Massage
Some people with MS find massage helps some of their MS symptoms.
Massage has been around for thousands of years. Popular forms of massage used today often come from Swedish massage. That was developed by Swedish doctors in the nineteenth century.
Sometimes massage is combined with other therapies, like aromatherapy.
Massage and MS
Small studies of massage for people with MS suggest it could help with different MS symptoms including fatigue, pain and muscle stiffness. Massage could also help with anxiety and mood.
Massage should be used with caution if you're pregnant or if you have certain health issues including:
- recent injuries
- ulcers on the skin
- fever
- infection
- clotted blood vessels
- heart disease
- arthritis
Speak to your GP or MS team if you're thinking of trying it.
Massage in the UK
Massage isn’t regulated by law and practitioners aren’t required to have any specific training or be a member of any professional organisation. But there are various organisations massage practitioners may join. Lots of these work together as the General Council for Massage Therapies.
Massage practitioners who meet a set of national occupational standards can register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council.
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