How Stroke Patients Can Recover Through Massage Therapy

  • 02 Jun 2025
How Stroke Patients Can Recover Through Massage Therapy

Key highlights or summary

  • Massage therapy helps reduce muscle stiffness, alleviate pain, and improve mobility in stroke patients.
  • Thai traditional medicine uses techniques like pressure point massage, foot reflexology, and herbal compress therapy for stroke rehabilitation.
  • Consulting a physician is essential before initiating massage therapy to ensure it's safe for stroke patients.
  • Herbal remedies restore balance in the body, support muscle relaxation, and promote overall well-being.
  • Massage therapy targets muscle stiffness, helping to relieve tension and improve daily functioning for stroke patients. 

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  1. Stroke or Cerebral Vascular Accident.
  2. The Study of Wisdom in Massage Treatment for Hemiplegia-Stroke: A Case Study of Mae Chanlee Chang Aek. Journal of Thai Traditional & Alternative Medicine, 15(1), 30-44.
  3. The Benefits of Massage for Stroke Patients. (2022)
  4. Treatment of Hemiplegia-Stroke according to Thai Traditional Medicine. Journal of Management and Technology, East-West University, 17(1), 44-49.
  5. Report on the Group of Stroke Patients who received Thai Massage by the Royal Massage Bureau and Herbal Compress together with Standard Rehabilitation. Siriraj Medical Bulletin 2022;15(1): 5-11.  

Frequently asked questions

Massage therapy can assist stroke patients by improving blood circulation, reducing muscle stiffness, and promoting relaxation. Techniques like Thai massage and reflexology target energy lines, aiding in muscle recovery and reducing spasms, which are common in stroke survivors. 

For hemiplegia, various techniques like Swedish massage, connective tissue massage, and foot reflexology can be highly effective. These massages help improve blood flow, reduce tension, and promote relaxation, contributing to better mobility and muscle strength. 

Yes, massage therapy can complement traditional rehabilitation techniques, including physical therapy. It helps reduce pain, alleviate muscle spasms, and improve joint flexibility, accelerating the healing process when combined with other therapies. 

Yes, Thai traditional medicine often incorporates herbal compresses and oils during massage therapy. These are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling, ease muscle tension, and improve overall recovery from stroke-related symptoms. 

The frequency of massage therapy depends on the individual's condition and recovery stage. Typically, regular sessions, ranging from one to three times per week, are recommended for optimal results, but it should always be discussed with a healthcare professional to tailor the approach.