Published on March 20, 2024, 2:09 pm
People living with autoimmune disorders are a rapidly growing client population. Current statistics indicate that over one in five Americans, totaling 50 million individuals, have an autoimmune disorder, with approximately 75% of them being female. There are more than 100 known disorders, and new ones are continuously being identified.
Some common autoimmune disorders include multiple sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, lupus, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme disease, sarcoidosis, and Brown-Sequard syndrome. While many clients with these disorders can benefit from regular massage therapy, some disorders do not align well with massage treatments.
Understanding the most common autoimmune disorders for which massage is contraindicated and how to support these clients can help in expanding a practice and making a positive impact on those living with autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disorders are often genetic and triggered by an overreaction to external stimuli like bacteria, viruses, stress, and hormones. It’s important to note that these disorders are not contagious.
Symptoms of autoimmune disorders vary in severity from mildly disruptive to life-threatening and can lead to permanent tissue damage if left untreated. As someone diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis myself, I’ve experienced firsthand how diagnosis can shed light on past symptoms. Many clients share similar experiences when reflecting on their health journey before diagnosis.
While research on the effects of massage on common autoimmune disorders is growing steadily but remains limited overall. Anecdotal evidence from client results often guides treatment decisions regarding the suitability of massage therapy and specific techniques for each individual.
It’s crucial to remember that there is no cure for autoimmune disorders; treatment aims to manage symptoms and prevent long-term tissue damage using various approaches such as medication and complementary therapies like massage. Clients may seek relief from musculoskeletal pain commonly associated with these conditions through massage therapy.
When working with clients who have autoimmune disorders or rare conditions, it’s essential to stay informed about their specific condition to tailor treatments effectively. By asking about their previous experiences with massage and preferences for techniques that alleviate or exacerbate symptoms, therapists can design personalized sessions that prioritize client comfort and well-being.
Autoimmune disorders can cause flare-ups leading to tissue damage; hence medications primarily aim at preventing these episodes rather than just managing pain symptoms. Collaborating with medical professionals like rheumatologists helps in providing comprehensive care for clients managing autoimmune conditions alongside complementary therapies like massage.
In conclusion, creating a supportive care team involving healthcare providers and wellness practitioners benefits clients in managing their conditions effectively. By staying informed about various autoimmune disorders and adapting treatment strategies based on individual needs and symptom presentations can help improve the well-being of clients living with these complex conditions.