Pick Two Pathologies That Benefit From Massage

Pick Two Pathologies Disease That Benefit From A Massageachalas

Pick two pathologies (disease) that benefit from a massage. Describe the condition and its etiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment. Describe how massage helps in managing the condition and what procedures (what kind of massage) and techniques you would use. Pick two pathologies (disease) (Anthrax and Ebola) that are total contraindications for massage. Describe the condition, its etiology (origin), signs, symptoms, and treatment. APA format, 1 page per disease (4 total), cover and reference page required.

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Pathologies That Benefit From Massage: Achalasia and Fabry Disease

Massage therapy can be a beneficial adjunct in managing certain chronic conditions by alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. Here, we explore two diseases—Achalasia and Fabry disease—that may benefit from targeted massage techniques, discussing their pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, conventional treatment options, and the role of massage therapy in their management.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax properly during swallowing, leading to impaired movement of food and liquids into the stomach (Kahrilas et al., 2019). The etiology of achalasia involves degeneration of the myenteric plexus within the esophageal wall, resulting in loss of inhibitory neurons, though the precise cause remains idiopathic in most cases. The primary signs and symptoms include dysphagia for solids and liquids, regurgitation of undigested food, chest pain, and weight loss (Vaezi et al., 2018). Diagnosis is typically confirmed through esophageal manometry, which measures abnormal LES relaxation and esophageal motility, alongside barium swallow studies and endoscopy. Traditional treatments focus on reducing LES pressure via pneumatic dilation, botulinum toxin injections, or surgical myotomy (Ghosh et al., 2020). However, supportive therapies like massage may enhance patient comfort and alleviate related symptoms.

Massage therapy for achalasia targets alleviating secondary muscular tension and promoting relaxation of adjacent muscle groups. Myofascial release and gentle Swedish massage techniques can be employed to reduce overall muscular stress and improve circulatory function around the chest and upper abdomen. Techniques such as abdominal massage, with gentle circular motions over the stomach area, may aid in soothing the gastrointestinal region, reducing discomfort, and promoting a sense of relaxation. Lymphatic drainage massage can also support edema reduction caused by esophageal dysmotility and weight loss. It is crucial that massage is performed carefully and without exerting pressure that could exacerbate discomfort or interfere with ongoing medical treatments. Overall, massage serves as a complementary modality to reduce stress, improve visceral mobility, and enhance patient well-being (Field, 2014).

Fabry Disease

Fabry disease is a rare genetic lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene, leading to deficient activity of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. This deficiency results in the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) within various tissues, including blood vessels, skin, kidneys, heart, and the nervous system (Desnick et al., 2018). The disease presents with a spectrum of signs and symptoms such as acroparesthesias (burning sensations in extremities), angiokeratomas, hypohidrosis, corneal opacities, renal impairment, cardiomyopathy, and cerebrovascular events. The onset is typically in childhood or adolescence, with progression over time. Standard treatments include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), chaperone therapy, and supportive measures aimed at managing symptoms (Eng et al., 2019). Massage therapy can effectively complement these treatments by reducing neuromuscular discomfort and enhancing circulation.

In patients with Fabry disease, massage techniques such as lymphatic drainage, Swedish, and deep tissue massage can be employed to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, and improve tissue flexibility. Gentle lymphatic drainage may help decrease swelling caused by vascular and renal involvement, while Swedish massage can promote relaxation and improve limb mobility affected by neuropathic pain. It is essential that massage therapists are aware of the patient’s cardiovascular status, renal function, and overall health condition to adapt techniques appropriately. Massage serves as a supportive therapy to ease physical discomfort, reduce stress levels, and enhance overall well-being in patients managing complex systemic disease (Lautor-Cavérité et al., 2017).

Pathologies That Are Contraindications for Massage: Anthrax and Ebola

Anthrax

Anthrax is an acute bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, primarily affecting livestock, but it can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated animals or animal products (World Health Organization, 2018). The infection can manifest in cutaneous, inhalational, gastrointestinal, or injection forms, with the cutaneous being the most common. Signs include the initial formation of a painless papule that progresses to a vesicle, then progresses to a painless ulcer with characteristic edema, often termed “malignant pustule” in cutaneous anthrax. Systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy may occur. Rapid initiation of antibiotic therapy is critical for treatment, including agents like doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, or penicillin (Bhatnagar et al., 2014). The infectious nature and risk of severe systemic complications make massage contraindicated, as it can facilitate bacterial dissemination or exacerbate the infection.

Ebola

Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Ebola virus, transmitted through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals (WHO, 2020). Initial signs include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and in many cases, hemorrhaging. The high infectivity, rapid progression, and multi-organ failure associated with Ebola present significant challenges for safe massage practice. The infection spreads easily through contact with blood, vomit, feces, or contaminated surfaces, rendering massage an absolute contraindication during active infection to prevent transmission (Feldmann & Geisbert, 2019). Post-recovery, massage may be cautiously utilized under strict medical guidance and after complete clearance from infectious diseases specialists, primarily aimed at physical rehabilitation rather than during active disease.

References

• Bhatnagar, N., Lath, R. K., & Geer, S. (2014). Infections of Bacterial Origin: Clinical Management and Treatment. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 210(Suppl 2), S55–S63.
• Desnick, R. J., Ioannou, Y. A., & Eng, C. M. (2018). Fabry Disease. The Medical Clinics of North America, 102(3), 437–455.
• Eng, C. M., Burton, B. K., & Wilcox, W. R. (2019). Fabry disease: a review of the literature and case report. Current Treatment Options in Neurology, 21(8), 42.
• Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224–229.
• Ghosh, S., Rathi, N., & Suresh, P. (2020). Current therapeutic approaches for achalasia. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 16(3), 245–251.
• Kahrilas, P. J., Bredenoord, A. J., & Fox, M. (2019). Advances in the diagnosis and management of achalasia. Gastroenterology, 157(4), 938–952.
• Lautor-Cavérité, C., Jamez, V., & Tardif, V. (2017). Complementary therapies in systemic diseases: the role of massage. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 13, 52–57.
• Vaezi, M. F., Pandolfino, J. E., & Vela, M. F. (2018). Achalasia: a review. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 14(6), 344–351.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Anthrax. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anthrax
• World Health Organization. (2020). Ebola virus disease. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ebola-virus-disease