Massage Therapy For Stroke And Heart Attack

Massage therapy for stroke and heart attack patients should be performed under the supervision of and with the express permission of a physician.

A stroke is a cerebrovascular accident, or CVA for short. This is either a cerbrovascular hemorrhage or the cerebral blood vessels are blocked by a blood clot. The results of a CVA can be paralysis in varying degrees and places in the body, which will require a rehabilitation plan.

The rehab plan can include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Massage therapy is not appropriate in the days following a CVA. Once the patient has stabilized, massage therapy can be a part of the rehab plan if the attending physician okays it.

Heart disease usually shows itself by chest pain when the heart needs more oxygen than it is getting during physical overexertion. Chest pain can also come from emotional stress and intense cold when there is heart disease. It is important to see a physician right away if you experience chest pain.

If you have heart disease and your physician has cleared you for massage therapy, massage can help you by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and increasing circulation.

The massage therapist will need to keep you comfortably warm during massage with sheets and/or blankets on the table. Heat treatments and cold packs should not be used by the therapist unless ordered by your attending physician.

A shorter massage that is not vigorous in nature is recommended as a vigorous one could put a strain on your heart which has already been damaged.

If you have chest pains while on the massage table, tell your massage therapist right away. The therapist should try to sit you up so that gravity decreases the load of blood on the heart until emergency professionals arrive.

Again, never perform massage therapy for stroke and heart attack patients without the written permission from the client's physician.

Return from Massage Therapy For Stroke And Heart Attack to Healing In Massage Therapy