The Role of Massage Therapy in Managing Chronic Pain

If you want to manage chronic pain associated with orthopedic conditions, massage therapy and other treatments can yield great results. Massages for chronic pain should only be performed by a professional, as some techniques may be contraindicated in certain conditions. You can read more here.

However, if you have a good healthcare provider with experience working with orthopedic conditions, they can ensure that massage therapy is safe and beneficial for your specific needs. Here is how massage therapy plays a role in managing chronic pain and what other types of treatment you can combine with it to receive the best results:

Improved Circulation and Pain Relief

Message therapy can improve blood circulation in certain areas, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to affected areas. Improved circulation boosts the healing process and can reduce pain associated with orthopedic conditions.

Massages also help stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals in our system. This, combined with muscle relaxation and muscle tension alleviation, can help patients with chronic pain, as tense muscles are often the source of chronic pain.

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation in affected tissues can inhibit a person’s mobility and is also a chronic pain source. Yet, various massage therapy techniques are used to reduce inflammation, increase mobility, and alleviate pain. Some common techniques in massage therapy include lymphatic drainage or myofascial release. 

The massage therapy techniques that will work to alleviate your chronic pain depend on your unique set of circumstances. Your healthcare provider will help you determine the most beneficial techniques for your particular needs. 

Increased Range of Motion and Flexibility

In many instances, orthopedic conditions can limit a person’s range of motion and flexibility. These decreased functional abilities can stimulate chronic pain. However, by using massage therapy techniques, including stretching and joint mobilization, an individual can increase their joint flexibility and improve their range of motion. This often leads to reduced pain and improved function.

Stress Reduction and Relaxation

When someone is dealing with chronic pain, they often have high-stress levels, affecting their emotional well-being. Massage therapy can also be crucial in mental and emotional well-being since it promotes relaxation and reduces stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

This way, patients can alleviate the psychological impacts of chronic pain and improve their overall quality of life. Our mind plays a crucial role in dealing with pain. We must ensure it is unhindered in our recovery process.

Massage Therapy as Treatment

Massage therapy is often complementary therapy alongside other treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or surgical intervention. A multidisciplinary approach that combines all of these therapeutic modalities can yield the best results for managing chronic pain in the long term.

Massage therapy can sometimes be enough for certain individuals to alleviate their chronic pain symptoms. However, it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider or licensed massage therapist and see whether this type of treatment can benefit you or if you need to undergo additional treatments with massage therapy to receive the best results.