Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Massage?

Hi, guys, how many of you have tried massage and had good results in the LONG run? Is massage good or not for patients who have undifferented spondyloarthrapy? Some say that the therapist shouldn't touch your back if you have suspected AS because it will actually do harm and contribute to the spine fusion and others say it's good. I cannot decide if I should go for it. Thanks a lot for your information.

Hi,

I tried masssage several times and have mixed results. I have had the joints that were bothering me massaged and decided that was not a good idea. It just seemed to increase the pain and inflamation. It kind of stirred things up. Then I thought I would try a massage and get everything but my back and the joints that were bothering me massaged, though it doesn't leave a lot left. That was ok but you know I am not running back for another one. But everyone is different and propably it depends on the therapist and how in tune he or she is to what you tell them. Personally I try everthing at least once or twice and if the results are not favorable then I just don't do it again. If I was you I would give it a try and maybe get a gentle massage. If you don't like it try another therapist and if you still don't like it then maybe it is not for you. As far as massage contributing to the spine fusion I have never heard that before but I know my back doesn't always like to be massaged. Give it a try and let us know how you make out.

There is no drug stronger than a good attitude.

I have Fibromyalgia along with AS. I absolutely love a back massage! It does me a lot of good, but they get expensive. Sometimes I DO have to tell them to ease up a bit because it gets painful in certain areas. I usually feel great afterwards. I have never had anything but my back and neck done. I don't know how I'd feel if they got going on my achey knees and elbows though.

CJ

Into every life, a little rain must fall.

I love getting massaged but it does get expensive. I told my PT, who is always trying to get me to do regular massage, that I can either afford her or a massage therapist. She ends up doing the massage herself . I haven't done much fusing but my thoracic 5,6,7,8 areas are doing their best to become one and I've found that massage, even though quite painful, actually helps prevent this from happening. I used to get massaged once a week before my therapist decided to get her PhD on molecular biology . I believe this has kept the fusing down. Okay, I'm rambling now so I'll just say good luck. Love - Helen

Massage is essential in my belief - for lymph stimulation to remove wastes as all stiffness is from excess waste and inflammation by-products which must be removed. I'm badly neglecting myself (and neglected) at present. I have a massage before my Osteopath manipulates my back, neck and pelvis back in line. Sure he knows me, that i have AS and has been doing this for twelve years or so.
Keep moving keep the vertebrae moving separately - stay unfused.
Every morning i do several sit-ups on an incline bench to slowly and individually exercise the vertebrae. I don't stress the fused SI area, i don't know how i could as i was never very flexible there - it is a brick wall during pelvis stretching exercises...
Just keep moving. If it hurts and you are taking medications then, optimise the timing.

Ted

YES! YES! YES! Go for it!
I had about 3 yrs of massage but stopped when I moved 2hrs away from the therapist I liked. In the beginning I was very nervous about having anyone touch me because even a hug would hurt My therapist had never had an AS patient before so she went real easy on me at first. She specialized in Swedish massage which is not too aggressive. Sometimes it would take a full 30min to get the muscles to relax. A few years into it another threrapist came aboard and I started alternating visits with both as she used a different technique. It was proof enough for me that my muscles needed to be moved and awakened in ways I could not do because of pain.

My therapist would use the analogy of frozen butter. When I first came to her my muscles were like butter from the deep freeze but after she worked on me for many months they would be more like butter on the table. I never did get to the melting point but had I continued, who knows?

I have to say I always felt so much better after each session.
I was seriously considering massage again and your post has made me think, hmm, I really should make that call.

Hope you try it!
Kathy



"The most beautiful stones have been tossed by the wind and washed by the waters and polished to brilliance by life's strongest storms."

ANyone who tells you massage doesn't work is a fool or has never had the patience to find a good massage therapist. Massage and drinking lots of water are an immeasurable source of relief.


When I'm not being a fool myself I combine this with acupuncture and enough exercise in a pool to help myself at least maintain my current stae of health or "dis"health. Without the massage I'd be....let me see... I beleve the medical term is "toast."

 
stevec-they also serve who stand and wait

Thank you all for your replies. I think I want to try it. I asked my rheumatologist to recommend a massage therapist for me and he said he didn't know one and that I should talk to my family doctor about this. How did you guys find your therapist?

lws3

Hi! My wonderful brilliant massage therapist that I was going to regularly I found through a teacher friend. The last one I went to talked too much so I need to find a new one that will let me relax . Good Luck - Helen

Hi again!

I am so happy you are going to try it I think Steve's argument was the best, but then again lawyers are good at that right Steve?

I am surprised your doctor can't recommend one, my doctor hooked me up through the local hospital. There are many more massage therapists that work on their own though. I think I would still try calling the PT dept. of your local hospital and start from there. Just a thought. No matter who you get, if your not comfortable with their technique. personality etc. just don't give up, try another because I just know you will find some relief.

Good luck!
Kathy





"The most beautiful stones have been tossed by the wind and washed by the waters and polished to brilliance by life's strongest storms."