If you’re dealing with muscle weakness and other symptoms of Pompe disease, consider adding a massage therapist to your healthcare team. They can help alleviate some of your discomfort and improve your overall well-being.
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a great way to improve your overall wellness or manage medical conditions. In the U.S., it’s becoming more common to combine massage therapy with traditional treatments for a variety of health issues.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 75% of people who got a massage in the past year did so for medical reasons or to relieve stress.
Massage therapy involves techniques like pressing, rubbing, and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There are different styles of massage, ranging from gentle strokes to deep pressure, each with its own benefits.
Some popular types of massage include connective tissue massage, deep tissue massage, geriatric massage, medical massage, reflexology, and sports massage. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or relief from a specific condition, there’s a massage technique that can help you feel better.
How massage therapy may help you
Natural healing methods like meditation, acupuncture, and massage can be beneficial for people with neuromuscular diseases.
Massage therapy has the potential to reduce pain and muscle weakness, which can cause extra strain on joints, ligaments, and muscles used for breathing.
While sports massage is commonly used by athletes, it can also be effective for individuals with chronic conditions like Pompe disease. These massages can help improve circulation, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, increase muscle and joint flexibility, alleviate muscle aches and stiffness, promote better breathing, aid digestion and elimination, relieve tension headaches, enhance muscle tone, and reduce swelling.
Sports massage case study
A 43-year-old guy with Pompe disease, who usually gets around in a wheelchair and gets enzyme replacement therapy, decided to try out a sports massage therapist. He was feeling super tired, weak in his chest, dealing with cramps in his legs, and had tight muscles in his back, neck, and shoulders.
The therapist got to work on the guy’s main breathing muscles and the extra muscles in his neck and chest. He also gave his shoulders and upper back a good massage. They came up with a plan for four sessions lasting 60-80 minutes each over two weeks, with the goal of working on other muscle groups in the future.
The therapist also used muscle energy techniques, which is a hands-on therapy that helps relax and lengthen muscles, improve joint function, and boost range of motion by using the patient’s muscle contractions.
After the treatment, the guy said his muscles felt looser, less achy, and more relaxed.
Side-alternating vibration training (SAVT) case study
A 34-year-old patient with late-onset Pompe disease, who had never used enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and relied on a cane to walk, was struggling with chronic weakness and fatigue, as well as a significant decline in physical abilities.
However, after undergoing 15 weeks of supervised aerobic and resistance training (SAVT), the patient experienced remarkable improvements. Her six-minute walk distance increased by 70%, her muscle jumping power went up by 64%, and her isometric knee extensor strength saw a 17% increase. Additionally, she regained more normal use of her ankles, knees, and joints.
Overall, the patient’s progress after participating in SAVT was truly impressive and demonstrated the positive impact that exercise can have on individuals with Pompe disease.
Who can administer massage therapy?
Caregivers can give massages, but a trained therapist is better at targeting the right areas and applying the correct pressure. It’s important to know the patient’s pain tolerance.
Sometimes, patients can use massage tools like sticks on themselves. A therapist or physiotherapist can provide guidance on this.
Finding a massage therapist
If you’re looking for a massage therapist, make sure to ask your doctor or another patient for a recommendation. Massage therapists are regulated by authorities through licensing, registration, or certification requirements. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential therapist about their qualifications, experience, and how often sessions will be scheduled.
What to expect during a session
Massages can range from 10 to 90 minutes, depending on what you need. It’s best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. During the massage, you’ll usually lie on a table and be covered with a sheet. You can also get a massage while sitting in a chair.
The massage therapist will likely start by feeling for any painful or tense areas to figure out how much pressure to use. They’ll ask about your symptoms and explain the type of massage technique they plan to use.
What are the risks?
Massage therapy is generally safe when done by a trained professional, but there have been some rare cases of serious side effects like blood clots, nerve injuries, or even bone fractures. Older folks might be more at risk for these issues.
You might feel a little achy the day after a massage, but it shouldn’t be super painful. If anything feels off during your session, speak up and let your therapist know.
Even though massages can be great for you, they’re not a substitute for regular medical care. Make sure to tell your doctor if you’re getting massages and keep up with any other treatments they’ve recommended.
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