Fractures happen. You’ve been diagnosed, you’re wearing a splint or cast, what now? Wouldn’t it be nice to know what you can do to speed and/or avoid interfering with fracture healing? It may seem counter intuitive to consider a visit to your massage therapist during the 4-6 weeks while your fracture is healing. How could massage possibly help and couldn’t the therapy cause more injury?
1. Light massage stimulates blood flow (nutrient and oxygen exchange), reduces inflammation, and enhances fibroblast (healing cells) production at the injury site. Massage reduces the chances that stiff tissue sets in around the injury site. The more mobile the tissue, the greater flexibility that’s maintained for when your cast is removed.
2. Light massage, also known as lymphatic massage or medical massage cupping, produces a gentle stretch to the skin without causing bone movement. Therefore it can be applied over an area where a ligament, tendon, or bone needs to be splinted in order to heal in place.
3. Your therapist will also relieve muscle tension in areas overworked by compensating for the injury. After all, who wants to develop a tendonitis in their shoulders while walking around with crutches? Who wants to end up with a stiff neck after wearing a shoulder splint?
4. Make sure the massage therapist you visit during this time has adequate training that relates to orthopedic injuries, medical massage, and massage cupping and/or lymphatic massage techniques so that he or she may confidently and safely apply their skills.
4. Visit this article where you can learn more about enhancing fracture healing: Speed Bone Fracture Healing.
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Hands On Health Massage Therapy And Wellness
7980 Chapel Hill Road, Ste 125
Cary NC 27513
919.854.9555