Chronic pain affects millions of individuals worldwide. Whether caused by past trauma, postural abnormality, or long-standing disease, chronic pain can impact function and mood. Although medication may be used to reduce pain, many seek alternative methods which are more holistic and natural. One of these that are becoming increasingly popular is therapeutic massage particularly when delivered by a trained massage therapist along with other medical practitioners like an osteopath.
Massage therapy is much more than simply relaxing if delivered by a professional and certified massage therapist. It can be a major asset in the treatment of chronic pain, mobility, and overall well-being.
Understanding Chronic Pain and How Massage Is Involved
Chronic pain is pain lasting more than three months, frequently with no distinct termination. Pain may be localised, as in low back or neck pain, or diffused, such as in fibromyalgia. Sleep, mood, and concentration may be influenced by the chronic pain.
Massage in Richmond is a physically administered, non-intrusive treatment directed to muscular tension, tightness, and imbalance in the body. Massage therapists are not only taught anatomy and physiology but also method-specific techniques designed to promote circulation, relax muscle stiffness, and permit natural body healing processes. The aim of this kind of therapy can be incorporated into a program of general body treatment periodically supplemented with the assistance of an osteopath.
Massage Therapy and Osteopathy: A Holistic Vision
Massage therapy and osteopathy are both holistic in their approach to the body, seeking to heal the origins of pain rather than cover up symptoms. An osteopath in Richmond uses manual therapies to diagnose and treat the structure and function of the body bones, muscles, and joints.
Used together, the effects of osteopathic manipulation and massage therapy can be highly effective. The soft tissues are loosened by the massage therapist, thus making the body receptive to osteopathic manipulation. Similarly, osteopathic therapies can correct misalignment and tension in muscles undergoing manipulation under massage therapy.
The combined model allows for a more individualised and balanced pain treatment program.
Common Conditions Treated by Massage Therapy
Licensure practitioners treat patients with many different types of chronic illness. Some of the more frequent ones are:
- Back and neck pain: Most commonly caused by improper posture, spinal alignment, or muscle damage.
- Tension headaches: These are caused by contracted muscles of the shoulders and neck.
- Arthritis: While massage won't change joint degeneration, it is perhaps able to ease the bearing muscles involved and reduce stiffness.
- Myofascial pain syndrome: Chronic condition that leads to pain in the connective tissues.
- Recovery from injury: Massage helps in mobility and avoiding muscle compensation following injuries.
Trigger point therapy, deep tissue massage, and myofascial release are some of the massage manoeuvres employed depending on the condition of the patient and the degree to which he or she is comfortable.
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Massage
Chronic pain doesn’t just affect the body but also has emotional effects like depression, anxiety, and irritability. Endorphins resulting from massage can be one of the reasons why individuals with chronic pain feel better and relaxed, so crucial to this patient group.
The one-on-one with the client also builds trust and emotional release. This one-to-one relationship is as good as the body mechanics technique practised in treatment.
Wrapping Up
Treatment by a registered massage therapist can be a crucial step for those who want to cope without medication. By itself or with osteopathic treatment, massage offers an approach that respects the body’s rhythms, supports healing, and encourages better movement.
If you are experiencing chronic pain and you want something better than fleeting relief from pain, learn about the healing potential of massage. With a customised treatment and the right mix of therapies, you can work towards increased comfort and long-term well-being, naturally. Contact us today to learn more about our osteopathy treatments.
