Managing Chronic Pain with Massage Therapy
Massage is well known for easing muscle tension, promoting relaxation and enhancing both physical and mental health. What you might not know is that massage has been used for centuries to treat chronic pain symptoms and can be a highly beneficial addition to your treatment plan. Read on to discover how massage therapy can help with chronic pain caused by a variety of medical conditions and why it might be the holistic support you’ve been looking for.
Massage and Chronic Pain: The Basics
When it comes to chronic pain conditions, the body experiences repeated stress to a group of nerves and muscles that is processed by the brain as physical pain. This persistent discomfort, whether localized to areas such as the joints, back or neck can have a ripple effect on overall well-being.
Pain causes ongoing stress that keeps the body in a constant “fight or flight” state, causing the brain to release cortisol, a hormone related to stress. Elevated cortisol levels can contribute to muscle aches in new areas, along with fatigue, anxiety and other psychological symptoms.
Regular massage therapy helps alleviate these symptoms by improving blood circulation, reducing muscle tension and boosting the immune system. This can specifically help with muscle and joint pain and tension by loosening the muscles and improving lymphatic circulation to relieve pressure. Additionally, regular massage therapy has been proven to reduce cortisol levels in the body by as much as 31%, while promoting the production of serotonin and dopamine, two hormones that promote relaxation and reduce stress.
In addition to these relieving benefits, massage therapy also activates the parasympathetic system, helping the body transition from the stressed “fight or flight” state to a calmer, restorative state. This transition not only improves sleep quality by making it easier to fall and stay asleep but also enhances digestion, allowing the body to process nutrients completely. Additionally, this calming effect supports overall mental health, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of emotional stability and well-being.
Chronic Pain Conditions that Massage Therapy can Help
There are a wide range of chronic pain conditions that can get some relief from regular massage therapy. They include:
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome (CMPS)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Migraines
Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Past injuries
Massage therapy also provides relief from secondary symptoms associated with other chronic conditions. For example, people living with anxiety, depression, diabetes or the side effects of cancer treatment may find that massage reduces both physical and psychological symptoms.
Emerging research indicates that specialized techniques like myofascial release and trigger point therapy can be particularly effective in managing pain associated with connective tissue dysfunctions, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). The Ehlers-Danlos Society notes that manual therapies including myofascial release and trigger point therapy are beneficial for individuals with EDS, as they help reduce pain and improve joint stability.
Making the Most of Massage Therapy
When it comes to making massage therapy work for your specific needs, there are a few factors to keep in mind. To get the most from your massage therapy sessions, consider your pain tolerance, desired outcomes and the type of massage technique that best fits your needs:
Swedish massage focuses on the use of long, gentle strokes over larger areas of the body.
Deep Tissue Massage concentrates higher pressure more on specific muscle groups.
Neuromuscular massage is highly popular for chronic pain, as it focuses on pressure point therapy and soft tissue manipulation to treat underlying causes of chronic pain while relaxing the muscles.
Therapeutic massages provide a balanced experience that combines multiple massage techniques.
In addition to traditional massage, techniques like hot stone massage can provide extra relief for muscle stiffness and inflammation. During a hot stone massage, smooth, heated stones are placed on specific areas of the body, such as the back, neck and shoulders, to help warm and loosen tight muscles. The heat from the stones enhances blood flow, improving circulation and delivering more oxygen and nutrients to affected areas, which can accelerate healing. This method has also shown promise in promoting deep relaxation, as the soothing warmth helps release built-up tension, reduce pain and calm the nervous system, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more comprehensive approach to managing discomfort.
In addition to talking to your therapist about the massage that makes the most sense for your condition, you also have the option to add on additional therapies that may help treat your chronic pain. We offer CBD oil as an addition to any massage. This holistic oil can help further enhance the benefits of massage therapy.
Getting Started with Massage Therapy
It’s important to discuss your condition and your desire to explore massage therapy with your doctor, as only a medical professional can determine what’s safe for you based on your medical history. If you’re interested in exploring how massage therapy might be able to help your chronic pain condition, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have!
Ready to find relief and reclaim your comfort? Book your session now and let us help you take the first step toward a life with less pain. You deserve to feel your best!