Hi brianap -
I'm probably a bit biased, but I was certified in Massage Therapy years ago & before the MS got worse........preventing me from what I hoped would be my life's work, but I digress........
YES, massage therapy is a tremendous help! It releases toxins, increases circulation, soothes tight painful muscles, relieves stress & is healing to the soul. I still have a massage at least once a month, but it is a Neuromuscular Massage, which is optimal for those of us with MS.
Some insurance plans will pay with a written script, so you'll want to check that out.
A very effective remedy for Restless Legs & Leg cramps is a Homeopathic Remedy by Hylands called "Leg Cramps with Quinine". Just a few tiny tablets dissolved under the tongue & relief is immediate. Depending, the dose can be repeated every 4 hours, but from experience, is usually not needed.
One other healing modality that I must mention is therapeutic static magnets. Helps greatly with pain issues. I make use of these things between massages. I just find that Alternative healing modalities have helped me far more than most medications ever have.
I hope that I've been a help. {{HUG}} - Maggie

I have a Myotherapy masage (deep tissue) once a month & find it helps me heaps. She asks me what is giving me issues & works on that more. I was getting severe leg & back spasms & both are now a lot more under control. I would be in a lot more pain now if I wasnt having the massages as I was struggling to control the spasms no matter what "mainstream medicine" gave me.
I am still taking baclofen & pain killers but at least not suddenly jerking as much regardless.
A massage therapist massage is so different to partners as they know what they are doing. I don't know about insurance as different everywhere.

You all have given me pause to think, my friend who keeps my son for me when I am going thru a rough patch is a massage therpist and she has never once offerd to give me a massge for this.In her defense I have had the tingles, colness, numbness and twithes, but only over my 3 recent days of hell were the tingles, twitches turning more painful than just annoying/uncomfortble.Then came the muscle spsms.I will talk to her, now that others on this post say it can help thank you and Brian tell us how this goes please

I get reflexology 1 time per week for 1 hour. It's like massage but on your feet and their pressure points. Since I have been doing that, the numbness, tingling have been very minimal and barely noticeable! It also regulates the rest of your body bc your feet control all :). Try it 1 time!

I would love to have a massage right now. I have always thought the best thing to have is to get a chiro adjustment and then a massage. But the massage isn't covered by insurance and the chiro is. So I opt for a chiropractic adjustment and I am ALWAYS glad that I did get one. The masseuse can't fix your bones (and the muscles are all connected) while a chiro can so between the two, I would opt for the chiro.

I really think that it is a major reason why I am not in pain. Thank goodness for the chiro. But I think that massages are great too.

Wish I had a partner right now who could give me one. I have a male friend who wants to but he wants something in exchange :) and I am not sure that I want to promise him anything as yet. But for a legitimate one, I would go for it if you can afford it. Try to get someone who is recommended.

I have never heard of insurance paying for it, but there are progressive companies that may. Good luck. I think that it is a great idea.

I've always believed in massage therapist. I'm an esthetician and know how my massage tech helped clear sinus pressure and tension from the chest upwards-- Also, as a nail tech, I could almost put people to sleep just by hand/foot massages.

I had a massage in Mexico and decided then I need to get back to going on a regular basis.

I think it will help for all over health and esp with this UTI pain. A lady here is a RN and massage therapist and is so knowledgeable about everything related to meds, diseases, and what will help! I think I'll schedule me an appointment for Friday afternoon- thanks for reminding me how great this is for us !

Well I am currently a massage therapist and of course swear by massage. I also did an internship in physical therapy massage and so I would highly recommend it to anyone. Now my philosophy on this is that you need a massage tailored to your issues. I never just do a pat massage I always gather medical background and work from there. Now I live in Michigan and we cannot get licences yet, licencing does exist here yet which makes insurance payments for massage impossible. If you work for a chiro the chiro I guess can bill as part of his services and then pay you. I prefer to be on my own. Other states may have other requirements for insurance. Hope this helps someone.
Tam

Naturally I would have to be different in my response. I had a massage from someone highly trained and recommended. I literally cried and could not get off the table so much pain. I had muscle pain for 5 days. I decided to give it another try....same response. I told my neuro about it, he got upset and said never again was I to try this. So???

I strongly recommend Massage Therapy. My daughter is a Massage Therapist and has helped me tremendously over the years. I also was the Director of a school that offered Massage Therapy.

My PT that I have now suggested that I go back to getting massages. Just be careful who you go to, ask what there training was and how long they have been doing Massage Therapy.

You might also look into a Massage Therapy school in your area. The sometimes have clinics for the public to get Massages from students getting ready to graduate. This is done under the supervision of a instructor who is licensed and or certified.

Also the Hylands leg cramp pills with quinine work great as Maggie suggested. Good Luck and let us know what you decide.

Can massage therapy be helpful? Oh c'mon now, don't get me started!

Sounds like the general consensus is a big yes!

I have to agree that it will help, even though the verdict is still technically out on whether or not there is a direct correlation between massage therapy and MS.

In this Sharecare.com QA the MSF cited a small study in 1998 indicated improved self-esteem and social functioning, reduced anxiety, and depression. This already speaks to a higher quality of life.

http://www.sharecare.com/question/can-massage-therapy-treat-multiple-sclerosis

Also check out this RealAge.com article which goes over a few different types of hand-on therapy including massage, acupuncture and physical therapy:

http://www.realage.com/chronic-pain-management-cmp/chronic-pain-hands-on-healing?click=main_sr

Hope it helps!

Best wishes,