Massage for neuropathy

Posted by csboz @csboz, Aug 11 6:32pm

I haven’t been officially diagnosed with NP, but am treating my slightly numb and occasionally tingling feet as though I have it. Has anyone had good results with massage? I have an old shiatsu massager that I bought many years ago for neck massages. I’ve been using it with my feet and after just a few gentle 15 minute sessions I am feeling significant improvement in circulation and symptoms. I would love to know if anyone else has used massage on their feet, and what effect it has had on their symptoms.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

csboz | @csboz | Aug 11 6:35pm

Sorry…PN, not NP!

celia16 | @celia16 | Aug 11 7:36pm

I haven’t tried it but I might now.

eloise999 | @eloise999 | Aug 12 12:01am

I find it helpful. Also, I had a massage with a therapist who treats cancer patients. It really helped.

celia16 | @celia16 | Aug 12 4:21am

In reply to @eloise999 "I find it helpful. Also, I had a massage with a therapist who treats cancer patients...." + (show)

Where did you find the massage therapist?

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Aug 12 6:44am

@csboz

Massage may help with increased circulation but won’t address issues with small fiber neuropathy nerve damage caused by diabetes, vitamin deficiencies or toxicities, alcohol, smoking, chemotherapy, etc. you need to see a neurologist/neuromuscular specialist for neuropathy bloodwork and EMG/nerve conduction studies of limbs plus small fiber neuropathy skin punch biopsy. Treating the cause, if known, is important.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Aug 12 7:30am

If you have not heard of Myofascial Release Therapy, some members with neuropathy have found it helpful for pain relief. There is a discussion on the topic if you want to read what others have shared.
-- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

eloise999 | @eloise999 | Aug 12 7:57am

In reply to @celia16 "Where did you find the massage therapist?" + (show)

I live in the St. Paul, MN area. She works in North St. Paul. Is that near you?

artemis1886 | @artemis1886 | Aug 12 9:13am

I use deep tissue massage works great for me.

celia16 | @celia16 | Aug 12 4:10pm

In reply to @eloise999 "I live in the St. Paul, MN area. She works in North St. Paul. Is that..." + (show)

I’m afraid not. I’m in NC. Duke/UNC is near me. I know a great acupuncturist who does touch therapy, but that’s rather expensive. I’ll try to find someone who does massage with medical focus.