Did you know that massage therapy is not only popular to relieve everyday stress, it’s also an effective method for managing chronic pain? Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months, and it can be caused by a variety of conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and nerve damage.
Some examples of chronic pains that massage therapy may be able to help manage include:
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis elbow
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Chronic Pain
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, a well-executed massage therapy has been proven effective to improve the quality of life for people who are suffering from chronic pains. Research has shown that massage reduces chronic pain and has shown other potentials too such as:
- Reducing muscle tension and soreness: Kneading, rubbing and tapping relaxes tight muscles and promote better blood flow to the affected area resulting in reduced pain and improved mobility
- Reducing stress and anxiety: The long, flowing strokes of Swedish massage promote relaxation and minimize stress
- Improving circulation: It’s been observed that pain and inflammation are sometimes caused by poor circulation. Promoting blood flow, therefore, reduces these symptoms
- Improving sleep: Nothing beats a good night’s rest for overall health and well-being. A massage therapy may be able to help people with chronic pain sleep more soundly
Considerations
While nothing beats massage therapy in terms of inducing relaxation, it is still not a cure for chronic pain. It may not also be an effective intervention for everyone. If you’re in doubt, always consult a health care professional who is aware of your health status.
In addition to that, choosing a well-trained and experienced massage therapist familiar in working with people who experience chronic pain is important. Each person is different and a massage tailored specifically to your needs and goals can only be achieved by someone who has the proper training and knowledge.
Overall, massage therapy can be a valuable tool in managing chronic pain. It may be able to help reduce muscle tension and soreness, reduce stress and anxiety, improve circulation, and improve sleep. If you are interested in trying massage therapy for chronic pain management, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional and choose a qualified massage therapist.