Diego, et al. (2002). Spinal cord patients benefit from massage therapy.

[Wise Young]

• Diego MA, Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Hart S, Brucker B and Burman I (2002). Spinal cord patients benefit from massage therapy. Int J Neurosci. 112 (2): 133-42. Summary: The present study assessed the effects of massage therapy on depression, functionality, upper body muscle strength and range of motion on spinal cord injury patients. Twenty C5 through C7 spinal cord injury individuals recruited from a University outpatient clinic were randomly assigned to a massage therapy group or an exercise group. Patients in the massage therapy group received two 40-min massage therapy sessions per week for 5 weeks. Patients in the control group practiced a range of motion exercise routine targeting the arms, neck, shoulders, and back 2 times per week for 5 weeks. Although both the massage and exercise group appeared to benefit from treatment, only the massage group showed lower anxiety and depression scores and significantly increased their muscle strength and wrist range of motion. Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016820, 1601 N.W. 12th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33101, USA.

[rickinmd]

Dr. Young:

I have a t-10 incomplete injury and also a DVT in my left leg. I am taking coumadin/warfarin to stabilize it, of course.

Will massage therapy, particularly shiatsu (if its light), help in my recovery/therapy??

Please let me know, I'm curious about your thoughts.

Sincerely,
Rick Sisas

[Wise Young]

Rick, I don't know much about shiatsu therapy. Perhaps some others on the site can have more knowledgeable comments than I do. Wise.

[giambjj]

There is a company called IMT, that has centers all over the US. They combine intensive physical, electrical, and massage therapy. They have a 5 year plan that "they say" will get even completes walking again and quads the use of their hands and fingers. I will enroll my son in the program after the holidays. I will let you know how it works. I know of one complete c6, that can now walk with Kafos and a walker, and has limited use of her hands after 1.5 years on IMT.

[Chris Chappell]

Dr. J.J., Interesting comments. Where / who is IMT? Do you have a website / phone number for them? Are they national?

Thanks. Best of luck to your son.

Onward and Upward!

[giambjj]

http://www.centerimt.com/what.asp

[whity]

Hi there
My partner and I are considering learning massage. We have heard that certain aspects of massage can be very beneficial. Can u suggest appropriate massage.
By any chance am I able to learn or access relevant information from Australia.

[new dimension]

The cost of IMT is prohibitive for most................