Therapeutic Massage – Managing Chronic Pain and Tension
Therapeutic massage is a clinically effective modality that can be used in conjunction with other treatment options for a variety of medical conditions including chronic pain, headaches, muscle tension and stress. It also reduces inflammation, improves circulation and promotes relaxation.
Massage increases blood flow which helps hydrate your muscles, bringing essential nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, helping them function properly and eliminating waste products. This is especially important for injured muscles as it helps break the cycle of pain and stiffness.
As a therapist massages, friction is created which increases the temperature of your muscles and fascia (a tough layer of fibrous connective tissue). This increase in temperature releases both the tense muscles and tight fascia. This releasing of the tightness relieves the pain and allows the muscles to move more freely.
Many medical practitioners use massage to help patients communicate and bond with their healthcare providers. Patients often feel more open to discussing psychological issues such as fear, anxiety and depression when they are less stressed and in a more positive mood.
During a therapeutic massage the therapist uses a variety of techniques to work on the soft tissue structures of your body such as skin, muscles and fascia. The therapist will apply medium to firm pressure on the entire body as well as on specific areas where there is increased muscle tension or dysfunction.
The therapist will start the session by asking you a series of questions about your symptoms such as how long the pain has been present, where does it hurt and what is your level of comfort during the massage. This is called the triage assessment and it allows your therapist to understand where the pain is located within your body and how severe it is so that they can address it appropriately during your session.
Massage therapy is proven to be an effective pain management tool in the hospital setting. Studies have shown that integrating massage into the patient hospital experience improves satisfaction scores in the areas of pain, sleep, emotions, recovery and overall wellbeing.(6)
During a massage the therapist works to interrupt the cycle of pain by interfering with the pathway that sends signals to your brain that something is wrong. When these pathways are hypersensitive the brain gets overloaded with painful messages which creates the feeling of pain. The massage therapist will work to send other messages that soothe the muscles and the brain which decreases the feelings of pain. The therapist will also help to loosen the muscles to allow movement and to improve flexibility as well as increasing the blood flow which carries oxygen to the tissues and eliminates waste products. Combined with the feel good hormones released during a massage this decreases the pain and promotes the healing process. If you are looking for an Atlanta massage therapy make sure you check on Midtown Family Wellness.