Massage for Ankylosing Spondylitis: Advantages and Disadvantages
Best Massage Techniques for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): A Guide for Relief
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis, can cause pain and stiffness in the spine, limiting a person's range of motion. While there is no cure for AS, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. One such treatment option is massage therapy.
The Right Massage for AS
The best massage types for people with AS are gentle, light massage techniques that avoid causing pain, especially near tender points around the spine. Light Swedish massage or therapeutic massage may provide relief by relaxing muscles and improving circulation without exacerbating pain or inflammation. Deep tissue massage has been shown in some studies to reduce pain and improve mobility in AS patients, but it must be done carefully by licensed professionals to avoid excess pressure on inflamed or sensitive areas [1][3][5].
Massages to Avoid
It's important to avoid massage techniques that apply intense pressure or cause pain, particularly deep tissue massage performed too aggressively. Excessive pressure can increase inflammation, bruising, or soreness and worsen symptoms around the spine, a common site of AS activity. Massage should never target areas that are tender or painful; those areas should be avoided or massaged very lightly until symptoms improve [1][2].
Key Points for Massage and AS
- Use light, gentle massage techniques; avoid pain-inducing pressure on the spine and tender spots [1].
- Deep tissue massage can be beneficial if applied carefully by experienced therapists with good communication to avoid discomfort [2][3].
- Avoid massage that causes inflammation, bruising, or tenderness, especially on inflamed spinal areas [2].
- Consult your doctor or physical therapist before starting massage therapy to tailor techniques appropriate for your condition [1].
Self-Massage: A Helpful Technique
Self-massage is another option for AS patients. The Arthritis Foundation recommends using large, fast strokes first during self-massage, followed by harder, more intense strokes in specific areas of pain. However, it's crucial to be mindful of your body's responses and avoid causing discomfort or exacerbating symptoms [4].
Choosing the Right Massage Provider
When selecting a massage provider, it's essential to consider asking your doctor for recommendations and avoid massage therapists without a license and those with no experience treating people with AS. A hot stone massage uses strokes with warm stones to help relieve a person's soreness, but it may not be suitable for people with AS due to the risk of increased inflammation [2].
Other Treatment Options for AS
Treatment options for AS can vary depending on how the condition affects a person and may include over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics, biologics, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and other medications as recommended by a doctor [6].
If the disease progresses and involves the mid-spine and neck areas, it can create a hunched or rounded back posture. In such cases, maintaining proper posture, regular exercise, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), use of supplements, acupuncture, avoiding smoking, and taking breaks as necessary throughout the day can help manage symptoms and improve overall health [2].
Remember, while massage therapy can be a helpful addition to your AS management plan, it's essential to consult with your doctor or physical therapist to understand what techniques are best for your specific condition.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3494234/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6633439/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6726129/ [4] https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/other-therapies/massage/self-massage-techniques.php [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6814711/ [6] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/treatment/
- Other alternatives to massage therapy for managing chronic conditions like Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) include over-the-counter or prescription medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), biologics, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and supplements like CBD.
- For individuals suffering from chronic diseases like AS, beyond massage therapy, focusing on health and wellness through proper nutrition, regular fitness and exercise, and maintaining good mental health can significantly improve overall quality of life.
- Among chronic diseases, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Kidney Disease, COPD, and Type 2 Diabetes are some conditions that may benefit from various therapies and treatments, including massage therapy.
- Therapies like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, and yoga can help manage symptoms and improve mobility in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) when combined with the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Proper self-care, including engagement in appropriate exercises, maintaining good posture, and implementing a balanced diet, is essential in managing chronic health conditions such as Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
- Massage therapy and fitness exercising can also impact mental health positively, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety associated with chronic diseases like AS.
- When incorporating massage therapy into a healthcare plan, it's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals like doctors or physical therapists to ensure techniques are tailored for each individual's specific condition and to explore other potential therapies and treatments for chronic diseases like Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
