Multiple Sclerosis and Massage Benefits and Considerations

The challenge when discussing multiple sclerosis and massage is that no one type of massage is best for MS. The massage therapist must assess your unique set of symptoms and choose techniques that might work for you.

Many types of massage have the potential to be useful for MS, including Swedish, Thai, acupressure, aromatherapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and shiatsu. Other possibly helpful touch therapies include reflexology, Bowen technique, and reiki.

Some people with MS get relief from deep tissue massage or neuromuscular therapy, while these massage techniques may create additional pain for other people. Some people can tolerate only gentle touch, such as myofascial release or light Swedish massage.

Does Massage Help MS Symptoms?

Multiple sclerosis massage benefits include helping reduce both the symptoms of MS and the effects of daily life stresses.

Massage helps with many MS conditions, especially pain, mood, sluggish circulation of blood, and low energy, and also reduces stress and helps people relax, according to Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies. Abdominal massage may relieve constipation.

Supporting this view is a 2022 systematic review that found different styles of massage improved MS symptoms such as fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, and spasticity. The review also found that massage may have beneficial effects on motor and non-motor symptoms in MS.

Massage improves the pliability of the tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissue and leading to easier movement of joints. Easier movement makes stretching and exercise easier, which further helps improve the range of motion and flexibility of joints.

Improved blood circulation also helps maintain the integrity of muscle tissue, which helps slow down the development of muscle weakness and atrophy. Massage can also soothe the nervous system, temporarily reducing excess stimulation of muscle fibers.

Multiple Sclerosis and Massage Therapy Research

A 2016 study (https://ijtmb.org/index.php/ijtmb/article/view/327) found massage is a safe and beneficial way to manage fatigue and pain associated with MS, seemingly improving quality of life.

A 2022 systematic review (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34338108/) found different styles of massage improved MS symptoms such as fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, and spasticity. The review also found that massage may have beneficial effects on motor and non-motor symptoms in MS.

Mostly only small studies and reviews have looked at massage to help relieve symptoms associated with MS. Although overall evidence is limited, results do suggest massage is beneficial. 

Search PubMed for studies about MS and massage therapy.

Multiple Sclerosis Massage Contraindications

In addition to standard massage contraindications, most sources recommend against massage during an acute MS flare-up. Ruth Werner, author of A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, has the following to say:

"First of all, let me offer some words of warning. In its acute, or "flare" stage, MS is an inflammatory condition. True, the inflammation is happening in the CNS where we don't have access, but the general rule for massage and acute inflammation is to let it pass.

"During an MS exacerbation, the body has a lot of activity to process. In my opinion..., I think it's a better idea to let the dust settle before adding any more input in the form of massage."

Some types of energetic bodywork (such as reiki) may be OK during MS flares, as long as it doesn't cause overstimulation.

Essential Oils for Multiple Sclerosis

Essential oils might help with symptom management. Observe all usual essential oil precautions, and check with a qualified aromatherapist and/or your healthcare provider if in doubt.

According to Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies, juniper stimulates the urinary system and rosemary relaxes muscles. Make a massage oil using 3 to 9 drops (a 1 to 3 percent dilution) essential oil in 1 tablespoon carrier oil. If you are new to essential oils, start with fewer drops.

The book also notes possible effects of other essential oils:

• Neroli to help with neuromuscular problems (using massage)
• Black pepper to help relieve constipation (using abdominal massage)
• Roman chamomile to help disturbed sleep patterns (using massage or diffusion)
• Grapefruit to lift low spirits (using diffusion)

Research on essential oils and MS is lacking, though here are two studies:

• A 2021 study found lavender essential oil improved working memory in women with multiple sclerosis. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8811666/)
• A 2024 study found lavender essential oil significantly reduced fatigue and improved sleep in MS patients. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38842713/)

Suggested Books

Qigong for Multiple Sclerosis: Finding Your Feet Again is a step-by-step guide that shows how you can use Qigong to improve your health and quality of life. 

Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis: A Journey to Health and Healing is a comprehensive guide to using yoga principles to help manage MS. 

Multiple Sclerosis: Tips and Strategies for Making Life Easier offers over 800 tips, solutions, and strategies for dealing with the challenges of living a full life with MS, by an author diagnosed with MS in 1979.

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Image Credit: Mikael Häggström [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons