massage

The Effects of Massage on Type II Diabetes (Research Paper)

By Robert M. Fried, 10/24/07 (copyright 2007 Robert M. Fried & copyright 2008 East Coast Massage Services, LLC)

Contents:

A) A Brief Description of Type II Diabetes, i.e. Signs and Symptoms p. 3

B) Etiology (cause) pp.3-6

C) Prognosis (expected outcome) pp. 6-7

D) Progression (what is the expected course of the disease, i.e. Is it acute, chronic,

debilitating, length…what happens) pp. 7-8

E) Indications and contraindications for massage pp. 7-8

F) A Treatment Plan for the Initial Session (including the techniques used, special positions,

clinical considerations, etc.) p. 8

[G] Sources Used p. 9

[H] Disclaimer of Researcher p. 10

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A) Brief Description

Type II Diabetes is a very serious and chronic disease of “impaired carbohydrate

metabolism (Rose)” not present at birth that results in abnormally dangerously high blood

sugar levels (Anonymous; http://www.diabetes.org) due to the pancreas not producing

enough insulin, producing insulin that does not work, or producing insulin that the cells

do not respond to ( Ochoa; and http://www.diabetes.org). Insulin is the hormone that

lowers sugar levels in the human body. Signs and symptoms of Type II Diabetes are

“frequent urination, excessive thirst, and excessive hunger, along with the possibility of

dangerous accumulations of atherosclerotic plaques and other serious complications”

(Werner). This is a serious disease as “potential complications of diabetes [include]:

stroke…eye disease…heart disease…kindey disease…and circulatory problems. (Ochoa).”

The following “long term health problems…[can occur] from diabetes[:] damage to small

and large blood vessels and nerves; lowered ability to fight infection (Ochoa), and

Amputations and blindness” (Werner, p. 492).

B) Etiology

Type II Diabetes is commonly caused by being overweight (Anonymous &

Werner), by genetic predisposition (Rose; & Werner), improper nutrition (Werner), and

the U.S. Bio Chem Industry (Burrios; Sears; Shaw; Trudeau). “Approximately 80 %

of all cases of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight” (Werner).

The exact cause of adult-onset diabetes is uncertain and is probably
different in different people. For some, it seems clear that a lifelong
habit of a high-carbohydrate diet simply wears out the pancreas, and
makes the insulin producing cells less efficient. In others, the
insulin production may be at normal levels, but the incoming flood
of glucose is too much to deal with. And for still others, insulin

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production may be normal or even above normal, but for some reason,
the target cells have fewer receptor sites to receive the insulin
(Werner, pp. 492-493).

A person can also have enough insulin receptor sites, but have ones that are

impaired by trans fat. This is what happens to us when we consume partially

hydrogenated vegetable oils or trans fats. We develop a state of

inflammation that creates a cascade of metabolic horrors with results

that can include insulin resistance, obesity, heart disease, autoimmune

disease, and depression” (Shaw, p. X Foreword, by Jeffrey Aron, MD).

Hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils are in things like McDonald’s

and Burger King’s French Fries. Yes, those ingredients are still there and this researcher

checked as recently as last week. As Trudeau points out, many people believe that

McDonald’s took trans fat out of their fries — this is what McDonald’s wants people to

believe, so they can sell more fries. Trans fat is truly dangerous — this is why Mayor

Bloomberg in New York City is trying to get it banned. Just last week, this researcher

stopped at a Burger King on the New Jersey Turnpike and looked at the nutritional

information which still included hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenated oils are artificially

created oils (Shaw). In Shaw’s book Trans Fats: The Hidden Killer in Our Food there

are over thirty medical references cited about the dangers of trans fats and 9 of those

references are from medical doctors. Some of the other references within her book are

from nutritionists and nurses.

The more fat cells a person has the greater the amount of insulin needed to reach

those cells. This is one of the reasons that weight causes Type II Diabetes, but many of

the reasons that someone is overweight, such as trans fat consumption are the same

reasons that they have Type II Diabetes

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Genetics do play a role in Type II Diabetes in terms of having a predisposition to

it. According to Werner, “It is more common for women than men” and “It is especially

prevalent in African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, and Native American

populations” (p. 492). Also, the American Diabetes Associations on their Potential Risk Profile

Questionnaire on their website www.diabetes.org asks if a brother or sister or parent has

diabetes. The numbers were vague, but predispositions in the aforementioned groups

were mentioned as they are in the literature. It is more important, in this researcher’s

opinion to have a healthy lifestyle and based on the opinion of your medical doctor, to

get screened for Type II Diabetes if you have the symptoms, are overweight or possibly as

part of a physical as pat of a routine health screening. There are quantifiable numbers for

normal sugars levels which are shown on www.diabetes.org and vary somewhat

depending upon which source is consulted.

Stress can also affect sugar levels of diabetics (Rose).

Regarding the U.S. Bio Chem industry causing Type II Diabetes — this is a

controversial, but well documented view point. As noted earlier there is trans fat. The

US Bio Chem Industry, as mentioned by Kevin Trudeau (Trudeau) in his Weight Loss

Cure “They” Don’t Want You To Know About the US Bio Chem Industry are the

multinational companies that make food additives as well as prescription drugs. We

choose what eat, but on an almost constant basis, the US Bio Chem Industry tries to make

us unaware of what we are eating by hiding ingredients and they work hand in hand with

the US Government. A large paper could be written on this alone. Perfect example.

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I used to eat Tyson chicken and the package said “all natural” yet, started not feeling right

and suspected something. I Googled Chicken and something about food additives several

months ago and came up with the New York Times article by Burrios cited at the end of

this paper. According to her, the US Department of Agriculture allows additional

amounts of arsenic to be added to the chicken feed and for nothing to appear on the food

label and for the label to actually say all natural as arsenic occurs in nature. It happens to

be a poison which can cause Diabetes. Chicken officials quoted in the article claim that

the amount is safe, but I stopped eating all US grown animal protein sources unless 100

% certified organic (exception wild caught sardines) as I do not want to eat poison or

other junk that is in there. Also, biochemist Barry Sears, PhD, had predicted in his book

The Zone in 1995, that there would be an epidemic of Type II Diabetes in 10 years and

this has come true. The truth is documented by October 22nd’s New York Times article

which quoted Dr. John Buse, director of Diabetes Care Center of University of North

Carolina says, “…the diabetes epidemic and its associated pain and suffering grow and

grow.” I know that Sears predictions were accurate, because I had personally read his

diet book The Zone when it came out 12 years ago and I still have a copy of it. As

Trudeau points out fatter people eat more food and need more prescription drugs that is

why the US Bio Chem Industry promotes harmful ingredients in food — “American

produced food will absolutely, positively, 100 % will make you fat” (Trudeau, p.25).

C) Prognosis

Prognosis for Type II Diabetes is poor under the conventional medical system in

America. “Now diabetes is highly treatable disease, although it is

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estimated that only approximately 12 % of all diagnosed people treat it aggressively

enough to prevent the development of complications” (Werner, p. 495). I have and do make

professional referrals, when necessary, to licensed medical doctors who are trained and

highly knowledgeable in nutrition.

D) Progression

Please refer back to item A as this information is covered there.

E) Indications and Contraindications for Massage

For the most part, massage is beneficial for Type II Diabetes. Here are some of the

benefits: improved circulation, relaxation and myofascial effects such as better elasticity

and reduced blood glucose levels (Rose). Rose also noted some clients had a bad

increase in sugar too, but it may have been caused by other factors such as being due for

insulin or what they had eaten previously. A systematic review of available evidence

shows that “massage has a positive effect on blood glucose levels and symptoms of

diabetic neuropathy” (Ezzo). Still, it is important to apply pressure gradually as some

diabetics have pain in their extremities due to nerve damage called nerve pain and you do

not want your client to suffer. Also, some clients with Type II Diabetes may have

numbness from nerve damage as well. It is important to work up gradually to a sensible

use of pressure on the tissue as opposed to full force as the client may not be able to know

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if he/she is being damaged. It is my professional opinion to see the diabetic client, but to

ask him or her, prior to beginning the massage if he/she has any areas of pain or

numbness. The areas of numbness may actually begin to get some feeling back through

regular massage as the massage brings more blood and nutrients to the tissue. If anything

causes pain, reduce pressure.

F) Treatment Plan

I would start the client prone and after resting touch, begin on their back right away to

activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce stress. I would use Swedish

and Deep Tissue Techniques, but Sports Massage would also be beneficial with the client

clothed on subsequent visits due to its stimulating effects. I would suggest a thirty minute

sports massage followed by a thirty minute Swedish/Deep Tissue Massage, but I would

be careful not to go very deep on any areas that have reduced sensitivity. Also if there is

diminished sensitivity, I would not use ice or heat without a letter from their medical

doctor. Also, if I may want to have a line of dialogue open with their medical doctor if

they have symptoms that appear to be getting worse or if I feel that the doctor should

clear the massage. No parts of the body, specially, are contraindicated, but be particularly

careful with the hands and feet as high sugar often damages them first. Go light to

moderate, but unless fungus is present, massage the diabetics feet as this can greatly help

promote the health of their feet by improving circulation there. Also, particular attention

should be paid to performing Swedish and/or Sports Massage on the legs, both anterior

and posterior as circulation their is often the first to go in Type II Diabetes. Other than the above

considerations, a full body massage can be done within ethical guidelines.

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G) Sources Used

Anonymous Author, but quotations mostly from John, Dr. Buse, “Things to Know; (sic) Tips to Help Patients Manage Their Care.” New York Times. August 20, 2007.

Burrios, Marian. “Chicken With Arsenic? Is that O.K.?” New York Times. April 5, 2006.

Ezzo, Jeanette, MsT, MPH, PhD. Donner, Thomas, MD, Nickols, Diane, BA, PA-C and Cox, Mary, MsT, BS. “Is Massage Useful in the Management of Diabetes? A Systematic Review,” Diabetes Specttum 14:218-224, © 2001 American Diabetes Association ®

Rose, Mary Kathleen. “Diabetes: Massage as an Adjunct Treatment” Massage & Bodywork Magazine, February/March 2001: Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

Ochoa, Lesley Weeks, Developmental Editor and La Bon-Dominguez, Andrea, Creative Director. Anatomy & Pathology 4th Edition. Anatomical Chart Company, A Division of Lippincott William & Wilkins/A Wolters Kluwer Health Company, Skokie: IL, 2005.

Sears, Barry, PhD. The Zone. Harper-Collins: New York, NY, 1995.

Shaw, Judith with the assistance of Ober, Doris. Trans Fats: The Hidden Killer in Our Food. New York, NY: Pocket Books, 2004.

Trudeau, Kevin. The Weight Loss Cure “They” Don’t Want You to Know About. Elks Grove Village: IL, 2007.

Werner, LMP, NCTMB, Ruth. A MassageTherapist’s Guide to Pathology, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: A Wolters Kluwer Company, 2005.

http://www.diabetes.org

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[H)] Disclaimer of Researcher
I am not a medical doctor and I do not practice medicine. America is a great country where you have the freedom to open a business; however, one must pay higher prices for food to be healthy and avoid the true pitfalls of the US Biochem Industry which were lightly, but truthfully discussed in this paper. I quoted from various medical sources to substantiate all controversial opinions. Space permitting, opposing viewpoints were presented. All readers of this paper have the freedom to follow or not follow treatment plans and should always check with their own medical doctor before doing anything and no medical advice has been given in this paper. Please check with a medical doctor before making any changes in your life.

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About the author: Robert M. Fried is the President of East Coast Massage Services, LLC. He is Nationally Board Certified in Therpeutic Massage & Bodywork. Please feel free to visit his web site: www.eastcoastmassageservices.com for more information.