It’s not uncommon for people to experience pain in their muscles and joints. If you’re one of the many people who work out regularly, then you might feel some pain in your muscles after a workout. Those who suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia may feel pain all the time. One way to help reduce this pain is by getting a massage!
There are many benefits of receiving a massage, such as improved blood flow, reduced stress levels, and improved mood. However, not all massages provide relief from chronic pain. So if you’re looking for relief from your chronic condition, then be sure to follow these tips for getting the most out of your massage.
Massage For Managing Pain
Massage therapy uses touch, pressure, motion, and manipulation to improve posture, relieve pain, rehabilitate an injury, promote healing and prevent illness.
There are over 13000 research studies done on the efficacy of massage therapy that dates back as far as 4000 years ago. You can find many of them on the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) website.
While massage is often touted to help with relaxation, many use it to manage pain and discomfort.
Massage therapy has been used for centuries in various cultures around the globe. Today, it remains among one of the most popular complementary and alternative medicine practices in the world.
Some people think that massage is just for people who are trying to relax. There are many health benefits of massage. Medical patients can use massages to treat pain, get rid of knots, and reduce inflammation.
Massage has been shown to help with chronic pain by releasing endorphins that produce feelings of happiness and reduce our perception of pain. The other way that massage helps with chronic pain is by reducing the nerve signals in the central nervous system.
Massage also promotes blood circulation in the body, which can help relieve inflammation in muscles and joints and relieve joint stiffness. This leads to less painful movements, which also means less tightness in your muscles, leading to less fatigue when you exercise or do other physical activities.
Choose the Best Massage Therapist for You
In this age of convenience, many people are looking for a quick fix for their problems. However, massage is not a quick fix. Often it will take several sessions before you notice a significant reduction in your pain. We cannot “fix” you or your pain with one massage. However, we can provide you with temporary relief to do what is necessary to eliminate your pain.
A massage therapist can provide several benefits for a person’s health and wellness. The therapist should be someone with who you feel comfortable and can establish a connection. Just like finding the right doctor, you need to feel like you can talk to your massage therapist about anything related to your pain management.
Tips to find the best therapist for you:
- Do your research on different types of massages
- Ask friends or family if they know any good therapists
- Check with your doctor to see if they have any recommendations
These are some questions you should ask yourself before you hire a massage therapist:
- In what type of massage do they specialize?
- How long have they been practicing massage therapy?
- What are their qualifications?
- Do you prefer to go to their location or have them come to you? (We are 100% mobile!)
- What products do they use, and how do they benefit you?
- What is their cost?
Types of Massages for Pain Management
There are many different types of massages that help specific kinds of pains. The most common type of massage therapy is Swedish massage therapy, a variety of relaxation-based bodywork that focuses on the muscles and the joints.
Deep tissue massage is a more intense style that focuses on releasing tightness in the muscles with long strokes. Trigger point massage therapy targets specific points in the body where there are signs of tension or constriction.
Ashiatsu is a form of deep massage where the therapist uses their feet and pulleys or handles to balance themselves as they perform long strokes across the muscles.
Thai massage is a type of work done on a mat often referred to as the “Yoga of massage” due to stretches combined into every massage stroke.
Get The Most Out Of A Massage For Pain Management
The best way to get the most out of a massage is by preparing your body for the session. There are many ways to prep for a massage session, but some of the most popular techniques are listed here.
- Stretch both before and after the massage. If you don’t feel like you can stretch, take a short slow walk or some other form of light movement. This will keep your muscles limber and allow you to enjoy all of the benefits that come with massage therapy.
- Shower or take a bath before getting your massage. Helping you feel relaxed and clean.
- Do not use any kinds of lotions, ointments, or oils on your skin to avoid any incompatible combinations with the medium used by your massage therapist
- Eat lightly before your massage or schedule your massage in a way that your next mealtime will be after the session.
- If you take any pain medication, ask your massage therapist if it would be best for you to take that beforehand.
- Discuss any enhancements or upgrades the massage therapist has that they suggest for your particular pain.
How To Get Started With Massage For Pain Relief
If you are looking for a natural way to relieve your pain, massage therapy might be the right way.
It has been scientifically proven that massage therapy is beneficial for those who suffer from pain.
Massage therapy should not be used as a replacement for one’s medical treatment. It is to be used as an adjunct. Patients should consult their doctor before starting any massage therapy or similar relaxation therapies.