Tips/experience re: psoriasis and massage

[Pauly D]

A friend and potential client has fairly severe psoriasis and having done some internet surfing I've managed to find very little info on massage and psoriasis other than that it can be beneficial, but equally, severe psoriasis is taken as a contraindication as the massage may cause further irritation.

My friend was really excited about the prospect of massage generally (he does a lot of manual labour) and although there are various ways of giving treatments without needing to touch the skin, I'm such a believer in the power of touch, skin to skin, I was hoping some of you may have experience with clients with psoriasis, or, indeed, personal experience.

I look forward to hearing your views! And thanks in advance

 

[zpxpduyr]

Hi TigerJaye

The problem is you won't find out until you do it, what you can do is try it on say the back, explain that it might well cause more irritation in the short run, and if he is agreeable make sure you use plenty of lubrication.

Just massage the back as normal and get him to contact you 4 days after the massage to see how he got on with it, if he is happy with the results, then you can expand your treatment to a full body or whatever you both agree to

 

[ChristalSmoozy]

Thanks, Paul. I was beginning to think I'd go along those lines as I'm sure it's different for every psoriasis sufferer. Here's to discovery!

 

[missflythang]

I had some fab results for psoriasis using coconut oil as my base oil. Camellia oil is also supposed to be good.

 

[spikeskug001]

Thanks Trow! Always good to have excuses to expand the ol' base-oil selection. Particularly when it involves coconuts

 

[Angel Torres]

It depends where the psoriasis is, if it's in a reachable location, they could also nourish their own skin with oils inbetween treatments for maximum effect.. just massage a little into the skin after a shower or just before bed so he can soak up the benefits overnight.. and also moisturing regularly to ensure the skin doesn't dry out.

 

[Nurse For 20 Years]

You should never give massage therapy to areas where the psoriasis is. It could have a very bad effect on the person and his / her psoriasis. You should only apply the ointments and / or creams to those areas.

Good Luck

Joe
Special Massage Therapist

 

[Heaven Cant Wait]

Hi Joe

Not come across that one before, I have massaged quite a few people over the years suffering from psoriasis, varying from localised areas to people who have it all over, not as yet caused any problems with their psoriasis apart from to ease it some what for a short time.

Would be interested in where the study was performed to makepsoriasis a contraindication tophysical therapy?

 

[foobreMab]

Hi Paul,

It is in my book as advace psoriasis is scally, cracked, bleeding, etc. should be healed to a point before masaging those areas.

This is my experience with psoriasis.

Good Luck with yours

Joe

 

[Kojak]

Hi Joe

Well yes if it is bleeding all over the place you would not massage, but you don't come across it as bad as that very often, rough and scaly is quite normal and not really a problem as it gets more smoother with the lubricant.

 

[mmmm....]

Hi Paul,

Rough and scaly is not normal as you can hurt the receipient's skin and also cause him / her some pain. It is better to lubricate the skin until it has gone and then, you can massage those areas.

I know as I heal psoriasis and eczema totally.

You can not change my mind on this subject as from past experience, I have found that what I have done is much better than otherwise.

Good luck with your way

Joe

 

[Rooster]

Hi I have suffered from psoriasis more or less all my life and it comes and goes depending on my stress levels, the weatherand my diet. It is great at the moment!! However when I was doing my massage course I obviously had a number of massages .... At college we tended to use pre-blended oils and that was what was used on me. Anyway a very small circle of psoriasis on my back really did flare up and eventually travel up my spine. The doctor said that it was more like a combination of psoriasis and excema (which I have never suffered from). Anyway after that whenever I had a massage, I asked them to use a basic oil and it didn't flare up again. So TigerJaye, I would just be careful with what you use. The massage will be wonderful as it will be so relaxing, I would just be careful with the types of oil used.