Multiple Sclerosis Study

By Lia Stannard Overview Patients with multiple sclerosis have problems with their immune systems attacking their nerves, resulting in nerve damage. MedlinePlus explains that multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord, causing pain, movement problems and other symptoms. While the treatment for multiple sclerosis often involves medication to control symptoms, some patients may opt to include massage therapy as part of their treatment program. Pain Reduction Many multiple sclerosis patients experience pain when the disorder affects their sensory nerves. MedlinePlus notes that patients can have facial pain or a burning sensation in their limbs. The pain from multiple sclerosis may impact other functions. For example, if a multiple sclerosis patient has pain in her legs, she may have difficulty [...]

Atlanta, GA, February 02, 2015 Written By Amanda Crowe, MA, MPH Human touch can have a powerful effect on health, and research has found it may even promote healing. In fact, therapeutic massage is known to help relax muscles, enhance range of motion, improve blood flow and reduce stress. Researchers at Shepherd Center are investigating whether routine massage can help improve pain, spasticity and overall quality of life among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This small study – one of the first to look at how massage might influence these measures in MS – will enroll 25 participants. Individuals will receive standardized massages – for the same amount of time, number of strokes, parts of the body worked on – for [...]