Stroke-induced, can be massaged?
Stroke disease causes some parts of the body to become paralyzed. In this case, is it safe to have a stroke patient undergoing massage therapy?
Stroke is one of the diseases causing defects even death. This disease can be caused by the blockage of the brain blood vessels or the rupture of brain vessels. One of the most frequent long-term complications caused by stroke is paralyzed in some areas of the body. One of the usual ways to cope with it is with a massage.
Although massage is one of the ways that people often choose to overcome the paralysis due to stroke, you need to learn deeper, whether the action is safe.
Massage in stroke sufferers and their benefits
In patients with stroke, paralysis occurs due to motor nerve disorders in the brain. Keep in mind, however, that this paralysis can be slowly and gradually resolved through the rehabilitation process, even if the sufferer is not able to heal in total.
Basically, massage is a safe way to stroke patients and has been sufficiently applied in the rehabilitation process of post-stroke patients. Massage can improve blood circulation as well as stimulate muscle cells and nerves, thus beneficial in overcoming paralysis.
This massage action will be better when combined with strengthening exercises of the pelvic muscles and legs. Some of the benefits of massage in post-stroke patients are as follows:
1. Improve blood circulation
Stroke can cause inflammation of the body because some of the blood flow is impaired and blood will accumulate on certain parts of the body. Well, a gentle touch through the massage can facilitate the flow of blood as well as the flow of lymph nodes, so that it can improve blood circulation.
It is very important for stroke sufferers to help the regeneration of muscle cells and to correct the sensory damage inflicted by the stroke.
2. Regeneration of muscle function
Post-stroke, interference with the limb pathway will cause paralysis. If the nerves in the paralyzed part are not used, the muscle cells will shrink (atrophy). Well, massage can improve blood circulation, including muscle cells.
This is very important in assisting the healing and regeneration processes of unused muscle cells during the acute phase of the stroke. Massage combined with physiotherapy such as muscle stretching will be more effective in enhancing motor function as well as reducing muscle stiffness and post-stroke joints.
3. Prevent stress and improve memory
Massage in stroke patients turns out to also increase serotonin levels, restore memory, and reduce stress and anxiety (a sense of anger). Increased serotonin is important to prevent and reduce depression, resulting in recurrent strokes and coroner heart disease can be avoided.
Also, massage is proven to help restore memory in patients with stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer's, because it can facilitate the circulation of blood to the brain. Furthermore, the massage makes the body relax so that the body secretes endorphins that cause a sense of delight.
Endorphins are beneficial to reduce stress and anxiety (irritability), so the patient's quality of life will be better.
Well, now you have learned that massage is one of the safe ways in the rehabilitation process of a paralyzed post-stroke patient. So, there is no harm in massage therapy in stroke patients, as long as it is done correctly by trained medical rehabilitation professionals or physiotherapy. Don't forget, always consult a doctor before doing it, yes!