COVID-19 has been a learning process, as new information is being released on the rapidly evolving disease. Now, studies are beginning to focus on ways to help those symptoms of COVID-19 patients and those with lasting symptoms after.
Related: Glo Aesthetics Fights COVID with UV Lights
Massage Magazine examined studies and data correlating massages and symptoms of COVID-19 to determine if a massage can be efficient in helping with long-term effects.
So far, according to Johns Hopkins, symptoms can range from runny noses, cough, diarrhea, fever or chills, headache, muscle or body aches, sore throat and shortness of breath. These symptoms are not just physically exhausting but can be mentally draining as well.
A study conducted on the topic of the effects of massage on COVID-19 patients look at message therapy as an alternative therapy.
The study found, "Patients with COVID-19 are often accompanied by a series of symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia. There is evidence that supports the effectiveness and safety of massage for anxiety, insomnia, and aches and pains all over the body."
The study cited another study done on cancer patients that recorded similar symptoms of anxiety and body pains, which showed the effectiveness of massage therapy to alleviate those side effects.
Related: How COVID-19 Affects Skin
Other ongoing studies mentioned in Massage Magazine, take a look at the correlation between Tuina (massage) therapy and treating diarrhea, a common symptom of COVID-19. Or a study on pediatric massage therapy for restoring pediatric lung function.
It is also mentioned that an ongoing study is currently looking to understand and document the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for health care professionals such as massage therapist. Ann Blair Kennedy, Ph.D., assistant professor at USC Greenville, South Carolina, and Smith Heavner-Sullivan, RN, from Prisma Health, Greenville, South Carolina, have created Project COPE: Share Your Story.
"Originally starting out as an observation study of COVID-19-induced burnout and the impact of the pandemic on nurses and doctors in the ER, the project has now been expanded to include such other groups of health care professionals as massage therapists," per Massage Magazine.
