]

Thanks for the suggestion belovedchaos, that's very interesting.
I will look into the techniques you suggested. 

[Nymph]

I love massage. I always feel better when I have it. Unfortunately I cannot afford it very often! I guess it depends on the individual. I do not have myositis. I do, however, have constant tight neck and shoulders and associated pain, and have since adolescence.

[Deb 27]

If I have a pulled muscle, it helps. If I am having an RA flare, not so much.