An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from a known thyroid condition with women being 5 to 8 times more likely to have thyroid problems than men. Many individuals with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition until clinical manifestations become clinically significant, meaning they affect someone negatively on a daily basis. (1)

The thyroid gland is a portion of the endocrine system which produces and regulates hormones within the body. Located inferior to the larynx, the gland consists of two lateral lobes and a medial isthmus portion connecting the lobes. The gland is approximately two inches long as it wraps around the anterior-lateral trachea.

The Thyroid Produces 4 Key Hormones

1. Triiodothryonine (T3) which greatly affects base metabolic rate and cellular metabolism mechanisms.
2. Thyroxine (T4) which is converted to T3 within the bloodstream via a process called deiodination to impact base metabolic rate and cellular metabolism mechanisms.
3. Reverse Triiodothyronine (RT3) which inhibits normal T3 to ensure a balance of metabolism functions.
4. Calcitonin to mobilize calcium into bones.

Metabolism refers to the body’s mechanisms to ensure nutrients and elements are utilized properly and sufficiently within the body. Body functions directly impacted by thyroid hormones include heart rate, breathing rate, digestive function, body temperature, brain development, mental faculties, skin health, bone maintenance, fertility, and how efficiently one’s body utilizes energy. (2)

Signs of a Challenged Thyroid

The thyroid can exhibit either underactivity or overactivity. The term hypothyroidism encompasses any condition witnessing the thyroid gland’s inability to produce adequate levels of T3 and T4.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune inflammatory condition that destroys the thyroid gland, is the leading cause of hypothyroidism. The other major cause occurs during surgical procedures to remove all or a portion of the thyroid. Removal of cancerous tissue in thyroid cancer patients is a prime example of this cause.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Classic signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, muscle weakness, fluctuations in weight without an obvious reason, dry and thinning hair, joint pain, rough skin patching, cold intolerance, depression, abnormal menses, decreased libido, and cognitive challenges.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

The term hyperthyroidism represents conditions in which the thyroid becomes overactive thereby producing too much T3 and T4 hormones. Grave’s Disease, Thyrotoxicosis and Toxic Goiter are terms used to describe hyperthyroidism. Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism leading to severe swelling within the face and skin which, if left untreated, leads to shock and crisis, possibly leaving a patient in a comatose state.

Classic signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include heat intolerance, increased appetite, increased swelling, enlarged thyroid (goiter), hair loss, tachycardia, insomnia, weight fluctuations, irregular menses and frequent bowl challenges. A complication called “Thyroid Storm” refers to an intense wave of these signs and symptoms erupting suddenly within the body.

A patient may be difficult to diagnose, because many of classic signs and symptoms are related to other health conditions. Therefore some physicians may not first check the thyroid. Insidious changes occur slowly, leaving a patient wondering why he feels off-balance. Most patients will never consider their thyroid as the culprit, resulting in symptoms worsening slowly over time. Serious complications can occur, including heart failure, coma and severe depression.

An Enlarged Thyroid

Goiters, or enlarged thyroids, may be witnessed in thyroid disease patients. These may result from an overproduction of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. The constant stimulation from TSH will cause the thyroid to swell.

It is important to note that the presence of a goiter does not always equate to hyperthyroidism. Other conditions featuring the development of a goiter include dietary iodine deficiency, patient taking lithium carbonate for manic-depressive disorders, infectious disease, postpartum complications, or a rare fibrosis condition called Riedel’s thyroiditis (struma). (3)

Drugs for Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

A massage client with hypothyroidism could be on one of several different medications for the treatment for hypothyroidism. The most common synthetic thyroid hormone drug is Levothyroxine which can be sold under numerous brand names which include Synthroid, Ermeza, Levo-T, Tirosant and Unithroid.

This class of drug is a synthetic form of T4 hormone (the most significant of thyroid hormones) and is used to replace one’s T4 hormone levels. Proper communication with the endocrinologist is key to determining the proper dosage daily. An annual evaluation of the drug’s effectiveness is expected as well.

Other drugs utilized for hypothyroidism include Iiothryonine (Cytomel), Thyroid Desiccated (Armour Thyroid) and WP Thyroid (Westhroid). (4)

Common side effects of Levothyroxine and other hypothyroid medications include chest pain, changes in menses, headache, fatigue, heat intolerance, hives, facial swelling, breathing challenges, fainting and tremors.

Common drugs for hyperthyroidism include Methimazole (Tapazole, Northyx), Propylthiouracil, Sodium Iodide i131 (Iodotope) and Potassium Iodide (ThyroShield, ThyroSafe).

Common side effects of Methimazole and other hyperthyroid medications include jaundice, dark urine, digestive problems, oral sores, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, cold or flu like symptoms, and major fatigue. (5)

6 Ways Massage Therapy and Related Bodywork Can Benefit Patients with Thyroid Disease

1. Mantak Chia describes how Chinese based massage, called Chi Nei Tsang, aids thyroid health. Focusing massage techniques upon certain energy pathways called meridians showed positive results in improving thyroid health with patients receiving Chi Nei Tsang. (6)
2. Massage treatments reduce stress within the body. This benefit can decrease cortisol and other stress hormones to help manage weight healthily.
3. Also, decreasing stress can aid tachycardia and other blood pressure issues within thyroid disease patients. (7)
4. Massage treatments with stretching and range-of-motion included can alleviate joint pain often associated with thyroid diseases.
5. Muscle fatigue can also be alleviated, and muscle efficiency may improve within patients. Ensure limbs and joints are aligned to maximize effectiveness of stretching and range-of-motion. (8)
6. Massage can decrease swelling often associated with thyroid diseases. Emphasizing massage techniques follow lymphatic fluid flow direction will help move interstitial fluid to decrease swelling and restoring overall tissue health. (9)

If the thyroid is inflamed, wait until acute inflammation subsides before proceeding with treatment. Massage on the actual thyroid gland is not advised as it lies within a classic endangerment site.

Conclusion

Effective massage therapy conducted in combination with a team of complimentary practitioners can be a wonderful augmentation to a thyroid disease treatment plan. It is prudent to have the patient sign a medical release form to speak with the other practitioners to comprehend the patient’s unique signs and symptoms.