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A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Austell, GA

I have been considering using a personal massager. Wondering if the deep tissue massage will help with tightness i have. So I am reaching out to the community for anyone, who have advice and share your experience.

October 19
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MyMSTeam

Personal massagers can be a great way to manage muscle tightness with MS! Many MyMSTeam members have shared positive experiences with massage for relief, with one saying, "Massage is a sweet gift from heaven! It does wonders for pain."

When considering a personal massager, here are some helpful tips:

- Start gentle — try Show Full Answer

Personal massagers can be a great way to manage muscle tightness with MS! Many MyMSTeam members have shared positive experiences with massage for relief, with one saying, "Massage is a sweet gift from heaven! It does wonders for pain."

When considering a personal massager, here are some helpful tips:

- Start gentle — try lighter pressure settings first before going deep tissue, to see how your body responds
- Avoid heat attachments if you're heat-sensitive, as heat can trigger Uhthoff's phenomenon and worsen MS symptoms
- Skip inflamed or sore areas — massaging over irritated skin can make things worse
- Deep tissue isn't always better — lighter techniques can be just as effective for muscle tightness It's also worth mentioning that massage therapy has shown real benefits for MS-related spasticity and muscle tightness by relaxing tense muscles and improving range of motion.

Before starting regular use, it's a good idea to check in with your doctor, especially if you have any skin issues, swelling, or bone density concerns, as these can affect whether massage is right for you.

October 19
A MyMSTeam Member

What a great question. I had this same question a few weeks ago but didn't think to ask here. On Amazon prime days, I decided to get the sensitive massage Theragun and the deep tissue massage Theragun (Prime). Once I got them, I started with the sensitive one that is meant for daily wellness. It uses a lot of vibration, which isn't necessarily good for some of us MSers who have sensitivity issues on the surface. I do like it, but I have found that I can only use it in certain areas. It works great on tired feet! My plan was that if I liked that one, I would return the deep tissue (unopened), but since I didn't love it, I opened the Prime and it is different, thankfully. It's not as vibratory which allows the "pound" of the device to get to the deeper muscle tissue. I do like it especially for after workouts/running. I like it for my hamstrings and glutes. I don't feel like it gets my low back the way I would like, but others may feel differently. I do think that because of my nerve short circuits (thanks to MS), I get some "strange" sensations particularly on my back.

October 19
A MyMSTeam Member

I used to go to a massage therapist, however now I see an Accupuntcurist who also includes Accupressure. 

By using 'this method' I rely on thousands of years of Chinese 'medicine' where there is an actual true point of meeting the needs of the body (omg that 'hurts' in a GOOD WAY)... BUT also thru Accupuntcure.  Points can actually be met.. every time.  (Dr Chen re Bellevue Wa. ) like in ways that I NEVER knew.. but he did!

Good luck.  I do have amazing massage therapy friends that I will never TAKE from them or her and her own magic... but now I live in Wa. She is NOT.  :(

GOOD luck.  You'll find something that fits  i know it.  
😁

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October 19
A MyMSTeam Member

I use large ice packs and put them on the areas of pain. It really helps with most of it.

October 19
A MyMSTeam Member

When neuropathic pain gets too hard to handle, especially after physiotherapy, a personal masseuse, aware of your condition, helps relieve the muscle tightness and fatigue. Lying down or resting your back after the massage is necessary, since it has been worked upon, howsoever lightly.

October 19

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