Living with chronic pain feels like a constant battle. You’ve probably tried lots of different methods to help manage the pain, some more successful than others. It can be extremely frustrating trying to search for something that works. One treatment that was proven to be effective in managing chronic pain is massage therapy. There has even been scientific research supporting its effectiveness.
This article will talk about how massage therapy can help with chronic pain and some of the different kinds of massage that can be helpful.
Massage therapy can help chronic pain management by…
Boosting serotonin
Massage results in the release of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. While this doesn’t treat the cause of the pain, it can change your perception of and sensitivity to pain. It has been found to modulate pain perception, meaning you won’t experience pain symptoms as severely as you normally do.
Improving deep sleep
When you’re always in pain, it can be difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. Not getting enough quality sleep could make your condition worse as our bodies heal as we sleep. It will also affect your mood and energy levels, making daily life even more difficult. Regular massage helps us to sleep better at night and experience deeper sleep, which can help with pain reduction.
Reducing inflammation
Chronic pain can be caused or made worse by inflammation in our muscles, joints, and cells. Massage therapy helps to reduce cellular inflammation, which is helpful in relieving pain, especially when performed regularly.
Improving mood
It’s not just the physical sensations of chronic pain that are hard to live with, but also the emotional and mental impact it has on you. Many chronic pain sufferers also display symptoms of depression. Regular massage has mood-boosting effects, helping to improve the quality of life of anyone experiencing chronic pain.
Which types of massage are best for chronic pain?
Which type of massage should you choose for chronic pain management? Swedish massage, Thai massage, and acupressure have all been used as effective treatments for those suffering from chronic back pain. Trigger point massage and myofascial release can also be helpful for targeting pain in a specific part of the body. Reflexology is another potential treatment for pain conditions like migraines and chronic headaches.
If you’re looking for a natural way to manage your chronic pain, then book a massage with us today. Or you can contact us if you’re still wondering what the best massage is for your specific pain condition.