---
title: Benefits of Massage for SCI Patients
description: Massage after SCI can offer real healing, so there is no reason to deprive yourself of this highly beneficial indulgence.
image: http://www.spinalcord.com/hubfs/Benefits_of_Massage_for_SCI_Patients.jpg
---
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# Benefits of Massage for SCI Patients
Author: [Spinal Cord Team](https://www.spinalcord.com/meet-our-authors)
Publish Date: December 07, 2020
A relaxing room. Soothing music. And the gentle—or firm!--hands of a skilled massage therapist guiding your body steadily into more relaxation. Massage convinces even the most skeptical among us of the power of touch, and can leave you experiencing a massage-induced endorphin rush for hours.
So often, we are encouraged to cut out the things we love—television, lounging around the house all day, sugar, salt—to feel better. It's easy to convince yourself that the things which are good for you are unlikely to feel good. But massage is a rare and precious exception. It does much more than give you a relaxing afternoon and a break from stress. It can offer real healing, so there is no reason to deprive yourself of this highly beneficial indulgence.
## **Strong Mental Health **
A generation or two ago, clinicians treated mental and physical health as entirely separate matters. Doctors focused on getting patients physically better, leaving the issue of emotional well-being to someone else—often a “someone else” who never materialized. Now we know better. [Mental and physical health are inextricably linked](https://ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/connection-between-mental-and-physical-health/), especially for people with chronic illnesses and catastrophic injuries.
Strong mental health not only reduces your risk of losing hope about your ability to recover; it can also boost the strength of your immune system and help you keep pushing forward even when physical therapy and other forms of rehabilitation become challenging.
[One recent study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12325402) tested the benefits of massage therapy as compared to exercise. One group of [spinal cord injury](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury) survivors underwent two forty-minute massages each week for five weeks. The other practiced a new [exercise routine](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/6-exercises-for-after-a-spinal-cord-injury) twice per week for the same duration. At the end of the study, participants who underwent massage saw a marked reduction in depression and anxiety.
Though exercise also helped, the massage group fared better overall than did the exercise group, suggesting that massage may be even more important than exercise. That's big news, especially [in light of research](http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-and-depression-report-excerpt) suggesting that exercise can be more effective at treating depression than antidepressants.
## **Better Muscle Function and Tone **
The study that looked at massage's effects on mental health also explored how massage affected muscle function and tone. For spinal cord injury patients, loss of muscle tone and control, [spasticity](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/understanding-spasticity-after-a-spinal-cord-injury), chronic pain, and overall muscle health are all critical issues. Even if you are paralyzed and can't move your muscles, massage can improve their overall health.
This might seem trivial, especially if you're fighting the uphill battle of [tetraplegia](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/tetraplegia-quadriplegia-paraplegia-what-is-the-difference). But maintaining strong muscles that are in good health means those muscles will be better equipped to serve you as you regain mobility.
## **Improved Range of Motion **
People with spinal cord injuries often struggle with range of motion issues. Decreased blood flow, a severed spinal cord, swelling, and infections can all inhibit range of motion. But so too can the pain associated with spinal cord injuries. You may be tensing your body without even realizing it, thereby steadily inhibiting the extent to which your muscles can move freely.
Massage therapy helps you regain control of your muscles, boosting range of motion. This improves your prognosis, increasing your odds of regaining some muscle function. It can also help slow the rate of muscle degeneration, and help prevent dangerous injuries. A fall can be catastrophic if you have a limited range of motion, but if you're sufficiently mobile to catch and protect yourself, everything changes. In this regard, improved range of motion really can be a life-saver.
## **Reduced Pain **
Spinal cord injury survivors often [struggle with pain](https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/study-more-effective-treatment-for-spinal-cord-pain). Injuries hurt, of course, but for many SCI survivors, it's not their injuries, but the subsequent sedentary lifestyle that is the problem. If your mobility is compromised, exercise becomes more difficult. Over time, as you exercise less and less, exercise can become painful, creating a vicious cycle that keeps you away from exercise and trapped in chronic pain.
Massage helps break up the muscle knots that come with both injuries and a sedentary lifestyle. By improving emotional well-being, massage can also alter your perception of your pain, making it feel more manageable and less overwhelming. [Dozens of studies](https://www.amtamassage.org/infocenter/healthcare_articles-and-associations/Massage-Therapy-Has-a-Role-in-Pain-Management.html) have documented the role of massage therapy in pain reduction, so even if this is your sole reason for seeking a massage, your efforts will not be wasted.
## **Improved Circulation **
People with spinal cord injuries commonly struggle with poor circulation. A number of factors contribute to this phenomenon. If you are wheelchair-bound and can't walk, then blood flow to your feet and legs decreases. Your injuries may also compress arteries and veins, further restricting circulation. And if you are unable—or unwilling—to get lots of exercise, your circulation is further reduced.
You probably already know that poor circulation reduces muscle tone and can cause your extremities to “fall asleep” or feel tingly. But poor circulation can also kill you. When blood can't circulate properly, dangerous blood clots can develop. If these blood clots break loose, they can kill you. Poor circulation also contributes to chronic muscle pain, and can slow your ability to heal from both minor and major injuries.
Massage increases blood flow both to the muscles massaged and to surrounding areas. By improving muscle tone and function, it can also help your body maintain healthy circulation long after your massage session is over. And this is an easy claim to test. If your muscles experience less tingling and numbness after a massage session, then you can be certain you're making progress.
## **Increased Self-Efficacy**
**Self-efficacy is a measure of your confidence in your ability to care for yourself and advocate your needs. The concept, [originally developed by developmental psychologist Albert Bandura](http://www.amazon.com/Self-Efficacy-Exercise-Control-Albert-Bandura/dp/0716728508), is correlated with better mental health, greater educational and career success, and an increased sense of independence. Though researchers aren't sure why, [regular massage is correlated with an increase in self-efficacy and self-care skills](http://www.centerpointmn.com/massage-therapy-key-step-healing-spinal-cord-injuries/). **
**For spinal cord injury survivors struggling with self-esteem issues, overwhelmed by intrusive but well-meaning loved ones, or frustrated by an inability to care for themselves, then, massage therapy can be a life-changing treatment option. **
**[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/575040/965f1b04-545a-49bc-a888-acaa9037261b) **
**Topics:** Spinal Cord Injury
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true
### Spinal Cord Injury
- [Types of Spinal Cord Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
- [Secondary Complications](https://www.spinalcord.com/secondary-complications-after-sci-spinal-cord-injury)
- [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/signs-symptoms-of-spinal-cord-injuries)
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- [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer)
### Brain Injury
- [Types of Brain Injuries](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injury)
- [Causes](https://www.spinalcord.com/causes-of-traumatic-and-acquired-brain-injuries)
- [Symptoms](https://www.spinalcord.com/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-symptoms)
- [Prognosis](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-prognosis-for-tbi-abi)
- [Legal Help](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-legal-help-get-a-lawyer)
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- [Technology Advancements](https://www.spinalcord.com/sci-technology-advancements)
- [Prevention](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-prevention)
### Legal Options
- [Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer)
- [Brain Injury Lawyer](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-injury-lawyer)
- [Types of Personal Injury Claims](https://www.spinalcord.com/types-of-personal-injury-claims)
- [Where To Start](https://www.spinalcord.com/brain-spinal-cord-injury-lawyer-where-to-start)
- [Local Assistance](https://www.spinalcord.com/florida-personal-injury-claims)
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"articleBody" : "The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.\n\nWhat Is a Spinal Contusion?
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\nMuch like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.
\nFor example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.
\nA contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.
\nWarning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For
\nFirstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.
\nSymptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:
\n\n- Spinal shock — or the "loss of feeling or movement below site of injury" (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks
\n- Loss of bladder or bowel function
\n- Difficulty breathing
\n- Muscle spasticity
\n- Difficulty understanding speech
\n- Problems with attention
\n- Memory challenges
\n- Heart rate and blood pressure problems
\n
\nUnfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.
\nUnderstanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.
\nIf you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.",
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"description":"The spinal cord is a vital part of the human body. As the vehicle responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the rest of the body and back again, even the smallest interference can be detrimental. Following a traumatic spinal cord injury, this bundle of nerves can become bruised, also known as a contusion. Because of the nature of the nervous system, any interference can constitute a serious spinal contusion, but these facts will help you dissect all of the information from the medical professionals.
What Is a Spinal Contusion?
Signs-of-a-spinal-contusion-title-image
Much like any other bruise, a contusion can cause bleeding from local blood vessels and inflammation which, rather unlike bruises on other parts of the body, can have serious negative impacts on the spinal cord itself. Because the “blood must clot to stop the bleeding”a bruise results from contusions also increase cardiovascular risks.
For example, the swelling a contusion can cause will often disrupt nerve impulses that travel from the brain to the body through the spinal cord, and the severity of this will depend upon the level of injury. Unlike a concussion, a contusion would not cause unconsciousness or a ‘blackout’, but instead cause the patient to feel a numbness or tingling in the extremities.
A contusion can cause spinal compression, which happens when there is pressure on the spinal cord. This can go on to cause an array of physical symptoms such as loss of sensation in the feet, inability to use the hands and loss of sexual ability. It must be noted that not all contusions cause spinal compression, and not all spinal compression is caused by a contusion, although they do often connect this way.
Warning Signs of a Serious Spinal Contusion to Watch For
Firstly, doctors will try and establish what area or limb the injury has affected. Spinal contusions most often “affect the upper extremities bilaterally and also sometimes involve the lower extremities,” according to Dr. Wong, an orthopedic physician.
Symptoms include “numbness, tingling, [or] electric shock-like sensations and burning in the extremities,” (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2016). Generally falling into the category of “spinal trauma” there are many symptoms which are similar to other forms of spinal trauma and spinal cord injury. Below are some symptoms of spinal trauma:
Spinal shock — or the loss of feeling or movement below site of injury (Columbia University Medical Centre, 2016) that can last between hours and weeks
Loss of bladder or bowel function
Difficulty breathing
Muscle spasticity
Difficulty understanding speech
Problems with attention
Memory challenges
Heart rate and blood pressure problems
Unfortunately, it is sometimes challenging to identify which symptoms are due to a spinal contusion, and which ones are the result of a spinal cord injury directly. It can sometimes require a few days or weeks for the body to recover from spinal trauma and reveal if any permanent damage is left from the accident that caused the SCI.
Understanding what a contusion is, and how it can come into play following a spinal cord injury is important in order to clearly appreciate your injury, understand your diagnoses, and work toward treatment and a prognosis. Doctors can sometimes use jargon that’s difficult to understand, so the more you can educate yourself about your condition, the more control you can have in your recovery and treatment.
If you still have questions about the details of the spinal cord and how it may be affected from your injury, please contact us or download our guide to understanding a spinal cord injury.",
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"description":"The authors at SpinalCord.com come from diverse backgrounds including doctors, attorneys, medical journalist, and survivors of spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries. Each author brings with them different experiences and expertise which when combined provide clinically accurate information which is useful to all individuals in the spinal cord and traumatic brain injury communities. Within the content you will find citations to medical journals, scientific research, as well as national and local resources to provide immediate support to families in need of assistance. Content is reviewed and updated regularly with changes in the clinical guidelines, new resources, and fresh ways to understand the content such as videos and infographics. ."
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