Diabetes and massage

Diabetes currently has no known cure, although recent stem cell development hint that the future may hold promise. Currently, methods for slowing the effects of the disease include insulin, diet and exercise. However, there is also a range of alternative therapies grouped together under the banner of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine.) This includes massage therapy. Massage therapy can reduce the stress of diabetes-related complications, and therefore has an application in the treatment of the disease.
A therapist acting correctly would aim to assess the individual situation of his or her diabetic patient. They would ask questions about the patients appetite, thirst, sleeping patterns, blood pressure and numbness. The therapist should then aim to assess the muscles, joints and tissues of the patient. The therapist will check the body over in detail, particularly the feet, clavicles, scapulas and movements of the limbs and spinal column.
The therapist will then progress to manipulations that aim to increase blood circulation. The patient should be relaxed by the treatment. The massage should lower adrenalin and decrease the swelling of the feet. Massage therapy should not be discounted as a valid complementary medicine to be used in conjunction with diet, exercise and insulin treatment.