A prospective study on the effects of Ayurvedic massage in post-stroke patients

Abstract

Background Few stroke patients have reported improvements after Ayurvedic massage. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of indexed literature to support the use of this in rehabilitation. Objectives To objectively measure the differences between patients with stroke who received Ayurvedic massage in addition to standard Physiotherapy (PT) versus those who received only standard PT. Materials and methods The study was a prospective case control study, retrospectively analysed. The setting was a tertiary level hospital with neuro-rehabilitation unit. Fifty-two patients undergoing acute inpatient rehabilitation were prospectively followed post stroke. They were self-selected one month from the event for Ayurvedic massage with regular PT or PT alone. Twenty five received Ayurvedic massage with PT and twenty seven received only PT. All participants completed treatment. Information related to age, gender, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale result, number of co-morbidities, and whether cases were deemed simple or complex were taken at baseline. All patients received 6 hours of physical therapy averaged over a week. Massage was delivered daily for a total of 10 sessions followed by steam application. Results Patients were categorized as simple or complicated stroke based on events prior to rehabilitation. Both simple and complicated patients who received Ayurvedic massage had lower MAS and need for antispastic drugs, achieved standing with minimal assistance sooner, and had better locomotion at discharge. All these differences were significant. Conclusion Utilizing Ayurvedic massage in post stroke patients with flaccidity can promote faster standing with minimal assistance and lead to less need for antispastic drugs at discharge.

Protocol based management of common sports injuries by integrated approach of Sandhi Marmabhighata - An open labeled clinical trial

“…5 ) ( Table 2 , Table 3 ) improves local blood flow, reduces inflammation, pain, muscle spasm and hastens the healing process [ 29 ]. Abhyanga [ 30 ] (massage) followed with Shastika shali pinda sweda (bolus fomentation of boiled rice grains tied in piece of cloth) helps in relieving muscle stiffness, heaviness and improves muscle strength [ 30 , 31 ]. Rhythmically applied pressure using hands in a systematic fashion helps in mechanical stimulation of the soft tissues, thus improving range of motion, relaxation of muscles and reduce pain [ 32 ].…”

Trials of Meridian Therapies, Such as Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Hijama and Marma, in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review of the Limitations

“…Marma points are larger in area than the more discrete acupuncture points and fewer in number with only 60 in regular use [22]. Despite its long history, there have been few studies of the benefits of Marma therapy using accepted trial design, although there is some limited evidence supporting its use in stroke rehabilitation [23].…”

Ayurvedic Treatment in the Rehabilitation of Ischemic Stroke Patients in India: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study Protocol

“…Though initial data were case reports, recent single-center (small sample size) studies have been done on ART alone and compared with CP, but in most of these studies patients were enrolled at varying time points after stroke and there are lack of standardized measures to examine outcomes [16,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. A recent prospective study comparing Ayurveda massage to standard physiotherapy found Ayurveda treatment is associated with better post-stroke outcomes [25]. However, this beneficial effect needs to be assessed in a randomized clinical trial.…”