Chronic pain is a very debilitating condition that severely restricts even the simplest of activities. Even though treatments that are currently available consist of medication as well as other modalities to undo the impact of ongoing pain, patients will typically desire to employ more natural or alternative forms of treatment in an attempt to control their pain. One of those successful treatments has been the massage therapy: for hundreds of years it has provided several advantages towards the pain relief by stimulating better blood flow, lessening muscle spasms or tension, and calming the patient. Massage therapy would be marvellous whether one suffers from pain due to a strained back, pains induced by arthritis, or pain with fibromyalgia.
And of course, for good measure, the inclusion of treatment with a professional massage therapist or an osteopath visit would make treatment more effective. Here are five ways in which massage therapy can help alleviate chronic pain.
Enhances Circulation of Blood
Because blood that is circulated has oxygen and nutrients to where they are meant to go-all the muscles, all the tissues that are meant to eliminate all the body toxins.
Pain occurs when the blockage of blood causes inflammation and stiffness. Massage increases circulation in the area by maximising blood flow there, leading to the elimination of swelling and healing. Methods such as deep tissue massage in Wimbledon are most particularly useful for circulatory issues: the result is that the muscles are supplied with nutrients to heal. An osteopath will also suggest massage therapy, among numerous others, to enhance the general circulation of blood and thus alleviate pain.
Reduces Muscle Tension and Spasms
Spontaneous spasms define muscle tensions; among some of the more frequent locations of chronic muscle ache are the back, neck, and shoulder area.
Other prolonged periods of stress or other negative effective events, such as poor body positioning or repetitive use of the same muscles, tend to create some knots or tension in muscles and cause pain or discomfort.
Lastly, pressure on tight muscles breaks up adhesions and restores flexibility. Trigger point therapy and myofascial release are only a few of the techniques that work directly on tight, painful muscles, thereby enhancing movement and reducing pain levels. Regular massage prevents spasms of muscles, giving one permanent freedom from chronic muscle pain.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety Levels
Chronic pain exhibits a typically high correlation with stress and anxiety, which in turn further exacerbate the symptomatology with a resultant increase in the severity of the symptoms. Massage therapy will discharge the endorphins-the natural painkillers of the body-and lower some stress hormones, for instance, cortisol, to produce an effect, thereby enhancing relaxation and well-being to enhance pain control.
The majority of osteopaths prescribe massage therapy, an adjunct therapy that deals with the physical and emotional factors of chronic pain and takes a holistic method to healing.
Increases Joint Flexibility and Mobility
The normal presentation for clients would most likely be pain with stiffness of joints, particularly when such joints are under conditions of either arthritis or fibromyalgia. Flexibility in the joints is enhanced by enhanced production of synovial fluids that will serve as lubricants for the joints and thereby limit friction. Thai massages and sports focus on stretching and mobilisation of joints and a notable increase in range of motion.
The skill of an osteopath is yet another promoter of the flexibility of joints with manual therapy and customised exercises for an individual.
Enhances Natural Healing Process
The body is very much capable of self-healing, but chronic pain may prevent the same. It is through massage that the lymphatic system is stimulated, which takes care of the elimination of toxins and waste from the body. Massage stimulates lymphatic drainage, thereby boosting the immune system and accelerating recovery due to minor traumas or chronic illness. This is excellent if done in combination with osteopathic treatment, since it would ensure the optimal healing process for the body, long-term relief and a general factor of well-being.
Final thoughts
Massage is a medium, highly effective natural solution to deal with chronic aches. Blood flow, relaxation of the muscles, and reduced stress levels are some of the amazing advantages massage therapy can provide in the management of chronic pain. In addition to these, increased joint mobility is also possible. In order to gain the best results, seeing an osteopath in Wimbledon and regular massage therapy are recommended in order to tackle all the possible areas of an overall method of pain relief. If you are a victim of chronic pain, you will find it useful to include massage therapy in your regular routine in order to get the feeling of relief constantly along with better quality of life.