|  | Conditions Treatments | Stroke

What Are the Benefits of Massage for Strokes?

Strokes inhibit blood flow to the brain and are often the result of a blood clot or burst blood vessel. A stroke deprives brain tissue of oxygen and may cause temporary or permanent brain damage. Strokes can cause paralysis, memory and speech loss, mobility challenges and other cognitive and emotional impairments. Massage can help in recovery by reducing stress, improving circulation and by providing a healing touch to the patient.

  1. Respite

    • Rehabilitation after a stroke is a long road, generally and massage is an excellent adjunct to physiotherapy, speech therapy and other therapies that may be necessary during recovery. Having a massage is a relaxing experience for almost anyone, but specifically for a stroke survivor, as it is a much-needed respite from the mental and emotional strain of the rehabilitation process. Stroke victims may experience depression and anxiety. Massage is a clinically proven method to reduce stress and enhance physical and emotional well-being. Stroke victims who received 10 minutes of slow-stroke back massage daily had lower blood pressure, heart rate, pain and anxiety than those who had no massage, according to a 2004 study called, "The effects of slow-stroke back massage on anxiety and shoulder pain in elderly stroke patients," conducted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

    Quality of Life

    • Even if a stroke victim is paralyzed and not likely to regain mobility or certain cognitive function again, massage can still help to improve a survivor's quality of life by offering comforting touch, stress and pain reduction and facilitating improved emotional outlook. Another study, conducted by Tilburg University in the Netherlands in 2010, shows that patients with heart disease and anxiety disorders may have a higher risk of strokes and heart attacks, so massage can also be used as a preventative measure, helping curb stress and bring about relaxation in these patients to decrease the risk of stroke.

    Muscle Recovery

    • Some strokes result in loss of muscle strength and control. Massage helps stimulate circulation to the affected areas through gentle manipulation of muscle fibers that flood the muscle with blood, helping a patient regain muscle strength and control. One of the techniques used is called "fluffing," which uses a combination of stroking or gliding motions with kneading and rolling to help relax stiff or locked muscles, increase range of motion and reinstate muscle memory. Each stroke patient's recovery is unique and what may work for one person, may not work for another. Patience, a positive outlook, medical support and a multifaceted rehabilitation program increase the stroke survivor's chances for and quality of recovery.

Stroke - Related Articles