Massage Therapy Pain Management

By Karen Clarke-Bennett, DO

A Better You

. http://abetteryoumedispa.com/

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Massage Therapy Pain Management

Two very effective solutions to coping with pain are nutritional supplements and massage therapy.

Nutritional approaches to pain management can involve both changes in diet and the use of dietary supplements, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other substances. These strategies can be used to prevent pain or promote the relief of pain and inflammation as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy.

Studies have suggested that the use of a dietary supplement containing specific essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 (fish oil), B-vitamins, minerals (such as zinc and copper) and certain enzymes can have favorable effects on pain, specifically in patients with inflammatory disorders. They may enable patients to reduce their use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other medications.

Although nutritional therapies are often perceived to have fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals, some nutrients are known to be unsafe in certain circumstances or at certain doses. Therapeutic use of nutritional supplements should be supervised by a knowledgeable health care practitioner.

Massage therapy and pain management go hand-in-hand. As the body copes and heals there are many reasons an individual can experience pain. Medical scientific studies show that massage reduces pain and muscle spasms in patients. Massage therapy is also effective in providing long-lasting relief for patients who suffer from chronic pain as well as chronic tension headaches.

Massage has been used successfully as a non-pharmacological therapy for pain management. Many hospitals and private practices now include massage therapy in their patient care planning and execution.

The effectiveness of massage lies in a simple and direct strategy working from the external, outer mechanisms of pain to the primary, root cause. Massage therapists utilize a holistic approach, focusing on the entire body system and its relationship to soft tissue – their care is not focused solely at the site of pain.

Another benefit of massage therapy is that it helps patients become more aware of their bodies and better familiarize them with the pain they experience. The massage therapist not only helps relieve muscle and other soft tissue pain, but also has an impact on the patient by virtue of human touch.

Pain management can be challenging for anyone experiencing chronic pain or recovering from an injury. Massage therapy increases your quality of life through relief of your discomfort. Nutritional supplements can assist with prevention and reduction of inflammation; in turn reducing pain in the body.

Consider taking a well-rounded approach to pain management if you find yourself in need by incorporating the benefits of massage therapy and nutrition into your recovery regiment.