Pain can impact every element of daily life, whether through a sports injury, accident or a repetitive injury. While medications can help to relieve some of the discomfort associated with injuries, they don't treat the underlying cause.
Massage therapy is renowned for its ability to speed up the healing process and even prevent reinjury, making it an excellent option for pain management and rehabilitation.
In this guide, we'll reveal the many benefits of massage therapy and how you can use it to recover from injuries.
The science of massage therapy in pain management
There are numerous studies that highlight the benefits of massage, with Harvard Health publishing research that showed regular massages can decrease severe neck pain.
Another study from the JAMA Network confirms that massage is a suitable pain-reducing practice for post-op patients.
So, how exactly does massage effectively promote pain management?
Tension reduction
Injuries can often cause muscle tension, but a range of massage techniques can relieve that tightness and increase blood flow to the affected areas. The increased blood flow helps the body release waste products and deliver more nutrients to the muscles.
With less tension in the muscles, you won't feel as sore, and this will reduce the amount of pain you experience.
More endorphins
Also known as the happy hormone, endorphins are central to our emotional wellbeing. However, they can also give your brain a much-needed boost and help you deal with the effects of pain better.
The University of Guelph conducted a study that confirmed massages release dopamine and serotonin, also known as feel-good hormones.
All of these hormones essentially reduce stress and help you manage pain more effectively.
Improved emotional wellbeing
Chronic pain can impact sleep quality, but massage therapy is one of the most relaxing things a person can experience. Regular sessions can help you relax and reduce anxiety, which promotes better sleep.
Also, if your brain can deal with pain better, you'll feel less anxiety about it and be able to relax.
Massage therapy in recovery
Along with its pain-reducing benefits, massage therapy can also facilitate a speedier recovery. The Harvard Gazette published an article showing that massages can speed muscle recovery.
According to results from the study, massage guns doubled the healing rate of muscles, and traditional massages are even more effective as specialists perform them.
Let's take a look at the different ways in which massages facilitate muscle recovery.
Reduced swelling and inflammation
When lactic acid builds up in the muscles, it increases inflammation and impacts mobility. Massages can increase the amount of oxygen in the muscles and remove lactic acid, which means less pain and inflammation.
In simple terms, it can enhance your mobility and speed up your recovery.
Enhanced flexibility
Injuries to the muscles and joints restrict mobility and make it harder to move around freely. Not only does this slow down your recovery, but it also increases your pain levels. When performed by a professional, massages improve the range of motion in your muscles.
Athletes with injuries can use the increased range of motion to train more effectively and speed up their recovery.
Tissue regeneration
Tissue damage often occurs after an injury, as the blood vessels will dilate to encourage more blood to the area. This natural physiological response means that fluids and immune cells enter the tissue, which causes swelling.
While the inflammation prevents further injury, it can also make your injuries more uncomfortable. Regular massages can promote tissue regeneration, which helps you recover quickly and prevents other discomfort.
Massage therapy in rehabilitation
While reducing pain and aiding in recovery are the key benefits of massage therapy, it also plays a significant role in your continued rehabilitation.
After suffering an injury, you'll be more at risk of triggering it again in the future, but a massage therapist can help you prevent this in numerous ways.
Gain more body awareness
Understanding how each muscle works in your body is central to ensuring you can prevent injuries. Anything from lifting weights to running and general exercise can trigger an injury if you don't know how to execute specific movements properly.
Massage therapy can also be a learning experience, where your therapist teaches you the importance of each muscle, ensuring you know how to protect yourself.
Tailor-made for your body
All forms of massage are customisable in some way, and your therapist can develop the right treatment that suits your injuries and recovery goals.
For example, there are male and female therapists who offer sports-focused treatments for athletes, while some might focus on general injuries.
By using this customised approach, it's easier to treat injuries successfully.
Complements other therapies
After a severe injury, you might participate in occupational therapy and physiotherapy to help you recover. Massage therapy can complement both and prepare you for more intense sessions, as it relaxes the muscles.
You can also continue with your pain management medication while benefiting from massage's positive effects.
The best types of massages for injuries
There are plenty of massage options for injuries, but the most popular include:
- Swedish Massage: The techniques therapists use can relax your muscles, improve circulation and reduce tension throughout the body.
- Sports Massage: These massages are both preventative and can also treat serious injuries.
- Deep Tissue Massage: With its ability to treat deep tissue injuries, this form of massage is highly effective in treating chronic pain.
Looking for massage therapy treatments?
You're probably wondering, how do I find a massage therapist near me who will offer dynamic treatments for my injuries? At I Love Massage, we do things differently. Our talented therapists are available in a range of areas at great prices.
Qualified therapists can offer their services, and you get your pick of treatments. With a range of therapists to choose between, all you need to do is browse our website and make your booking.
It's that simple. Start your journey towards recovery today, and look forward to being pain-free.