It might be surprising to learn that massage therapy can offer a number of benefits to children and adults who have asthma. Let’s look at the way massage might help with breathing mechanics, aches and pains, and stress relief that can lead to better management of asthma-related issues.
What is asthma?
Certain genetic and environmental factors have been linked to asthma. You’re more likely to have asthma if someone in your immediate family has it. Mold, dampness, air pollution, dust mites, secondhand tobacco smoke, and viral lung infections may also lead to asthma. Day-to-day, many of those environmental factors also can trigger asthma attacks.
Massage therapists working with people who have asthma can adjust the office environment to make it more comfortable, by being sure not to use essential oils for example.
Breathing mechanics
A 2017 meta-analysis, which identified 14 research studies including 1,299 pediatric patients, concluded that asthma medication with massage therapy was more effective than medication alone.
In a study of kids who have asthma, for one month half the participants received a 20-minute massage from a parent before bed, along with their medication. The other half received only their normal medication. The study found a “statistically significant” decrease in disease for the massage group, and concluded that massage “can improve airway tonicity, decrease airway sensitivity and provide better control of asthma.”
Aches and pains
In addition to helping with breathing function, massage is great for addressing chronic muscle tightness, and upper back, chest, and neck pain caused by coughing.
Stress relief
As we’ve discussed before, there’s good stress and bad stress — and bad stress tends to make everything harder. Massage has been shown to relieve stress.
Following an asthma attack, massage can help soothe the body. In between attacks, anxiety about the condition can actually make attacks more likely.
A small study showed some promising results. Participants got a weekly massage over a six-month period. They all reported that their breathing improved and that their quality of life also improved. When the study was over, four of the five chose to pay to continue massage therapy. Most insurance plans cover massage therapy. Give us a call to find out more: (503) 772-1215
“Massage therapy can help to improve lung function and reduce stress levels, both of which can trigger asthma attacks.”
Acupressure for asthma attacks
Acupressure is a great way to get many of the benefits of acupuncture without the needles. This video shares some pointers that may help you manage the symptoms of an asthma attack.
Come visit us at Parkside
Come see our expert team at Parkside Clinic where we tailor our care to your specific condition and tap into your body’s natural healing ability. Make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact us.