Massage therapy has been shown to be beneficial for chronic pain in a number of studies. One study found that massage therapy is effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in people with chronic back pain. Massage therapy has also been found to be helpful for other types of chronic pain, such as neck pain and headaches. The benefits of massage therapy for chronic pain may be due to the fact that it can help to relax muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
However, while massage therapy has been found to be beneficial for chronic pain, it may not be as effective for acute pain. One study found that massage was less effective at reducing pain and disability in individuals with osteoarthritis with an acute flare-up (reactive swelling) than traditional treatments like Exercise and Heat/Ice.
Pain-reduction effects lasting days
A recent study looked at the effects of two 20-minute chair massages on patients with lower back pain over a period of eight weeks. The study participants experienced significant pain reduction immediately following the massages and for days after. At the end of the eight-week study period, study participants who received the massages experienced greater functional capacity than those who did not receive massages.
1. Why can massage therapy be beneficial for chronic pain?
There are a few reasons why massage therapy may be beneficial for chronic pain. First, massage can help to relax the muscles, which can in turn help to reduce pain. Second, massage therapy can help to increase circulation, which can also help to reduce pain. Third, massage can help to release endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins can help to block pain signals from reaching the brain, which can help to reduce pain.
2. What are some specific benefits of massage therapy for chronic pain?
There are a number of benefits of massage therapy. These benefits include reducing pain intensity, improving pain tolerance, improving range of motion, and reducing stiffness. Additionally, massage therapy can help to increase endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
3. How does massage therapy work to help chronic pain?
There are a few ways that massage therapy can help chronic pain. For one, massage can help to increase circulation and blood flow to the area that is in pain. This increase in circulation can help to reduce pain by bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the area. Additionally, massage therapy can help to release muscle tension and knots. This release of tension can help to reduce the amount of pain that is felt in the muscles. Finally, massage can help to increase the range of motion in the joints. This increase in range of motion can help to reduce pain by allowing the muscles and joints to move more freely.
4. What types of chronic pain can massage therapy help?
There are many types of chronic pain that massage therapy can help. Some of these include: headaches, neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and pain from arthritis. Massage therapy can also help to improve circulation and reduce stress, which can both contribute to chronic pain.
5. How often should someone receive massage therapy for chronic pain?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the frequency of massage therapy treatments will vary depending on the individual’s unique situation and needs. However, in general, it is often recommended that people receive massage therapy for chronic pain on a weekly basis, in order to achieve the most beneficial results.
6. What are some potential risks or side effects of massage therapy for chronic pain?
Research has shown that massage therapy is beneficial for chronic pain, as it can help to increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and relax muscles. However, there are some potential risks or side effects of massage therapy for chronic pain, such as bruising, soreness, or pain in the area that was massaged.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, book a massage with Kamati Wellness today.