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If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), you know how tight and sore your muscles can get. A relaxing spa day might sound like a great way to ease some stress and muscle tension, and it can be a nice way to get a little pampering. However, for people with MS, there are a few things to think about before booking your spa day.
Let’s chat about how day spas can be helpful and certain aspects that you might be better off skipping.
When you’re looking into day spa activities, there are certain things to consider if you have MS. The main concerns are heat sensitivity and Uhthoff’s phenomenon.
People with MS often experience worsening neurological symptoms when their body temperature increases. This is called Uhthoff’s phenomenon, and it happens in 60 percent to 80 percent of people with MS.
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Even a slight increase in body temperature can cause a temporary worsening of fatigue, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, or arm and leg numbness. Symptom worsening usually lasts for about a day.
This kind of flare-up from heat is not the same as an MS relapse. Uhthoff’s phenomenon is usually temporary and improves after you cool down and rest. If your symptoms don’t get better after cooling off (or keep getting worse), contact your MS doctor.
At a day spa, hot tubs and saunas raise body temperature and could result in Uhthoff’s phenomenon. But this doesn’t mean people with MS need to avoid day spas altogether. There are other spa activities you can enjoy.
Here are seven do’s and four don’ts to help you plan a safe and relaxing MS day spa experience.
People living with MS typically experience a variety of symptoms, such as pain, circulation issues, and muscle spasticity. Certain spa activities can help you manage some of these MS symptoms, though keep in mind that these activities are not designed to treat the condition itself.
Swedish massage typically uses light to moderate pressure. This more gentle massage pressure can help:
A Swedish massage may help to decrease muscle pain and improve fatigue in people with MS, leaving you feeling refreshed. One member of MyMSTeam said, “For me, a massage helps everything.” Another member said, “Massage is a sweet gift from heaven! It does wonders for pain.”
Reflexology is a targeted therapy that puts pressure on specific areas of the foot that correlate with parts of the body. Similar to massage, this technique can promote relaxation. Reflexology can also be effective in targeting anxiety and depression, which are common among people with chronic illnesses.
Acupressure uses targeted pressure on certain areas of the body as well, but it is not restricted to just the foot. Acupressure therapists target different “acupoints” of the body to relieve stress and tension.
When you are checking in to the spa and talking with any staff you’ll be working with, let them know about your MS diagnosis. You can talk about symptoms you currently have (such as muscle tightness or fatigue) and other symptoms that you are prone to (such as heat sensitivity, balance issues, or sensory changes).
Communicating with your therapist can help them make needed adjustments to the session. They may adjust room temperature, pressure, and body positions to keep you comfortable.
Just like it’s important to drink water before, during, and after a workout, it’s important to stay hydrated with spa treatments as well. Staying hydrated might help you avoid sore muscles after a massage. This is because hydration helps support the muscle healing process.
Decreased hydration may also be related to fatigue levels for people with MS. So, hydrating may help you maintain energy for your spa day.
Many spas have different temperature options for treatment tables and rooms. Requesting a cool, air-conditioned room or a fan can help you stay comfortable and avoid overheating.
For a day or two after spa treatments, take a mental note of how you feel physically and mentally. Paying attention to how your body responds can help you learn which treatments you respond well to and which ones you don’t.
These details can help you better plan your next spa visit. You can make adjustments or try new activities and see how your body responds.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding spa treatments, it’s always best to consult with your medical team. They know your specific MS care plan best and can make recommendations for treatments that might be helpful for you and those you’re better off skipping.
If you have a condition like edema or osteoporosis, or if you are in a current MS relapse, tell your care team. They will take these health concerns into account when making recommendations.
Some treatments and approaches are best for people with MS to opt out of when booking a spa day. Consider the following ways to protect yourself.
Hot environments can raise your body temperature and trigger Uhthoff’s phenomenon, which makes MS symptoms feel worse. If you’re heat sensitive, it’s best to avoid heat-related spa activities, like:
If you’re not sure how you react to heat, start with cooler options, take breaks, and stop right away if symptoms flare.
With massage and trigger point therapeutic techniques, there are options for how much pressure the therapist uses. Massages don’t have to feel painful and super deep to be effective. In fact, it’s probably best to see how you respond to lighter treatment techniques first, before trying out deeper pressures.
If you have pressure sores, skin discoloration, or any inflamed areas, ask your therapist not to massage those spots. Massaging over sore or inflamed skin can make it worse.
If you’re at risk for pressure sores, focus on taking pressure off sensitive areas, changing positions often, and checking your skin. Ask your healthcare team what’s safest for you.
If you start to notice any signs that your MS symptoms are worsening at the day spa, don’t hesitate to let the staff know.
The following MS symptoms can worsen when you’re overheated:
These can all be signs that you are not tolerating the environmental temperature well and could be overheating. Wrapping yourself in a cool towel, pausing the activity, and drinking cold water may help you cool down and relieve these symptoms or prevent them from getting worse.
The relaxation from spa treatments can bring on sleepiness and fatigue. Try to avoid big errands, workouts, or mentally demanding tasks for the remainder of the day. This is especially important if it’s your first visit to a day spa and you don’t know how your body will respond.
Before your visit, you may want to call ahead to find out how the spa operates and what accommodations can be made. You can ask about room temperatures, options for cooling treatments versus heated ones, and the staff's experience working with people with MS.
When you’re getting ready to go to the spa, it might be helpful to pack:
With a bit of planning and preparation, people with MS can have wonderful experiences at day spas. You may even want to make it part of your regular MS relaxation and self-care routine.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with MS, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Are there certain parts of a day spa that you’ve found most helpful for your MS symptoms? Let others know in the comments below.
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