Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1476304
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 75 PATHOLOGY PERSPECTIVES have taught us the usefulness of antiviral medications. Because EBV exposure doesn't just precipitate MS, but appears to have an ongoing infl uence on the development of this disease, it is possible that antiviral medications that target EBV might also change the course of MS in a patient who already has it. In addition, an anti-EBV vaccine is currently in early-stage clinical trials in humans. If this bears fruit, then one day we will have a way to prevent mono, EBV- related cancers, MS, and much more. IMPLICATIONS FOR MASSAGE THERAPY? Does the discovery that EBV might be a causative factor in the development of MS change anything about the best role for massage therapy in this context? Probably not—at least not yet. But MS affects a lot of people, and EBV is extremely common, so as health-care providers we should have this on our radar. Hygienic practices to prevent new EBV infection are probably pointless, since most adults already have it. When we get to the point of using antivirals to treat this situation, or vaccines to prevent EBV, then we will have to make decisions based on whatever side effects these interventions may cause. Until then, we can fall back on our current understanding of the best ways massage therapy can help people with MS. Some people with MS experience weakness or spasm in the extremities. Slow, comfortable, and predictable massage can be used to minimize this. Massage that is too deep or too fast can sometimes stimulate painful and uncontrolled muscle contractions, even for clients who are in remission. Areas of numbness or changed sensation call for special caution, since clients may not be able to identify uncomfortable pressure. took a giant leap forward with the results of one of the biggest studies in history. When an American enrolls in the military, they commit to undergo a blood test for HIV every two years for all the years they are in service. Blood samples from these tests may also be examined for other pathogens or disease markers. Researchers tracked blood samples from more than 10 million US military personnel over a span of 10 years. (You read that correctly.) The team made a variety of fi ndings, but the most striking one was the strong correlation between EBV exposure and the risk of developing MS. The researchers were able to use blood tests to identify when subjects were exposed to EBV, which often happens in young adulthood. They found that the risk of developing MS increased 32-fold after an EBV infection—a change that was not seen with exposure to other viruses. The average onset of MS symptoms was about 10 years after EBV exposure, but early markers of the disease were distinguishable before symptoms developed. The research team also found that coinfection with cytomegalovirus, a closely related pathogen, seems to impart some (but not full) protection from MS. Finally, among the subjects who were not exposed to EBV, none developed MS. It is important to bear in mind that having a history of mono or EBV exposure does not mean a person will inevitably develop MS—otherwise we'd all be in treatment! But there does seem to be a causative relationship between EBV exposure and MS for people who have other risk factors for the disease. What does this mean for the future understanding of MS? This discovery could lead to a few different possibilities. Our experiences with COVID and fl u Sudden changes in stimuli, including pressure, temperature, and other variables, appear to be diffi cult for many people with MS to process, so using ice, heat packs, or even table warmers may not be practical for clients with this condition. We have research fi ndings in favor of massage therapy for fatigue, pain, and constipation related to MS. The data on massage therapy as a strategy to preserve or improve muscle function is less clear. But people with MS are enthusiastic consumers of our work, and that means we have an obligation to be well-informed about their needs and requirements. And, given these new fi ndings, the day may come when EBV-related illnesses like MS will be remnants of the past, and articles like this will become historical artifacts. And won't that be an amazing day? Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB- approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology (available at booksofdiscovery. com), now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is available at ruthwerner.com. VIDEO: "MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS STORIES" 1. Open your camera 2. Scan the code 3. Tap on notification 4. Watch!