How Massage Helps Neuropathy
A Natural Way to Ease Nerve Pain
Neuropathy—a condition affecting the peripheral nerves—can cause tingling, numbness, burning pain, and muscle weakness. It often results from diabetes, nerve compression, injuries, or even certain medications. While traditional treatments focus on medication or physical therapy, massage therapy is an often-overlooked yet powerful tool in managing neuropathy symptoms.
How Does Massage Help with Neuropathy?
Massage doesn’t just feel good—it actively supports nerve health in several ways.
Improves Circulation
One of the biggest contributors to nerve dysfunction is poor circulation. When nerves don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients, they can misfire, leading to pain and discomfort. Massage stimulates blood flow, helping to bring essential nutrients to affected areas and promoting healing at a cellular level.Reduces Nerve Compression
In cases where neuropathy is caused by nerve entrapment (such as sciatic pain or carpal tunnel syndrome), muscle tightness and fascial restrictions can put excessive pressure on the nerves. Massage helps release tight muscles and fascia, relieving compression and allowing nerves to function more freely.Encourages Nervous System Regulation
The nervous system has two main states: sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and repair). Chronic pain often keeps the body in a heightened state of stress, which can make nerve pain worse. Skilled massage techniques help shift the body into the parasympathetic state, reducing pain sensitivity and allowing for deeper healing.Reduces Inflammation
Many forms of neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy, involve inflammation that irritates the nerves. Gentle, targeted massage can help reduce this inflammation by improving lymphatic drainage, which helps the body clear out inflammatory byproducts more efficiently.Improves Sensory Awareness
Neuropathy can cause areas of the body to feel numb or disconnected. Massage helps stimulate the nerve endings in the skin and muscles, potentially improving sensory perception over time. This can be especially helpful for those experiencing numbness in their feet, which can increase the risk of falls.
Selina’s Approach: A Deep Understanding of the Body
Selina is more than just a massage therapist—she has over 22 years of experience in fitness, body mechanics, and therapeutic massage, specializing in how the nervous system and fascia interact. Her approach is never one-size-fits-all. Each session is tailored to the client’s needs, whether it’s focusing on circulation, nerve decompression, or calming overactive nerve signals.
Selina integrates multiple techniques, including deep tissue work, neuromuscular therapy, and myofascial release, to help relieve neuropathy symptoms. She understands how the body compensates for nerve dysfunction and works with the whole system to restore balance and function.
Is Massage Right for You?
Massage therapy for neuropathy is not a cure, but it is an effective way to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Many clients report feeling less pain, more mobility, and better circulation after regular sessions. If you experience chronic nerve pain, adding massage to your wellness routine could be a valuable step toward relief.
By addressing the root causes of nerve discomfort—whether it’s inflammation, poor circulation, or compression—massage provides a natural and holistic way to support nerve health. Whether used alone or alongside other treatments, it’s a safe and effective way to promote healing in the body.
