Is massage therapy indicated towards spina
bifida?
If so what are the benefits?
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prion
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Posts: 4
Posted: 06-26-04 01:43am
Massage therapy can only complicate
congenital neurological problems(not to
mention acquired through stroke),
especially if the person suffering the
problem has developed spastic muscles.
The only way to deal with that is a lot of
stretching exercises, and gait training.
Im sure if you talk to a
physiotherapist/physical therapist close
by, they would be of aid to you in this
matter.
Spina bifida is a relatively complex
problem; you have to keep in mind three
things before you think of massage
therapy;
(1) the type (sb cystica, sb occulta,
etc)
(2) the severity
(3) the level (occurs most commonly in the
lower lumbar region, but cases differ)
if the case is superficial with thin
coverings, l1 l2 or higher, or has severe
neurological manifestations, its better
that the person who has it stays away from
massage therapy. If, however, all you can
see is a depression and/or a tuft of hair,
and there are no neurological
manifestations, massage is not
contraindicated. Massage therapy is not
an answer to neurological problems caused
by spina bifida, and can not treat its
effects.
