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Schedule a tour nowHow Massage Therapy Can Help Soothe Chronic Pain
Posted on: September 10, 2014
Chronic pain can be caused by a multitude of factors, including nerve impingement, damage to tendons and ligaments, loss of cartilage and diseases such as arthritis. While not all of these conditions have a cure or surgical solution, many of them can be made far less-painful by soothing the muscles around the injury. Understanding how massage therapy works can be the first step towards soothing chronic pain.
Firm or Deep-Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage sometimes gets a bad reputation for being extremely painful. While it is true that this firm, focused form of massage can be uncomfortable, it should never be allowed to escalate into outright pain. This type of massage helps to loosen tightly coiled muscles that may be pulling on your joints, ligaments and tendons. Muscles spasms and soreness can also be combated by deep tissue work.
Sports Massage
For muscles that have been chronically damaged by overuse or improper form, sports massage is an excellent option. It will help the pain and cramping to stop, which will enable the athlete to rebuild the muscle using proper form and techniques. By massaging the affected area before and after exertion, the athlete can also avoid favoring the painful area and overexerting its opposite. For example, a sore left calf may cause the right calf to also become sore and overworked.
Light Swedish Massage
When people hear 'Swedish massage,' they may have an image of a strapping woman contorting their body and digging her elbows in hard enough to leave bruises. This is often used as comedy on television and in movies, but it is not the case for all clients or therapists. Swedish massage can be done with pressure ranging from a light, soothing touch to hard and deep into the muscles. For chronic pain sufferers, a light massage can help induce whole-body relaxation. For those who cannot withstand a deep or vigorous massage, a gentle Swedish treatment can still help soothe away the pain. Massage therapy can be beneficial to chronic pain sufferers. Ask your doctor about what type of massage may be right for you, and find a therapist schooled in that type of touch.
