In recent weeks, ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease has come to the publics attention because of the Ice Bucket Challenge Online Fundraiser. An amazing number of people have come together and funds have been raised for the ALS charity foundation. Prior to this fundraiser, the general population had probably never heard of this disease unless they or someone they know had it and even still, most people probably only have a basic knowledge of how ALS may affect a patient.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive condition that affects the cells of the nervous system. This neurological disease attacks the spinal cord and makes it hard and scar-like. In turn, these scars strangle the neurons that are in charge of muscle contraction and lead to the atrophy of your muscles making patients with ALS unable to use their arms and legs. Eventually, this disease progresses up the limbs to the trunk muscles and will affect the muscles of respiration. The majority of individuals who get this disease do not have any family history or genetic link. Unfortunately, no one really knows what causes Lou Gehrig’s Disease and there is no known cure at this time.
The degeneration of the nerves in this disease can be a painful process and other symptoms can occur, such as muscle spasms, constipation, and the gradual collapse of the body due to gravity and lack of muscle control. Although there is no cure for this disease, the severity of the symptoms can be managed with different treatments. Massage Therapy is one type of treatment that may be beneficial for patients with this disease. Regular massage treatments can help reduce muscle spasms, constipation, and general achiness of a patient’s muscles.
It’s amazing that in just a few weeks so many have donated money and are raising awareness for ALS. Hopefully a cure will be found for this disease in the near future. If you or someone you know has ALS, consult your doctor to see if Massage Therapy is right for you!
Now that the summer months are upon us and we are having beautiful sunny weather, more people are spending time outdoors. The sun is a great source of Vitamin D, but too much time under that blazing heat and you could end up with nasty sunburn.