Massage Therapy and Pain Management
People suffering from chronic pain may not be aware that something as simple, readily available, and affordable as massage therapy can bring significant relief.
Studies have proven the effectiveness of massage therapy for several different kinds of chronic pain, including pain caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia. Because these are two of the more common causes of chronic pain, massage therapy is an important treatment option for many people suffering from chronic pain to consider.
Not only can massage increase a person’s range of motion by relaxing and stretching important muscles, it has several other benefits that can alleviate pain.
One way that massage therapy benefits people who suffer from chronic pain is by encouraging the body to release higher amounts of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical released by the human brain that, among other things, reduces pain naturally.
Massage Therapy and Pain Management
Massage therapy and pain management go hand in hand. Massages also help many people sleep deeper and stay asleep for longer periods of time. The amount and quality of sleep a person enjoys has a proven correlation to the level of pain they feel. The more you sleep, the better off your body will be.
Finally, massages can also relax you. When you are more relaxed, you have less anxiety and will be in a better mood. Stress has a direct impact on physical health and being less stressed contributes to feeling healthier and relieving certain kinds of pain. Even those kinds of pain that are not directly managed by massage therapy become easier to deal with when you are in a positive mood.
If you are suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, or any other kind of chronic pain, it is best to seek the counsel of a physician who specializes in pain management before beginning any kind of treatment program, even one as generally benign as getting regular massages. A pain management specialist will listen to your experiences and work with you to develop the best treatment strategy for your symptoms, your body, and your lifestyle.
By Dr. James Lin
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