Remedial and relaxation massage may benefit stroke patients in various ways: Reduced stiffness/improved mobility and posture. Improved strength. Reduced pain and cramping.
Stress reactions are common in patients suffering from stroke, and it is suggested that massage decreases the stress response and induces relaxation.
Neuro-massage is particularly beneficial for stroke patients as it is applied in a very gentle and specific way.
If the individual has blood clots, there is a small chance they could be dislodged by massage. Individuals on blood thinner medication bruise more easily, so deep tissue massage should be avoided.
What are the long-term benefits of massage for stroke patients? Massage therapy can also help to boost circulation, which is often lacking when a body part cannot be moved. Massage encourages fresh oxygen and blood to that area of the body, removing toxins, and in time increasing mobility.
This is worth repeating, massage is completely contraindicated during the first month after a stroke. This is lessened, but is still a risk, during the first 6 months so it is critical to work with the client's medical team before treatment.
Massage is excellent for reducing hyper tone in the muscles which can cause rigidity and pain in some stroke patients. It can reduce excessive tension and spasms in these muscles whilst promoting deep relaxation.
Physical therapy uses exercises to help you relearn movement and coordination skills you may have lost because of the stroke. Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily activities, such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading, and writing.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Essential Oils for Stroke Recovery
Essential oils can be massaged into the skin or aromatized to stimulate recovery within the brain and body. Since essential oils are not widely regulated, not all oils are produced with quality materials.
Physiotherapists work with you after a stroke to help improve how you sit, stand, walk, and use your arms. Physiotherapists work on things that are important for movement, including balance, muscle strength, range of motion, sensation, coordination and endurance.
Deep strokes are performed with pressure onto muscles. Deep strokes are performed in a specific direction along the muscle fibres. Deep strokes are used to relax muscles and help decrease DOMS. There are many benefits of deep strokes that include improved recovery, decreased pain, reduced swelling and relaxation.
These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.
If you take anticoagulant medication (blood thinners, such as warfarin or apixaban), you may find you bruise much more easily, so deep tissue massage won't be suitable. If you've had a heart attack or are recovering from heart surgery, it is common to feel anxious, so having a massage may help you to relax.
Individuals who should avoid a deep tissue massage or at least consult with a doctor before receiving one include: Pregnant women. People with a history of blood clots. Anyone taking blood thinners.
Acupuncture for Stroke Survivors
When combined with therapy, acupuncture can further help survivors improve mobility, increase muscle strength, and promote overall recovery. This is a particularly attractive treatment option for survivors who struggle with paralysis or spasticity after stroke.
Clots can form in any vein and, whilst massage should definitely be avoided around the affected area, it should also be avoided in general until a Doctor advises otherwise. Massage stimulates blood circulation, therefore can dislodge a clot, even if the point of massage is elsewhere on the body.
Physiotherapy improves recovery of function and mobility after stroke. NICE recommends a minimum of 45 minutes of physiotherapy five days a week as part of a seven day specialist stroke rehabilitation service. High intensity therapy is needed to relearn lost abilities.
Physiotherapy is an important part of rehabilitation following stroke. Physiotherapy can help restore loss of movement following a stroke. It can help you regain strength and movement, enabling you to be as independent as possible. Effective treatment can help you recover as well as possible from your stroke.