Chronic pain is a daily struggle for many people, affecting their mood and capabilities throughout the day. Although chronic pain can come from many different sources, certain massage therapies have proven effective in managing many different types.
In this blog, our therapists have curated the top 5 massage techniques for dealing with chronic pain. We also address the different types of pain each massage technique is effective for and provide insight into the level of pain relief you may experience.
Understanding Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)
Registered Massage Therapy is an umbrella term for many different massage services. RMT generally involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues - the muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It works by stimulating blood flow and releasing tension held in the body.
At Back to Health Osteopathy and Wellness Clinic, we focus on the more holistic aspects of Registered Massage Therapy, including its ability to activate the body’s healing capabilities and repair the body-mind connection by relieving stress and other mental blocks that help relax the body.
Types of Massage Techniques
Chronic pain doesn't have to dominate your life.
Back to Health Clinic's massage therapies are specifically designed to significantly reduce many types of chronic pain, returning clients to a more comfortable lifestyle.
Our top 5 massage techniques are:
- Registered Massage Therapy
- Swedish Massage
- Cupping Massage Therapy
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Thai Yoga Massage
Each of these massage therapies can help to address chronic pain issues as part of a more holistic treatment plan. With all of our massage therapies, we offer personalized attention to areas of concern established in our initial comprehensive assessment of all our clients.
1. Registered Massage Therapy
Registered massage therapy at Back to Health incorporates a full body massage in addition to the specific treatment of any problem areas found in our initial comprehensive assessment of every client. Your RMT practitioner will work on each layer of the body’s tissues, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, stimulating blood flow while releasing tension
Overall, this treatment is effective at:
- Offering chronic pain relief
- Reducing muscle tension
- Increasing joint mobility
- Improving lymphatic drainage
- Alleviating both acute and chronic conditions
2. Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a slightly gentler treatment than standard RMT and is a good choice for those looking for something less intense to start with. The treatment is best known for the feeling of intense relaxation it provides, combining gentle yet firm kneading with rhythmic tapping to activate your body’s natural healing.
The popular treatment is perfect for relieving sore, aching muscles – as, for example, those of an old sports injury. We also recommend it for those who don’t respond well to more intense forms of massage, as Swedish massage offers a gentler way to get many of the same benefits.
3. Cupping Massage Therapy
Cupping Massage Therapy originated from a form of ancient Chinese medicine before it developed into the form we use today. It works by using a suction gun at the base of the cup to create a vacuum as the cup is placed on the skin. It’s not hot, but the suction created pulls up the skin and deeper tissues slightly into the cup. The suction helps to increase blood flow in the area and eases muscle tension.
Unlike traditional massages, which work by applying pressure, cupping gently pulls the area upwards to provide stimulation and relief. Many people find this method works better for their bodies as it works in an alternative way to traditional massage.
In addition to easing muscle pain, cupping benefits your body's lymphatic system, which cleanses the body of toxins. The suction from the cups stimulates the system, helping your body process toxins and encouraging deep-tissue healing. This is especially beneficial for deep muscle pain and those recovering from intense muscle injuries.
4. Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage reaches the deepest layers of muscle and connective tissue. The slow, deliberate movements of the deep tissue massage help address issues such as chronic pain, stiffness, and mobility problems from particularly stubborn sources.
In particular, deep tissue massage is effective as a treatment for difficult strains and sports injuries. The technique helps to break up the scar tissue built up deep inside the muscle and connective tissues, allowing it to heal. This is effective for chronically flaring injuries and relieving deep muscle tension. Deep tissue massage has also been found to help with:
- Chronic back pain
- Sciatica
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Plantar fasciitis
5. Thai Yoga Massage
Thai Yoga Massage is a holistic approach to relieving muscle tension. It uses yoga poses in conjunction with the practitioner’s massage techniques. Performed on a floor mat, the practitioner will guide the client through various yoga postures while simultaneously working on the body’s "sen" (energy lines) and pressure points. The combined effect promotes powerful full-body wellness and healing.
Thai Yoga Massage is especially effective at reducing back pain. It can also relieve joint pain from arthritis and helps to improve one’s overall range of motion, improving the body’s response to tense muscles over time.
Schedule your massage with us for a rejuvenating experience at a price that's easy on your wallet.
Benefits of Massage for Chronic Pain
Many forms of massage therapy are effective at helping relieve chronic pain, both in the short and long term.
One of the primary reasons for this is massage’s ability to relieve muscle tension, which is a key source of chronic pain and stress. The kneading action of massage also helps to stimulate blood flow, helping to nourish the tissues and speed up the removal of toxins in the vicinity, leading to less pain and inflammation.
Massage has also been shown to release endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers, providing temporary pain relief after each session. By tempering the mind’s overall feelings of stress and anxiety, chronic pain is reduced over time in the long term.
Over time, massage can also help to correct one’s posture and help with muscle imbalances. These issues are also common sources of chronic pain, and with their release through improved flexibility and range of motion, chronic pain issues are reduced.
Finally, massage can help with overall sleep quality through destress and relaxation.
The Impact of Leaving Chronic Pain Untreated
- Decreased mobility
- Heightened stress levels
- Lower quality of life
Key Takeaways
Relief Recap: The Final Rub
Massage therapy treatments at Back to Health are effective in helping with many different types of chronic pain. On your first visit to the Clinic, we provide a comprehensive personal assessment to understand your specific pain and conditions better, allowing us to select the best treatment options for you.
If you're struggling with chronic pain, consider booking a consultation with Back to Health Clinic. Our dedicated professionals are committed to helping you return to your best self, utilizing the profound benefits of massage and other holistic treatments.