Are you troubled by leg cramps?

Leg cramps are common, harmless, and typically last for a short amount of time anywhere from a few seconds to up to 10 minutes. Most people tend to have them at night or when resting. Leg cramps occur when a muscle in the leg tightens and causes sudden pain which makes it hard to move. Cramps typically affect the calf muscles or the back of the leg but occasionally can impact feet or thighs.

While massage doesn’t replace medical advice in the case of leg camps massage may offer additional support with the symptoms.

Massage may

  • Promote blood circulation.
  • Ease muscle tension.
  • Enhance flexibility.

Regular massage sessions may potentially reduce the frequency and intensity of leg cramp symptoms. In addition regularly stretching the muscles that cramp may help prevent the cramps or reduce their frequency or intensity.

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    1. Cherkin D, Sherman K, Deyo R, Shekelle P. A review of the evidence for the effectiveness, safety, and cost of acupuncture, massage therapy, and spinal manipulation for back pain. Ann Intern Med 2003; 138(11): 898-906.
    2. Chou R, Huffman L. Nonpharmacologic therapies for acute and chronic low back pain: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society/American College of Physicians clinical practice guideline. Ann Intern Med 2007; 147(7): 492-504.
    3. Dryden T, Baskwill A, Preyde M. Massage therapy for the orthopaedic patient: a review. Orthop Nurs 2004; 23(5): 327-34.
    4. Furlan A, Brosseau L, Imamura M, Irvin E. Massage for low-back pain: a systematic review within the framework of the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group. Spine 2002; 27(17): 1896-910.
    5. Imamura M, Furlan A, Dryden T, Irvin E. Evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain with massage. Spine J 2008; 8(1): 121-33.
    6. Tsao J. Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for Chronic, Non-malignant Pain: A Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2007; 4(2): 165-79.
    7. van Tulder M, Furlan A, Gagnier J. Complementary and alternative therapies for lower back pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2005; 19(4): 639-54
     

  • Muscle Cramps Summary

    Muscle cramps are painful, a great nuisance but they are a benign condition.  (see what are muscle cramps).  Their importance is linked to the discomfort and inconvience they cause.  Their exact cause is unknown, (see what causes muscle cramps) although they are more likely to occur as we get older and  some people are predisposed to getting them. The following contribute to muscle cramps

    1. Muscle fatigue
    2. Anything that impairs circulation
    3. Nutritional factors (see contributing factors & more contributing factors)
    4. Pregnancy (see muscle cramps in pregnancy)
    Their is no medication that can be taken to prevent muscle cramps or though some medication e.g. statins may contribute.  If you are taking statins and have reocurring muscle cramps please talk to your GP. They are preventable (see how to prevent muscle cramps) by stretching and massage.  To book a massage click here.  

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