« Massage Therapy In High School | Fingertips Home | What Is TMEP? »

October 18, 2006

Lupus

The other day, my first client with lupus came to me. They walked my through their odyssey from how their body was covered in a rash, to their treatment with steroids and its unpleasant side effects.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, lupus is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self."

I'm happy to report that my client has their lupus under control. They are able to recognize signs of an outbreak, usually characterized by a rash, and go immediately to their doctor for preventive treatment against a full-blown "flare-up."

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health

Posted by linda at October 18, 2006 9:30 PM