For quite some time, therapeutic massage faded into the background because of all the pain relievers available. However, therapeutic massage is gaining respect from the medical community, which is why many are now returning to this more holistic treatment.
Therapeutic massage offers a sense of empowerment and care that has proven helpful in reducing stress, improving the immune system, encouraging relaxation, improving posture, enhancing rehabilitation from injury or surgery, and much more. However, because therapeutic massage focuses on the entire system of soft tissues, one of its main purposes is for alleviating chronic pain.
What is Chronic Pain?
Many people suffer from chronic pain. This is considered an ongoing pain, ranging from mild to excruciating that normally lasts more than six months. Chronic pain can be described by a burning, shooting, or aching sensation, which is accompanied by discomfort, tightening, or soreness. Burning and shooting pain indicates that a nerve is involved. Dull or aching pain is usually associated with muscle pain. The tightening or soreness may indicate that there is a trigger point involved.
It can be caused by numerous factors. It can originate from a trauma due to injury, such as a car accident or injury in sports. However, there are people who suffer from chronic pain without evidence of any past injury. This can be brought on by many factors, such as the degeneration of the body, poor posture, not following proper body mechanics, and even excess weight can cause chronic pain.
You must also take into account the emotional aspect that accompanies chronic pain. The body's natural painkillers (endorphins) can be compromised when the patient experiences depression, anxiety, or fatigue brought about by their pain. The body's ability to defend can be suppressed by a low immune system and unrelenting pain. This is where therapeutic massage comes in. It can ease pain in many ways.
Therapeutic Massage and Chronic Pain
Therapeutic massage is a non-invasive solution that can alleviate, and sometimes prevent, symptoms of chronic pain. It provides physical and mental relief in various ways.
Massage improves circulation by increasing blood and lymph flow. Poor blood and lymph circulation cannot supply damaged and sore muscles the oxygen they need in order to recuperate, making pain worsen or last longer.
Massage triggers the brain to produce oxytocin hormones. These are the same hormones that serve as a chemical messenger that relaxes the muscles. It also has a positive effect on emotions that promote the feeling of relaxation, contentment, and comfort.
Massage also has the capability to change how the brain senses pain. It blocks pain pathways by triggering the brain to produce Endorphins and Enkephalins. Both are opiate-like substances that mediate pain and provide a sense of relief. Furthermore, these neurotransmitters can produce feeling of euphoria lasting to 24 to 48 hours, and studies even show that it can provide longer relief when higher doses are received.
Furthermore, massage can improve range of motion, something that can be difficult to deal with if you have chronic pain. By kneading the muscles, tissues, ligaments, and joints, the body's blood flow and fluidity are improved. It also elongates muscles, making them more flexible, and less prone to injury and recurring soreness.
Studies also show that 45 minutes of therapeutic massage can increase the number of white blood cells that play a big role not only in defending the body against viruses and bacteria, but also in its ability to fight infection from complications of sore body parts. Massage can decrease levels of cortisol or stress hormones, improving the body's ability for faster immune response.
Lastly, therapeutic massage boosts rehabilitation after any chronic pain. The pressure placed on the affected area improves blood flow, eliminates stiffness, and breaks down adhesions allowing for faster healing and lesser tendencies of inflammation. Massages also enable the body to restore its proper movement, whether it be gradually or immediately after a few sessions.
The healing power of therapeutic massage through a well-placed hand can help alleviate numerous conditions, including chronic pain. Therapeutic massage proves to decrease muscle tension, calm the nervous system, improve circulation, and boost rehabilitation.
Yours in Good Health,
Eugene Wood
Licensed NYC Massage Therapist
NYC-Massage.com
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