Massage Therapy as a Complementary Treatment for Stiffness and Numbness Post Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: a Case Study

International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v15i4.745 · Published: December 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Alternative Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This case study explores if massage therapy can help with stiffness and numbness after a spinal cord injury. The study looks at a 26-year-old male who had surgery to remove a growth on his spinal cord and then experienced new numbness and stiffness. The patient received eight massage sessions over five months. The massage included different techniques like cranial sacral, Swedish, and myofascial release. The patient rated his symptoms before each session. The patient reported some improvement in numbness and stiffness. He also felt that massage helped his recovery.

Study Duration

5 Months

Participants

1 Male patient

Evidence Level

Level 4; Case Study

Key Findings

1
There was a slight decrease over time in left-arm and back numbness, as well as neck and upper body stiffness.
2
The patient viewed therapeutic massage to be a beneficial component to his recovery.
3
One year later, the patient reports he is doing well and is reintegrating back into his life with minimal accommodations.

Research Summary

This case study examined the effects of massage therapy as a complementary treatment to a patient’s post-SCI care. Symptoms were primarily left-arm numbness, paresthesia, and stiffness. Over the course of eight massage therapy sessions, numbness, paresthesia, and stiffness all improved. The patient also was experiencing left-neck pain and stiffness, which also improved over the five-month course of massage therapy. Patient felt massage therapy was helpful in managing symptoms and a valuable component to his post-SCI recovery.

Practical Implications

Adjunct Therapy

Massage therapy should be considered as an adjunct therapy as part of a rehabilitation plan to address numbness and stiffness post-SCI.

Further Research

Further research is needed to understand the effects of massage therapy on SCI numbness and stiffness.

Inflammation Reduction

Massage may decrease secondary injury and nerve sensitization, resulting in increased recovery from damage and reduction or prevention of pain.

Massage Therapy as a Complementary Treatment for Stiffness and Numbness Post Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: a Case Study

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Adjunct Therapy

Further Research

Inflammation Reduction

Study Limitations

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Massage Therapy as a Complementary Treatment for Stiffness and Numbness Post Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: a Case Study

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Adjunct Therapy

Further Research

Inflammation Reduction

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?