If you have been diagnosed with COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, you are undoubtedly familiar with its symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, excess mucus and chronic exhaustion. In addition, you probably consume a regular dose of medications to address those symptoms, including inhaled or oral steroids, bronchodilators and even varying amounts of oxygen. Unfortunately, the symptoms of COPD and the treatment methods for managing it are often quite stressful and can also be uncomfortable. Therefore, if you feel stressed, in pain, or otherwise uncomfortable due to your disease or how it is being managed, a massage through a place like Zianna Spa and Wellness could help you relax and by extension, improve your overall quality of life. The facts shared below will permit you to make an informed decision about participating in massage therapy.

Considering Swedish Massage 

Swedish massage is often an ideal choice for COPD sufferers whose symptoms have not yet progressed too far, due to the use of different types of massaging strokes that can address both tissue and joint pain. For instance, the stress of COPD often causes tense muscles, as does the ever-present fear that you will suddenly feel as if you are suffocating. Your personal situation might be worsened by a propensity for troubled sleep, which can be a symptom of your illness or a side effect of one or more of your medications.

Therefore, it is obvious that the long, stroking movements or lighter, tapping motions associated with a Swedish massage can provide valuable relaxation.

Choosing Shiatsu Massage

The practices of Shiatsu massage often include stretching with the assistance and supervision of the massage therapist, which can be quite useful for impaired or stressed respiratory muscles. Since this type of practice may require the therapist to evaluate the condition of a massage client with a pulse diagnosis and yours might vary due to your illness or treatments, it is crucial to be sure that your massage therapist is aware of your condition and the extra challenges it might cause.   

If you find that being touched or touching items is uncomfortable for you or if the perceived vulnerabilities of receiving an in-depth massage make you nervous, Shiatsu massage might be a viable and useful option to consider, since it does not have to be provided with tools or hands exclusively.   

Shiatsu massage permits the therapist providing the service to do so using their:

• Fingers

• Thumbs

• Feet

• Palms   

In conclusion, the effects of COPD are often significant and on-going. If you are troubled by your COPD symptoms or the methods used to manage your illness, it is a good idea to be aware of how certain types of how massage therapy might offer you.