There are many options to treat and address chronic pain besides surgical procedures. Although there are a vast number of options to choose from, recent research points to massage therapy as a viable alternative and non-invasive treatment for chronic pain. A massage therapist may alleviate pain to the same extent as physical therapy and prescribed oral pain medications. The question remains: How do massages address chronic pain and facilitate its adverse effects?
A Total Body Approach
The majority of chronic pain treatments concentrate on easing pain in specific locations of the body. While this conventional approach still addresses the problem, it does not take into account supporting muscles and tissues surrounding the pain and long term prevention. The first priority of massage therapists is to treat the entire body in relation to pain and surrounding muscular tissue. A holistic approach to your body and its functions may lead to a greater comprehension of your diagnosis to determine why pain is occurring and how it can be treated in the future.
Influences on Molecular Function
On top of physical relief, massage therapy can evoke positive molecular implications altering how the tissues and cells interact with each other. The pressure administered by the movements of the massage therapist may elicit a cascade of chemical reactions that reverse aches and pains experienced after intense exercise or injury. Proteins called inflammatory cytokines and their signals (involved in the pain response) are diminished in muscles massaged. Contrarily, production of the mitochondria is enhanced by massages. These mitochondria are organelles within an individual’s cells that aid in the production of energy, which in turn, result in a swift recovery.
Physical Contact
Patients undergoing massage therapy experience a relaxing sensation due to physical contact. Patients may feel uncomfortable and self-conscious after a surgical procedure, and massage therapy may aid in the body confidence recovery process. In turn, this confidence leads to an overall more positive mood, which may help in alleviating long term pain.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, massage therapy may be an alternative option for you. Chronic pain may arise in many forms, and patients need individualized approaches to treat their diagnoses. Contact us at Pain Specialty Group today and schedule an appointment at our New Hampshire office today.
