If you have multiple sclerosis or a similar neurological disorder, here are some potentially beneficial treatments. Except for the first one, tapping, all of these are self-help techniques. You’ll find out where I get these crazy ideas from at the end of the article.
Tapping: Tapping on the spine will stimulate the nerves and tissues around the spine. This is a good thing. It will get more blood flow into the area to carry nutrients to your spine. Could you ask a loved one or a friend to tap with their finger pads the length of your spine (but not on the end of the tailbone)? This tapping would last for about 5 minutes each time and ideally be at least once each day.
Pouncing: You can “pound” your thighs yourself. The meaty part of the thigh on the tops and sides when you are seated can be pounded or, more accurately, “pounced” with the outsides of your hands. (Hold your fingers closed loosely and thumbs on top and wrists pretty straight.) Pounce, pounce, pounce.
If you are feeling a little weak in your legs, doing this before standing up will help them to feel stronger. It’s not a lot of pressure but it creates a vibration in your leg tissues and is very beneficial. Imagine small cats jumping up and down on your legs like a trampoline. That’s about how much pressure. This also creates movement in the tissues of your arms and hands and is good for them, too.
Crawling: If you are able to get on and off the floor on your hands and knees then crawl. Yes, just like when you were a baby. That reminds your body how it is supposed to move. If you can’t get on the floor, you might be able to lay on your back and “crawl” into the air. If you can’t do that, then “crawl” perfectly in your mind.
Massage: People with MS benefit much more from shaking, jostling and jiggling movements than from traditional massage-type movements. Regular massage motions such as gliding and rubbing can be debilitating to a person with MS. They may make you feel weaker.
Where did I get these crazy ideas?
From Meir Schneider, the brilliant body worker in San Francisco, California. Meir helps people from all over the world who have neurological disorders when they come to his clinic. He helps them learn how to be their own physical therapist.
You cannot try something just once and expect a lot of benefit.
When you create a routine and do a self-help technique over and over, you will benefit. You have a smart body and it needs some help from you.
Remember, I can’t see you. I don’t know your multiple sclerosis situation or anything about you.
You have to be your own doctor and make your own decisions.
These are merely suggestions and I’m not a doctor–I’m The Pain Relief Coach.
