Massage and Osteoporosis

May is national Osteoporosis month. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, by age 50 about half of all women and 25% of men will break a bone due to osteoporosis.  This is a disease in which bones become weaker and thinner, putting you at an increased risk for fractures.  While there are genetic predispositions, lifestyle choices such as proper exercise and nutrition also factor into the development of the disease.

The good news is, osteoporosis can not only be prevented (to a degree), but also managed.  One way to manage the pain of Osteoporosis is through…massage!  Massage therapy can help osteoporosis by promoting relaxation, increasing movement, improving posture, providing pain relief, and increasing joint health.

An educated massage therapist will make sure to first focus on relaxation and assess the health of your joints and tissues.  They should use gentle movements and avoid deep tissue work to emphasize a healthy range of motion.  To relieve the pain and stiffness that comes with chronic pain, some Swedish massage techniques can also be used to enhance blood circulation to the affected structures.

There are also several other considerations for osteoporosis massage, such as positioning clients for comfort, placing pillows under their trunk or back, and avoiding mobilization techniques or flexion exercises that stress the bones.

In short, while massage therapy can be very beneficial to someone suffering from osteoporosis, it is important to have a skilled massage therapist who will carefully examine your intake form and joint health before beginning.  Luckily, at Healing Hands we have massage therapists skilled in providing pain relief.  Schedule your appointment today!

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