The benefits of massage therapy can also be applied to certain disabilities. For individuals with spinal cord injuries, massage therapy can be used to locate, reduce, or remove soft tissue restrictions in the fascia (dense, tough tissue which surrounds and covers all of your muscles and bones) resulting from injury or immobility. This technique is specifically referred to as a Mysofascial Release. People with spinal cord injuries can also benefit from the management of pain associated with massage therapy². For individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia, massage therapy on the affected limbs can aid in circulation improvements, reduction of muscle atrophy, and muscle spasm control. This complementary therapy can also be used to improve posture, aid in digestion, increase range of motion, and reduce muscle fatigue in the arms or legs. For individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), massage therapy can be used to produce overall relaxation and relief from chronic headaches with specialized techniques such as CranioSacral Therapy.

There are several other health conditions or disabilities which would be lessened or assisted with regular massage therapy. These special considerations are as follows:

• Allergies
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Cerebral Palsy (CP)
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Arthritis