Massage Therapy: Does It Help with Chronic Pain?

If you're suffering from chronic pain, you may be wondering if massage therapy can help. The goal of massage is to break the cycle of suffering by improving circulation and loosening tight muscles; this allows blood flow to increase which reduces inflammation and swelling.

When the body experiences pain, a vicious cycle begins. Muscles constrict around the spot to safeguard it, which makes movement difficult—pain increases as a result of this restricted mobility, which in turn increases discomfort.

In this post, we'll discuss how massage therapy is effective in treating chronic pain.

ALSO READ: 3 Reasons Massage Therapy Can Help You With Joint Pain →

How Does Massage Therapy for Chronic Pain Help?

Stress levels may increase as a result of chronic pain. Your body is kept in a constant state of "fight or flight" by chronic stress. This indicates that all of the body's resources are directed toward the areas of the body that would require action. However, this causes your body to work too hard since other parts don't obtain the necessary resources. 

Over time, the muscles tighten up, which may increase discomfort and limit movement. Since the body is physically exhausted with extended stress, fatigue may worsen. Sleeping difficulties, problems with overall mental health, and problems with the digestive system may all result. These are just a few effects of persistent stress, but stress exacerbates the signs and symptoms of chronic pain.

Lower Stress Levels

It might be challenging to stop the cycle of stress and suffering. Nevertheless, one strategy that may be useful in massage. This thorough investigation showed that massages might lower cortisol stress hormone levels by as much as 31%! This suggests that massage therapy successfully lowers stress levels and the incidence of chronic pain.

Boosts Feel-Good Hormones

The research also discovered that serotonin levels rose by 28% and dopamine levels rose by 31% throughout the massage. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the body that, among other important functions, aids in mood maintenance. It encourages joy and a sense of emotional well-being. Dopamine is essential to our ability to enjoy ourselves and be joyful. It also aids in maintaining our motivation and our attention to the activity at hand.

People are much more likely to have a steady mood and a pleasant outlook whenever these two substances are boosted inside their bodies. Humans are more willing to adjust and deal with chronic pain when we have a more optimistic outlook on life.

Reduces Muscle Tension

Muscle tension is a problem for many people with chronic pain. Higher stress levels, coexisting medical disorders, functional decline, and other factors may all contribute to this. In addition to limiting the patient's strength and flexibility and causing excruciating discomfort, muscle tension may also lead to decreased activity levels. The tightness in the muscles may be released with massage, which can reduce discomfort and promote relaxation.

Improves Blood Flow

Blood flow is improved throughout a massage, which aids in immune system health and optimum bodily function. Lymphatic drainage may be helped by massage, simply when the body is getting rid of toxins and is better able to combat illness and disease. The body may be better able to combat the exhaustion that often accompanies pain if these pollutants are removed. 

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation may be reduced by improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Inflammation may increase chronic pain symptoms when it becomes persistent, much like chronic pain. It is possible to lessen symptoms by treating inflammation.

Final Thoughts

This research on the use of massage therapy for the treatment of chronic pain discovered that it was equally as effective as other therapies and even produced longer-lasting reductions in symptoms of chronic pain than other therapies. The benefits of massage treatment and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation were compared in this research from the Clinical Journal of Rheumatology (TENS). They found that for the trial's subjects, massage treatment had the most potent, enduring effects.

Massage therapy may be quite effective in conjunction with other therapies to address the psychological components of chronic pain. It may provide remarkable outcomes, especially when massage is paired with fitness and pain neuroscience education.

Gentle Therapies can help you deal with chronic pain with effective massage therapy. We have a licensed massage therapist that can loosen muscles, reduce stress, and help with chronic stress. Book your appointment now!