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can massage therapy help people with Hep C?
so i'm curious to know, for my research paper...what makes you feel better? anything a massage therapist might be able to do to help any of your symptoms? marry4now mentioned heated towels, aromatherapy treatments......? What makes you feel worse? what should we avoid? how can a massage therapist make you feel as comfortable and worry free as possible? this information could really help me with my presentation. thanks guys, Peace*
I have had the hot stone massage and felt very soothed by the heat. The best massage I have had has been shiatsu and Thai herbal. I love the aroma of the Thai herbs and the heat and pressure. A few times (out of several) I asked for light pressure because of joint aches and muscle cramping. Sometimes I prefer the firm pressure for my muscles-it varies.
When I was itching, I would have not wanted the heat. The only thing that helped me during severe itching was ice packs to the area, which though relieved the itchig didn't do much for relaxing the muscles.
Like OH said back in 08. the patient can tell you what she needs-it changes,
When I was itching, I would have not wanted the heat. The only thing that helped me during severe itching was ice packs to the area, which though relieved the itchig didn't do much for relaxing the muscles.
Like OH said back in 08. the patient can tell you what she needs-it changes,
You posted on a post from 2008, so you may want to repost, to keep it current.
The more symptoms I got from Hep C, the more I craved a massage, not that I managed to get them, and dont have enough $$ to go to a masseuse, as I have kids to support.
You are right, that I have to have a much lighter touch now, and also my spleen area is sensitive. I think that during this Hep C treatment I'm on, that the hot rocks sound the best! After the Interferon Shot, I use a heating pad alot. Also, my skin is sensitive, form these meds, and I have noticed any kind of non-water solubable substance I put on my skin (namely oils) can bring on some itching. So the hot flat rocks sound nice, but the deep tissue with the bamboo sound too rough for me right now, especailly after the Interferon shot, I can barely stand any touch, but like the heat~
The more symptoms I got from Hep C, the more I craved a massage, not that I managed to get them, and dont have enough $$ to go to a masseuse, as I have kids to support.
You are right, that I have to have a much lighter touch now, and also my spleen area is sensitive. I think that during this Hep C treatment I'm on, that the hot rocks sound the best! After the Interferon Shot, I use a heating pad alot. Also, my skin is sensitive, form these meds, and I have noticed any kind of non-water solubable substance I put on my skin (namely oils) can bring on some itching. So the hot flat rocks sound nice, but the deep tissue with the bamboo sound too rough for me right now, especailly after the Interferon shot, I can barely stand any touch, but like the heat~
I am also currently a massage student doing a research project on the benefits of massage and the best modalities to use with patients not only been infected with HCV, HBV, but also that have HIV and AIDS. Your responses to sqm have also helped me, that the skin becomes sensitive so a softer modality of massage is the best. Has anyone tried LaStone Massage Therapy or the use of Bamboo? I have heard that the Bamboo provides a deep tissue massage without the discomfort from the practitioner's hands,arms, or elbows. The LaStone uses smooth stones that are heated and cooled with the balance of a light Swedish massage. There are still more modalities that I am learning to become a Massage Therapist. Thanks to you all for your honest answers and I also will place these in my report as well as long no one has any objections.
I don't know too many folks who don't like a good massage. I use to get them quit often, then lucked out and married a guy with his own table and great hands but have found that lately we can only do one region at a time like neck and shoulders or just feet another night. If I get a full body it seems to make me very sore and ill the next day. I'm not on tx yet but am symptomatic.
Another good reason to kill this beast...
Another good reason to kill this beast...
4c....good post...'touch' really important, needed, healing, nice :)
sqm...I'm in the love them bunch, nothing like it! Do feel it would help tremedously with Hep as muscle aches very common, tx often making it worse. Could we possibly work a do 3, get 1 free deal with you ?? :) Lot of business here!
Also an acupunture fan, that and massage!
LL
sqm...I'm in the love them bunch, nothing like it! Do feel it would help tremedously with Hep as muscle aches very common, tx often making it worse. Could we possibly work a do 3, get 1 free deal with you ?? :) Lot of business here!
Also an acupunture fan, that and massage!
LL
I think massage is the best for most all ailiments. However, there were times during tx I got the itchies so bad I wouldn't want anyone to touch me. Heat could help but other times it made it worse, day of the week. I had shiatsu where they applied pressure through a sheet. Maybe that would work on the 'bad' days.
Your task is simple, listen to the patient.
Your task is simple, listen to the patient.
WOW, you guys are the BEST!!! this information has been so useful! I am so thankful. My presentation is on Tuesday, i'll be checking in to tell you guys how it went! I would like to agree with Forseegood when she says sometimes people just need Touch. Wonderful, healing, non sexual, non violent touch is so important...especially for all of you. I really believe it can help any condition in the book. I wish you all the best. Stay strong, keep supporting eachother! You are all an inspiration. Peace*
Charm, I had lizard skin and scalp on tx. It goes away!
Massages are wonderful. I love them, especially deep ones. During tx, it was hard to get out and get one, I was too tired. I lived on heating pads for muscles and joint pain. Migraines are the best for massages! My friend who recently died, used to give me a neck massage every hour or so when I had a migraine. Wow, did it help!
Now that I have fibromyalgia and I have energy to go get the massages, I have been doing so every week or so. I have found that sometimes it really hurts me the next day! So at the moment the jury is out for that! I love them while I am getting them, but is it worth it to hurt the day after?
Massages are wonderful. I love them, especially deep ones. During tx, it was hard to get out and get one, I was too tired. I lived on heating pads for muscles and joint pain. Migraines are the best for massages! My friend who recently died, used to give me a neck massage every hour or so when I had a migraine. Wow, did it help!
Now that I have fibromyalgia and I have energy to go get the massages, I have been doing so every week or so. I have found that sometimes it really hurts me the next day! So at the moment the jury is out for that! I love them while I am getting them, but is it worth it to hurt the day after?
Always have had great skin. Now my scalp and everywhere else is like lizard skin.
Ive tried everything..nothing works. The skin is falling out of my ears thats how dry it is,
All tx related.
Ive tried everything..nothing works. The skin is falling out of my ears thats how dry it is,
All tx related.
Thank you for your considerate questions regarding massage therapy and HCV.
I LOVE massages. I began having them regularly back in 2003 with a bout of sciatica problems. I kept going even after my symptoms subsided because it was SO darn relaxing. I'm believe that stress exacerbates any chronic conditions, so after my HCV diagnosis , I used them mainly for relaxation.
I prefer a lighter touch with the relaxing massages and a lightly scented oil, nothing too overpowering. My massage therapist is aware of my status and asks me before each session if there are any areas that need specific attention. This is probably a standard question, but I really feel like she is a partner as far as my health is concerned.
I knew that massage stimulates the lymph system and helps in detoxing, but I worried at first that it might be putting undue stress on my liver. Seems not the case, but she recommmends to drink lots of water afterward to flush the body properly.
Good luck with your presentation!
I LOVE massages. I began having them regularly back in 2003 with a bout of sciatica problems. I kept going even after my symptoms subsided because it was SO darn relaxing. I'm believe that stress exacerbates any chronic conditions, so after my HCV diagnosis , I used them mainly for relaxation.
I prefer a lighter touch with the relaxing massages and a lightly scented oil, nothing too overpowering. My massage therapist is aware of my status and asks me before each session if there are any areas that need specific attention. This is probably a standard question, but I really feel like she is a partner as far as my health is concerned.
I knew that massage stimulates the lymph system and helps in detoxing, but I worried at first that it might be putting undue stress on my liver. Seems not the case, but she recommmends to drink lots of water afterward to flush the body properly.
Good luck with your presentation!
Oh me to! I used to live the deep tissue ones! But I adore reitke now and been trying to go or aroma therapy!
Highly recomend Gold Bond! I have always had sort of dry skin, Now owwww! Yes it will help and water, loads of water! But pretty much able to keep a handle on it with gold bond!
The worse for m eis my scalp, it is so dry and that I gave up wearing black and dark colors in public, I look like my head is snowing! Drives me nuts, I have more hair products than anyone I know! :((((
Highly recomend Gold Bond! I have always had sort of dry skin, Now owwww! Yes it will help and water, loads of water! But pretty much able to keep a handle on it with gold bond!
The worse for m eis my scalp, it is so dry and that I gave up wearing black and dark colors in public, I look like my head is snowing! Drives me nuts, I have more hair products than anyone I know! :((((
I love reike and aroma therapy...I certainly hope I don't have really dry skin issues...I've been taking excellent care of my skin and I'll step it up too...hope that makes a difference, but I guess we'll see....
There are a lot skin problems with treatment.
Also a lot of bone and muscle aches
I have done Riecke tho and aroma therapy. Both were relaxing. Anything more aggresive may cause more pain.
With the aroma therapy aroma was inhaled with candle not in oil/lotion.
Also I would keep the oil fragrance free, a gentle oil may be helpful for itchy skin we get and dryness.
it is very thoughtful of you to ask and best of luck on your presentation!
Also a lot of bone and muscle aches
I have done Riecke tho and aroma therapy. Both were relaxing. Anything more aggresive may cause more pain.
With the aroma therapy aroma was inhaled with candle not in oil/lotion.
Also I would keep the oil fragrance free, a gentle oil may be helpful for itchy skin we get and dryness.
it is very thoughtful of you to ask and best of luck on your presentation!
Jim: really good post...
I think massage therapy can help most anybody...nothing relieves stress (when I've been really stressed out - i've had the worst flare ups from the hep...I think too much stress is maybe the single worst thing you can have besides a lot of alcohol, drugs and bad food) better then relaxing massage...
not only that, it helps circulation and the moving of toxins out of the tissues etc...it stimulates endorphins (nothing better then that!) ...additionally, I think many of us are just not "touched enough" before I get a raft of answers to that, he he he...human touch is just healing to us, even if we're married! lol....Just like your dog or cat likes to be touched, we need it too!....sometimes I just get the kid I take care of to rub my shoulders (I'm so stressed lately, I'm using my shoulders as earrings lately, they are that high from stress!) anyway, guess you can tell I really am for massage!!!!!!!
I think massage therapy can help most anybody...nothing relieves stress (when I've been really stressed out - i've had the worst flare ups from the hep...I think too much stress is maybe the single worst thing you can have besides a lot of alcohol, drugs and bad food) better then relaxing massage...
not only that, it helps circulation and the moving of toxins out of the tissues etc...it stimulates endorphins (nothing better then that!) ...additionally, I think many of us are just not "touched enough" before I get a raft of answers to that, he he he...human touch is just healing to us, even if we're married! lol....Just like your dog or cat likes to be touched, we need it too!....sometimes I just get the kid I take care of to rub my shoulders (I'm so stressed lately, I'm using my shoulders as earrings lately, they are that high from stress!) anyway, guess you can tell I really am for massage!!!!!!!
Thanks for the thoughtful post. You are the kind of massage therapist to be, that I think any of would be lucky to have.
As you probably know, all of us here have or had Hepatitis C.
Speaking to the treatment for Hepatitis C -- it's a long and difficult process, often taking 48 weeks or even longer. The drugs can make us feel pretty sick and very stressed out. Massage can help these symptons be relieving that stress.
Personally, I had a couple of massages early-on in treatment but then developed a number of skin problems -- psoriasis being one. Because of this my skin became very sensitive and massage treatments were out.
The whole skin issue may be something you might want to investigate further with those treating for Hepatitis C. Sensitive skin is very common on treatment and therefore the massage therapist should take this into consideration using a very gentle massage when indicated. A deep and vigorous massage that I might enjoy now, most probably would have made my skin conditions on treatment much worse. And no doubt a strong massage could have the potential to irritate anyone's skin on treatment.
All the best with your research,
-- Jim
As you probably know, all of us here have or had Hepatitis C.
Speaking to the treatment for Hepatitis C -- it's a long and difficult process, often taking 48 weeks or even longer. The drugs can make us feel pretty sick and very stressed out. Massage can help these symptons be relieving that stress.
Personally, I had a couple of massages early-on in treatment but then developed a number of skin problems -- psoriasis being one. Because of this my skin became very sensitive and massage treatments were out.
The whole skin issue may be something you might want to investigate further with those treating for Hepatitis C. Sensitive skin is very common on treatment and therefore the massage therapist should take this into consideration using a very gentle massage when indicated. A deep and vigorous massage that I might enjoy now, most probably would have made my skin conditions on treatment much worse. And no doubt a strong massage could have the potential to irritate anyone's skin on treatment.
All the best with your research,
-- Jim
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