If you’re living with diabetes, then you know how important it is to take care of yourself. One way to do that is to incorporate massage into your self-care regimen.
Massage therapy can help manage the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness.
Let’s explore the benefits of massage therapy for diabetic neuropathy and the best types of massage to help this condition.
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Diabetic Neuropathy
Massage therapy has been found to be an effective treatment option for diabetic neuropathy because it helps to reduce inflammation in the nerves and increase blood circulation to the affected areas.
This increased blood flow helps to carry oxygen-rich nutrients to the damaged nerves and promote healing.
In addition, massage therapy offers a natural way to reduce stress levels, which can help relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy such as muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.
Best Massage Techniques for Diabetic Neuropathy
The best types of massage for treating diabetic neuropathy are those that focus on increasing circulation and releasing muscle tension.
Deep tissue massage is effective in that it targets deeper layers of muscle fibers to relieve chronic tension and increase flexibility.
Swedish massage, with lighter strokes, is also an effective modality for increasing blood flow, decreasing inflammation, and releasing tension.
Additionally, reflexology—which focuses on applying pressure to specific areas on the feet—has been found to be beneficial in treating diabetic neuropathy since it encourages proper nerve function by stimulating reflex points throughout the body.