Benefits of Massage Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

 

Ankylosing Spondylitis(AS) is an autoimmune arthritic disease that is known for creating prolonged inflammation of the spine and ligaments of the spine. Over time, this disease creates rigidity of the spinal column. The chronic inflammation can cause calcium deposits to form on the ligaments and around the intervertebral discs, which effectively fuses vertebrae together over time. It is commonly diagnosed in early adulthood and is a lifelong disease.

How is AS Managed with Western Medicine?

Although this disease is commonly recognized in Western medicine as incurable, there are multiple avenues of treatment that can slow the progression and help with client comfort. Some of said treatments include:

- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)  

- Corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisone, Hydrocortisone, Cortisone) can by injected directly into the joints or taken orally

- Physical therapy (e.g. Yoga, Range of Motion exercises, stretching) keeps blood moving through the spine

- Surgical Intervention 

How is AS Managed with Eastern Medicine?

AS is viewed as a deficiency of Kidney and Liver Qi and is qualified as a ‘Bi Syndrome’, which is a TCM term for blocked Qi in the meridians due to the external introduction of cold, wind, and damp.

Some treatments include:

- Herbal Formulas to build blood and Qi

- Acupuncture to recover Qi flow along Kidney and Liver meridians 

- Moxibustion is used to introduce heat and movement to stagnant areas

Cautions and Contraindications to Massage Therapy 

Cautions:

- Any pressure at all can feel painful. If massage is too painful, then stopping the session is advised.

- Medications are often anti-inflammatory so any technique that produces excessive inflammatory results should be limited

- Pain medications may also be prescribed so perception of pain may be unreliable

Contraindications:

- Spinal manipulation can lead to serious injury, including fractures and neurological symptoms

- Massage could trigger flare-ups of inflammation along the spine 

- Deep tissue on clients with progressed spinal fusion can increase pain and sensitivity and may induce neurological symptoms 

Benefits of Massage Therapy on a Client with AS

- Improved blood circulation to Spine and joints

- Improved lymphatic function, which will help get rid of metabolic waste

- Increase in mobility 

- Release of muscle tension

- Reduction of pain and stiffness

- Reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms

Modifications for a Client with AS

- Lighter pressure massage is recommended to begin with. Medium pressure may be applied if the client is comfortable

- Check-in with the client in regards to pressure and comfort level frequently

- Possible neck pillow and larger bolster may be required depending on the progression of the disease and comfort level of the client

- Deep Pressure is generally ill-advised, although deep tissue vibration techniques may be indicated

Sources: 

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/ankylosing-spondylitis#:~:text=Ankylosing%20spondylitis%20is%20a%20type,help%20us%20move%20and%20bend

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8051999/#:~:text=Several%20systematic%20reviews%20and%20meta,the%20treatment%20of%20ankylosing%20spondylitis

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354813

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45284133_Bi_Syndrome_Arthralgia_Syndrome

https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijmm.2013.1481

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ankylosing-spondylitis-massage#massage-chairs

https://spondylitis.org/about-spondylitis/treatment-information/integrative-medicine/#:~:text=%22Anyone%20with%20limited%20spinal%20mobility,fusion%20(extra%20bone%20growth)

https://www.noterro.com/blog/the-benefits-of-massage-for-ankylosing-spondylitis#:~:text=Overview%20of%20Ankylosing%20Spondylitis&text=There's%20no%20cure%2C%20but%20massage,million%20Americans%20have%20Ankylosing%20Spondylitis