Massage Therapy For Diabetes

Massage therapy for diabetes is beneficial for the diabetic client.

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The American Diabetes Association says that 20.8 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. 6.2 million of them do not even know it.

It is estimated that another 41 million people are in the pre-diabetic stages with elevated blood sugar. Chances are good that you know someone with diabetes.

What exactly is diabetes? Simply put, it is when the pancreas does not make enough of the hormone insulin. Insulin is necessary to convert food (mostly carbohydrates) into energy. Insulin allows glucose to move from the bloodstream into the cells to nourish them.

The most common symptoms of this illness are fatigue, frequent urination, and excessive thirst.

Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus occurs in 10% of diabetics. Insulin is taken, usually by injection. It is genetic and usually develops at a younger age than Type 2. It can be triggered by physical or emotional stress.

Type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus occurs in 90% of diabetics. In Type 2, the pancreas makes insulin but the cells that use it are resistant to it. Type 2 diabetics can take oral medications that decrease insulin resistance or that enhance the cells' sensitivity to it. They can also use injectable insulin and now the newer inhaled insulin, depending on what their physicians order.

Losing weight and exercising can improve the efficiency of insulin. In some cases, insulin is no longer needed when weight is lost. Always go by what your physician orders. Do not stop taking insulin or other medication without physician approval. Diabetics monitor their blood glucose or blood sugar levels throughout the day. Test strips and monitors are used for this purpose. The normal range of blood glucose is from 80mg to 120 mg.

If the blood sugar is low, something sugary, like juice, is needed to quickly bring the blood sugar back up. If high, an injection of insulin or whatever type of medication the client is taking is needed.

Hypoglycemia is what occurs when the blood sugar level goes below 70mg. The client becomes disoriented and feels faint. Blood sugar levels can drop suddenly. This is why it is important for the client to test his/her blood glucose level prior to massage.

If it is low, the client can drink some juice prior to the massage. Juice should be kept handy during the massage just in case this happens.

Signs of hypoglycemia are:

Excess sweating

Clammy skin

Faintness

Headache

Inability to wake up

Speaking incoherently

Irritability

Personality changes

Rapid heart beat

If this happens to a client while on the massage table or chair, give the client juice fast so the blood sugar can go back up.

Massage therapy for diabetes is very beneficial for the diabetic. Relaxation is the best benefit that massage can bring to someone with diabetes. Having this condition is stressful.

The client must constantly monitor blood sugar, weigh and measure food, practice good nutrition, and exercise. Worrying about it all adds to the stress level. Massage decreases the production of stress hormones which can potentially help to lower blood glucose levels.

Massage therapy for diabetes is also great for increasing the circulation of blood and lymph. This allows the cells in the body to be nourished. Nourishing the cells promotes healing of wounds more quickly.

Massage therapy for diabetics loosens layers of fascia, allowing greater mobility for the client. Stretching helps with flexibility.

Because connective tissue in diabetics is so thick, it is best to work slow and deep. Let your fingers sink down into the muscles. Use compression with your full hands. Constantly ask the client about how your pressure is and if the technique you are using feels good as you work.

How can massage therapy for diabetes help? Some diabetics have peripheral neuropathy, which is damage to motor nerves. This causes pain, tenderness, and numbness in the feet. Pressure causes discomfort. Slow, broad compression of the feet will feel good. If the pressure is too light or too fast, it will be irritating and ticklish.

As always, in massage therapy for diabetes and for all conditions, avoid areas of bruising and any open wounds. Warm full hand contact soothes and relieves stiffness for the diabetic.

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