Phoenix, Arizona area resident with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is helped with medical massage therapy
Medical Massage — By Steve Ibach on December 18, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Vet shows stretchy delicate skin on dog with Ehler-Danlos / Wikimedia Commons
Medical massage therapy can be used effectively to reduce pain and increase quality of life in patients suffering from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). EDS is a genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by joint pain and hypermobility, stretchy delicate skin, and other symptoms. People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome have unstable joints, fragile skin, and/or vascular problems, because of a genetic defect in their connective tissue. EDS affects at least 1 in 5000 people.
Medical massage therapy is a proven complementary therapy that can reduce the chronic pain experienced by suffers of Elhers-Danlos Syndrome. Massage affects the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces the overall sensation of pain in the body. Additionally, medical massage techniques can help release chronically tightened muscles that are under continuous stress in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome patients as their muscles try to compensate for ligaments that have reduced effectiveness.
Jen S. of Avondale, Arizona is one of hundreds of Phoenix area residents who suffer from EDS. Jen receives a weekly medical massage at to assist with her pain management. Jen says,
“I have chronic pain and if it wasn’t for my massages at Hawaiian Experience Spa, I wouldn’t be able to do many of the things I am able to do. Since starting the weekly massage therapy sessions, I have been able to start hiking with my husband almost every weekend, my longest hike to date is 10 miles. I never thought I would be able to go that far, especially since it was not too long ago that I had to use a wheelchair to do anything that would have required me to be on my feet for any length of time.”
Massage therapy does not treat Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, however, it does help reduce the pain associated with the condition and helps keep the muscles healthy. Used in conjunction with mainstream medical treatments, medications, etc., medical massage therapy helps Jen and many others increase their quality of life as research continues on finding the cause to this debilitating medical condition.
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3 Comments
Will insurance cover these? What medications are taken?
Hi Lynette – Most insurance will not cover massage therapy unfortunately. This may change with new health care reform. I do not know exactly what medications Jen is referring to at this time. If you live in Phoenix contact Hawaiian Experience Spa at the link above and they can help you with payment options for medical massage.
I added a link to email the Phoenix Metro EDS Support Group. They have a wealth of information to support people with EDS. I suggest emailing them with any questions.