People try out all sorts of medications and coping mechanisms for chronic pain. They may use over-the-counter painkillers, topical products, muscle relaxers, or corticosteroids. Some are even permitted to use opioids or medical marijuana to help cope with severe pain. While many people rely on medical treatments to cope with their pain, some holistic treatments can also be effective. One great example of such a method is massage therapy for chronic pain.
There are many massage therapy techniques that can help with chronic pain. Such techniques include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and even sports massage. Here are a few great benefits of getting massage therapy for chronic pain.
Relieves Tight Muscles
Muscles tighten around painful areas to protect them from further harm. While this does help with preventing further damage to an injury, it could do more harm than good towards chronic pains. Tight muscles can put extra pressure on nerves and exacerbate the symptoms of chronic pain. A good massage can help loosen these muscles, letting up the pressure on your nerves and decreasing overall pain. Loosened muscles can also increase range of movement.
Lessens Stress
Dealing with chronic pain can be stressful for many people. Unfortunately, the extra stress can only worsen the pain, starting a painful cycle. Stress can lead to an onslaught of other side effects, as it can trigger a ‘flight or fight’ response within you. While this response can help those get out of danger quickly, stress can put you through this phase long-term. Being stuck in such a response to stress can wear you out, both physically and mentally.
A good massage therapy session encourages the production of ‘happy hormones’, such as depotamine and serotonin. At the same time it also combats the negative side effects of the stress hormone, cortisol, such as fatigue, irritability, high blood pressure, and weight gain.
Helps with Insomnia
People with chronic pain often have insomnia on top of it, as the pain might prevent them from getting a good night’s sleep. Long-term sleep deprivation is detrimental to one’s general health, with severe side effects such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. Such side effects could worsen your chronic pain in the long run.
Thankfully, it’s a well-known fact that massage helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and improves your overall sleep quality. Keeping good sleeping habits will help you keep a healthier lifestyle even while struggling with chronic pain.
One way to ensure a good night’s sleep after a massage is to contact a home massage spa service such as Massagedaily.ph. By letting the massage therapist come to your home, you’ll be able to go to sleep immediately after the appointment, while your body is still relaxed and feeling the effects of the massage. Plus, the experience of enjoying a spa treatment at the comfort of your own home is a great way to treat yourself after a long day.