Asthma Massage

An Asthma Massage is a complementary therapy focused on improving breathing efficiency, reducing muscle tension around the chest and back, and supporting relaxation. This technique can enhance pulmonary function and ease stress or anxiety related to chronic asthma but is not a substitute for medical management or rescue medications.​

Signs & Symptoms

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea)

• Wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness

• Episodes triggered by exercise, allergens, stress, or infections

• Muscular tension or soreness in upper back, neck, and rib cage from labored breathing

• Sometimes anxiety or disturbed sleep due to breathing difficulties.​

Contraindications

• Never perform massage during an active asthma attack or severe episode as emergency medical treatment is required​

• Avoid essential oils, strong scents, or substances that could trigger respiratory symptoms​

• Contraindicated over infected or inflamed areas, or where acute respiratory infection is present

• Modify or avoid massage in clients with unstable cardiac or systemic conditions without medical clearance

• No deep compression over the rib cage, xyphoid, or floating ribs; always adapt pressure to tolerance.​

Assessment

• Determine frequency, severity, and triggers for asthma episodes (history-taking)

• Assess for postural patterns, chest excursion, and muscular tension contributing to inefficient breathing

• Check for signs of respiratory distress, cyanosis, or abnormal lung sounds and refer out if acute concerns present

• Palpate thoracic, cervical, and upper back regions for muscle tightness and trigger points

• Collaborate with healthcare team on safety and timing if exacerbations are frequent or severe.​

Treatment

• Gentle effleurage, petrissage, and myofascial release to neck, shoulders, intercostals, back, and diaphragm. The therapist should focus on relaxation and increasing chest mobility​.

• Diaphragmatic breathing exercises and gentle rib cage mobilization to promote deeper breathing

• Heat (not over chest in acute cases) or facial steam may precede massage to aid muscle relaxation and airway clearance

• Avoid painful or aggressive techniques; session may be more prone than supine to aid breathing

• Work in short sessions and maintain communication for signs of respiratory distress.​

Self Care

• Incorporate daily gentle stretching and diaphragmatic breathing exercises​

• Use heat packs or warm baths to relax tight respiratory muscles outside of acute episodes

• Maintain prescribed asthma medication regimen; never substitute massage for rescue inhalers or controller medications​

• Avoid known asthma triggers (allergens, smoke, strong scents)

• Practice regular relaxation techniques, such as meditation or gentle yoga, and communicate with healthcare team for asthma action planning