EFFECT OF MASSAGE ON IOP

 

DR. SHIBRA FAROOQ

P.G. SCHOLAR

DEPARTMENT OF ILAJ-BIT-TADBEER

AJMAL KHAN TIBBIYA COLLEGE,

ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY, INDIA

 

Intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuates with body position. The IOP is lowest in the sitting posture and increases in the order of supine and lateral decubitus positions.

These changes are attributed to the increase in episcleral venous pressure and choroidal vascular volume. The uveal tissues also develop congestion and expansion from increased venous and arterial pressures in the orbit, contributing to the increased IOP.

Massage is an important component of Ilaj-bit-tadbeer in Unani medicine. Known as dalk, it is done for both prophylactic and therapeutic reasons.

Body massage has also become popular recently as a relaxation technique. Massage parlors and spas are coming up in different places.

In a study from Thailand, participants received muscle relaxing massage and facial lymphatic drainage for 15 minutes. The mean IOP significantly decreased 0.87+1.43 mmHg (p=0.01) for the right eyes. However, no significant difference in the left eyes was seen. [1]

Therefore, massage to relax muscles and lymphatic drainage of muscles around the head and face might reduce IOP.

In a study from the Philippines, 46 volunteers were recruited to have a back massage in the prone position for 30 minutes by a professional masseuse. The IOP was taken before the massage, and after the massage. The IOP uniformly increased in 43 of the 46 participants immediately after the massage. [2]

A study was performed by Patel et al, at Temple University, USA to determine the effect of foot reflexology in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). Patients with glaucoma performed a 5-minute foot massage on a foot massage board. In the POAG patients, the IOP significantly decreased up to 10% of the pre-massage levels. [3]

These studies show that IOP changes with body posture and patients with glaucoma can be informed of the risks of lying in the same posture for long periods. The risk of supine position is greatest and individuals with glaucoma or those at risk of glaucoma should not undergo such massages.

On the contrary, facial massage, and foot massage reduce IOP and can probably be taught to individuals to perform themselves at home.

REFERENCES:

1. Pattaranit, P., Ratanapakorn, T., Limphatcharaporn , J., & Sitthiracha , P. (2022). Immediate Effect of Facial Massage and Lymphatic Drainage Massage on Intraocular Pressure. Journal of Vongchavalitkul University, 35(1), 45–59. Retrieved from https://ph01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/vujournal/article/view/245503.
2. https://paojournal.com/article/the-effect-of-body-massage-lying-face-down-on-intraocular-pressure-in-normal-eyes/. Last accessed on 07.07.2024
3. Patel D, Henderer JD, Kung P, Cohen D, Krane A, Yu D. The effect of foot reflexology on intraocular pressure in ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma patients. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2021;62(8):2563.