Massage for diabetes management
How can massage helps managing the symptoms of diabetes.
What is it?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by consistently
elevated blood glucose levels. It is caused by inability of the body to either effectively produce or utilize the hormone insulin.
Serious complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness,
and amputation of legs/feet.
Diabetes affects 422 million globally and has been classified as “the greatest epidemic in human history.”
The role of Massage Therapy
The most common problem caused by diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to nerves outside the spinal cord or brain. People with diabetes typically first notice symptoms such as numbness, pain, or tingling in the feet and lower leg.
There is evidence suggesting that massage therapy may help people with diabetes manage these symptoms by:
- Increased blood flow and circulation may support the cellular intake of glucose, affecting glycemic control.
- Help manage peripheral arterial disease (plaque buildup narrowing blood vessels).
- Increased tissue elasticity and reduced fascial restrictions help increase client mobility and range of motion.
- Increased blood flow in the tissues can help support the healing process of wounds, including foot ulcers.
- Neural manipulation can support a decrease in pain and may help restore nerve functionality and sensation for diabetic clients suffering from neuropathy.
- Relaxation and stress reduction which in return lower glucagon and cortisol, two hormones causing blood sugar levels to rise.
A personal advice
In my career I noticed that foot massage can really be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes who are experiencing peripheral neuropathy.
After every session there was a reduction of pain, an increase in mobility and general well-being.
The type, frequency, and duration of massages are all important factors. As well as the current symptoms which can include:
- pain or excessive sensitivity;
- numbness or weakness;
- loss of sensitivity;
- foot complications, such as ulcers and infections.
It is very important to use gentle, safe techniques, and have an open communication with the client.
Not a solution
Let’s be clear and honest, massage therapy is not a solution for diabetes. Not even close to that.
It’s an effective way to manage some of the symptoms and should be used in association with all the appropriate medical care.
Please check our prices&services and massage therapy in Tallinn is waiting for you!
National Library of Medicine link to an interesting article on this topic: Is massage useful in the management of diabetes: a systematic review