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A New Free Report - What Is Lupus?
This fascinating new report from UK-based publishing house Health Research Today answers some of the most-asked questions about this baffling disease :
- What is the medical definition of lupus?
- What are the symptoms of lupus?
- What tests are there for lupus? How do you get a diagnosis?
Fill in this form and we will send you the report immediately, which you are welcome to send on to friends or family!
Alternative Therapies For Lupus
This article is an extract from the ebook Freedom From Lupus!
Massage
Many patients turn to massage to alleviate certain muscle pains associated with their disease. Therapeutic massage involves manipulating the soft tissue of the body in order to relieve pain and discomfort. Massage is believed to promote relaxation, decrease stress, alleviate muscle spasms, and promote overall well being.
There are several types of massage therapy available:
- Swedish Massage: Has a smooth, flowing style. Used to increase relaxation and improve circulation, increase range of movement, and decrease muscle tension.
- Deep Tissue Massage: Also known as neuromuscular massage, this style is used to reach tendons, ligaments and nerves. Patients often desire this type of massage to relieve “knots” of tension in trigger points.
- Sports Massage: Targets muscles most often associated with sports performance.
- Reflexology: Believes certain “reflex zones” on the feet target certain areas of the body in order to relieve tension, reduce pain, and improve circulation.
- Myofacial Release: Uses a combination of stretching and massage to reach the connective tissue covering muscles and organs (“facia”).
- Trigger Point Therapy: Also known as myotherapy, it uses deep pressure on trigger points to relieve tension.
Massage therapy is believed to have the following benefits:
- Physical relaxation
- Emotional relaxation
- Improved blood circulation
- Improved lymphatic system circulation
- Decrease in nerve irritation
- Increases fresh oxygen to tissues in need
- Increases nutrients to tissues in need
- Lowers production of stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine
- Increases endorphins to decrease pain
- Increases mood-altering hormone serotonin
There are not many studies that discuss the effects massage can have on lupus patients, because most medical professionals agree that massage therapy is beneficial. However, there are times that massage should be avoided. For instance, if you have acute swelling or inflammation, you should not massage the area. Also, if you have a high fever or thrombosis, you may want to avoid massages. Again, you should discuss any planned massages with your lupus team.
If you do decide that you want to pursue massage therapy to decrease muscle discomfort and relieve your stress, there are some characteristics you should look for in a therapist. First, it may be beneficial to discuss your options with your physician, because he or she may have recommendations. Also, you need to find a massage therapist that is experienced in using massage therapy for people who have autoimmune diseases or arthritis. Make sure your therapist has a certification from a massage therapy school or program and that he or she is skilled in doing the type of massage you desire. The therapist should be knowledgeable about what types of massage will benefit you the most and willing to work with your treatment team.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic medicine is a form of health care that concerns itself with the body structure and function. It primarily deals with the spine. People often turn to a chiropractor when they have musculoskeletal conditions like muscle, joint, bone, and connective tissue discomfort.
Chiropractors use a hands-on therapy known as and adjustment (or manipulation) as a major procedure. The adjustment involves passive joint movement beyond the normal range of motion in order to normalize the relationship between the body structure and function. They also use mobilization, massage therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, magnetic therapy, and other techniques in their practices.
Side effects of experienced by most people seeking chiropractic treatment include temporary discomfort in the affected areas, headache, and fatigue. However, they are mild and often go away after one or two days. Any serious complications like leg weakness, loss of bowel and bladder function, and loss of sexual functioning are minimal, and usually are a result of seeing an inexperienced or uneducated (and illegal) chiropractor. Remember to always check certifications and credentials.
Research on the effectiveness of chiropractic techniques is still ongoing. There is debate whether or not chiropractic adjustments do much to relieve back pain. However, many lupus patients report feeling a relief from muscle spasms after treatment.
Read the rest of this article in Freedom From Lupus!
© Health Research Today
