Does foot massage therapy help diabetic neuropathy?

Does foot massage therapy help diabetic neuropathy?

While medications and lifestyle changes can cure and manage diabetic neuropathy, it is also known that massage therapy provides beneficial benefits when used as part of integral medications. These general benefits include:

  1. Reduce stress and increase relaxation to help sleep
  2. Reduce muscle pain and tension to help relieve pain
  3. Stimulate blood flow to improve circulation
  4. Decreased heart rate and blood pressure

Research has shown that massage, when used to control the symptoms of diabetes, can increase the effect of serum insulin, which can lower blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes. In addition, foot massage can normalize blood glucose levels and can be used as an adjunct treatment for the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy:

A 2015 study found that Thai foot massage provides patients with type 2 diabetes with a significant improvement in range of motion and foot feel.

A 2017 study found that foot massage increases balance and mobility in patients with type 2 diabetes. A 2020 study found that foot massage reduces the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy and improves patients' sleep quality.



The best foot massage techniques for peripheral neuropathy

There are several popular massage techniques used to treat the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy:

Swedish massage - The most common type of massage, Swedish massage is a combination of five basic strokes that focus on muscles and connective tissues.

Reflexology - By stimulating the system of pressure points on the feet, reflexology relieves stress and promotes relaxation.

Deep Tissue Massage - Using slow, heavy strokes, deep tissue massage exerts direct pressure on muscles and connective tissue.

Thai massage - This active form of massage moves a part of the body by comparing a series of pressures and movements with yoga stretching. Shiatsu - A pressure point technique that uses pulses or rhythmic pressure to release tension and tension at certain points in the body.

Can foot massagers help my symptoms of neuropathy?

If you are looking for quick access to massage therapy at home, then massage chairs, such as separate foot massagers, can help reduce pain and improve circulation. Premium massage chairs have a targeted foot massage, which includes:

The calves rotate next to each footrest to mimic the hands of a masseuse, massaging and compressing muscles for maximum stress relief.

Bidirectional rollers under the footrest for directing pressure points on the soles of the feet. Heat therapy provided by radiators along the legs and footrests to soothe sore muscles and stimulate blood flow.

Reflexology treatment of a series of rollers in the footrest, which mimic the relaxation techniques of the thumb and forefinger.

Foot massage using shiatsu-style techniques that approach the foot arch, heel and abdomen directly.

Are There Any Foot Massage Effects For Diabetics?

There are certain conditions that need to be considered when receiving a massage. Massage can cause complications if you notice:

  1. Blood disorders or taking blood thinners
  2. Deep vein thrombosis
  3. There are ulcers, infections or burns in the massage area

Massage can also cause low blood sugar in patients taking insulin. It is sensible to have an emergency source of sugar on hand during the massage. Also perform a direct massage or press:

You take insulin because it may affect how your body absorbs the medicine.

Ulcers or healed ulcer areas as direct contact can cause further damage

Included devices such as continuous glucose monitors (CGM)

Remember to always discuss new treatment options with your doctor or primary care provider, especially if you experience severe pain or discomfort. It is also recommended to explore the specific types of massages or massage products that are best for your symptoms, body type and level of sensitivity.

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