How Therapeutic Massage Can Help Manage Your Diabetes
If you have diabetes but are unable to maintain tight control over your blood glucose levels despite following your medical doctor's treatment plan, consider visiting a chiropractor. While most people know that chiropractic care can help soothe the pain of a bad back, many don't realize that seeing a chiropractic physician can help them manage chronic medical conditions such as diabetes. Here are three ways that therapeutic massage administered by your chiropractor can help treat your diabetic condition.
Reduce Cortisol
When you are under stress, your body produces excess amounts of cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol releases energy as sugar in the blood, and while non-diabetics can metabolize this sudden spike in circulating glucose, those with diabetes may be unable to transport the glucose into the cells where it is needed. Therefore, the cortisol builds up in the bloodstream, where it can lead to diabetes-related problems.
Your chiropractor can perform therapeutic massage, while focusing on certain pressure points that are known to induce a sense of well-being and feelings of calm. These acupressure points, when gently massaged, can help the body release chemicals known as endorphins. When this physiologic response takes place, you may feel less anxious and your body is less likely to release a surge of cortisol, which can spike your blood glucose levels.
Promote Venous Circulation
Diabetics are at a heightened risk for developing conditions known as venous insufficiency and peripheral neuropathy. The former is the result of poor venous blood circulation and can cause pain in the legs and diabetic foot ulcers.
Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, pain, and tingling in your hands and feet, and while this condition is usually seen in those with poorly managed or long-term diabetes, it can occur in people recently diagnosed. Therapeutic chiropractic massage can help promote circulation to the extremities, thereby reducing the risk for poor circulation-related ailments.
Prevent Oral Yeast Infections
Oral yeast infections are common in people with diabetes. The high concentration of glucose that accumulates in the oral cavity can predispose diabetics to yeast infections such as candidiasis. When your blood sugar declines, as it can with stress-relieving strategies such as therapeutic massage, you are less likely to develop an oral yeast infection.
If, however, you notice white patches in your mouth that bleed easily, you may have a candidiasis infection. You doctor might recommend an anti-fungal medication and antimicrobial oral rinse to eliminate the infection.
If you are having trouble maintaining your blood sugar levels, make an appointment with your chiropractor to learn more about how therapeutic massage can help manage your diabetes. Working with both your medical doctor and chiropractic physician can bring about a dramatic improvement in your diabetic condition.