Regular massage is must for my health. But regular can be once a month or once every other month depending on my overall health, exercise and stress level.  For me personally, I like many forms of massage, to give you a few options to think about:

Swedish/therapeutic- I often refer to this as the skin lube!  But it has a very important place for those who suffer neuropathy and circulatory problems.  It’s a lighter pressure, but helps stimulate circulation of blood and lymph, calms the nervous system and leaves you feeling relaxed.  

Deep Tissue- this is a generic name, but deep tissue massage works on scar tissue, fibrous muscles and helps alleviate chronic muscle tension. Something many people living with diabetes experience! Some of the organized names are: Neuromuscular therapy, Phrimmer Deep Muscle therapy, Myofacial Release Technique, sports Massage.

Rolfing® - is a specialized method of hands-on physical manipulation that straightens posture, improves range of motion, releases tense and tightened muscles.  It increases general vitality by progressively stretching and lengthening the soft tissues of the body, the myofascia, that surrounds the muscles throughout the body.

I like what Rolfing can do for chronic conditions of the muscles and for the alignment of the body.  Someone who has had diabetes for years and feels they have lost their flexibility should give Rolfing a try.  Rolfing can be uncomfortable, especially when the body has been injured or misaligned for a long period of time. Skin lube it is NOT!!

The popularity of Thai Yoga Massage is taking off!  Thai Yoga Massage is done on a futon and the therapist moves the body into a posture and applies pressure to help increase flexibility. It is not hands kneading tissue or using lotion, it is akin to assisted stretching. Still can be very beneficial to the  diabetic body. A good option of skin to skin massage is not your thing!

How to pay for massage?  Most often massage is not covered by insurance, but check with your doctor.  The physical therapy clinic in my local hospital has a massage therapist working 2 days a week to help patients with neuropathy and it IS covered by insurance with a doctor’s prescription. You pay a higher out of pocket, but I think they cover 50%.  If you have a company flex spending account most of the time, they will cover massage.  If massage is something you find beneficial and none of the above options are available, start a budget. Because I’m self-employed massage is part of my out of pocket health care and it’s a deduction.

To look for a therapist of your choice:

http://www.amtamassage.org/

http://www.rolf.org/