Massage for Pain Relief – September is Pain Awareness Month

September is here! Kids are back in school, busy summer nights are over and summer vacations have come to an end. September is also Pain Awareness month. Pain Awareness Month is a time when various organizations work to raise public awareness of issues in pain and pain management. 

While most people would agree that a massage feels good and that it can be great for relaxation it is often considered an indulgence. As a pain relief strategy, therapeutic massage can be an effective tool. While there are different types of massage, they all work by manipulating the soft tissue. Therapeutic massage may relieve pain in several ways, including relaxing painful muscles, tendons, and joints; relieving stress and anxiety; and improving blood circulation to the affected area.

There are many benefits of massage for both pain management and overall health and wellness.

Massage for Pain Management

·         Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.

·         Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.

·         Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.

·         Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.

·         Increase joint flexibility.

·         Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.

·         Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.

·         Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.

·         Reduce spasms and cramping.

·         Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.

·         Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.

·         Relieve migraine pain.

Health and Wellness Benefits of Massage

·         Decreased anxiety

·         Enhanced sleep quality

·         Greater energy

·         Improved concentration

·         Increased circulation

·         Reduced fatigue

·         Creates a general feeling of well-being

Massage for pain relief helps minimize your physical pain and alleviates the stress and anxiety associated with it. How often should you get massage to reap the benefits of addressing pain? It’s different for everyone. What we do know is you’ll get better results if you are on a regular schedule — whether it’s monthly, weekly, or some other formula that works for you. The best thing to do is work out a treatment plan with your massage therapist and start feeling better!

Kerri Ames, LMT

TheraCORE, Inc.                                                                  

Lockport, IL