Living with chronic pain can dramatically impact your quality of life.
Whether it’s back and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, injuries or other conditions, the aches and discomfort can make it difficult to work, exercise and fully enjoy day-to-day activities.
Thankfully, there are many natural treatment options that can provide relief without the need for medication. One of the most effective is massage therapy.
Massage therapy offers a drug-free way to manage pain and promote overall wellness.
At NW Chiropractic and Massage in Calgary, Alberta, our team of licensed massage therapists uses a combination of techniques to help patients find relief from musculoskeletal pain and improve mobility.
Read on to learn more about the proven benefits of massage therapy and why it should be part of your pain management plan.
How Massage Therapy Reduces Pain
There are several ways that the hands-on techniques used in massage therapy can help diminish painful symptoms:
Relaxes Muscle Tension and Spasms
When muscles are overworked, injured or dealing with chronic tension, it can lead to painful spasms and trigger points.
The massage techniques our therapists use, like compression, stretching and trigger point therapy, help relax the muscular tension that is causing discomfort.
This allows the muscles to release their spasm and the trigger points to be deactivated, providing immediate pain relief.
Increases Circulation and Reduces Inflammation
Techniques like effleurage and petrissage help stimulate blood flow during a massage session. Increased circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues while flushing out inflammatory waste products. This helps reduce inflammation that can be contributing to pain.
Releases Natural Pain-Relieving Hormones
The soothing touch of a massage naturally causes the body to release hormones like serotonin and endorphins. These hormones block pain signals and induce feelings of euphoria. This helps explain why massage offers both physical and mental relief.
Breaks Up Scar Tissue and Adhesions
Injuries, poor posture and chronic muscle tightness can all lead to the formation of adhesions and scar tissue. These inflexible bands restrict normal movement and flexibility, often causing ongoing discomfort.
Specific massage techniques like cross-fiber friction, trigger point therapy and myofascial release help break down restrictive scar tissues. This restores mobility and provides pain relief.
Improves Range of Motion and Flexibility
Limited mobility in the muscles and joints can aggravate discomfort and make injuries worse over time. Massage techniques relax the muscles, loosen stiffness in connective tissues and decrease swelling to improve flexibility. As the normal range of motion is restored, painful symptoms are relieved.
The experienced massage therapists at NW Chiropractic and Massage customize each session using techniques that target the patient’s unique pain triggers and restrictions. Over a series of treatments, normal mobility is restored, muscles relax and many patients experience significant reductions in their level of discomfort.
Massage Therapy Soothes Anxiety
In addition to relieving musculoskeletal pain, massage therapy offers a natural way to manage stress and anxiety. The relaxing environment coupled with soothing touch prompts the release of oxytocin and serotonin. These “feel good” hormones lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol and induce deep relaxation.
As the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, the fight-flight hyperactivity of anxiety is calmed. Many clients report not just feeling physically relaxed but also mentally calmer and more grounded after a massage session. The reduction in anxiety can sometimes last for several days following treatment.
When part of a self-care routine, massage therapy provides a therapeutic break from anxious thoughts and worries. The focus is brought to the present moment, break negative rumination patterns and simply let go.
Massage therapy helps manage anxiety, post-traumatic stress and other conditions for better overall wellbeing.
Massage Therapy Enhances Performance and Recovery
In addition to pain relief, massage therapy also offers benefits for athletes, runners, weightlifters and those with active lifestyles. Improved circulation, flexibility and reduced muscle tension all contribute to enhanced performance.
Massage also supports faster recovery by flushing out lactic acid buildup that causes muscle soreness and fatigue.
Massage Therapy: Types that are Offered at NW Chiropractic and Massage
The massage therapists at NW Chiropractic and Massage are trained in a variety of techniques that can be customized to meet each patient’s needs:
– Deep Tissue Massage: Uses deeper pressure to reach inner muscular layers. Relieves chronic tension and pain.
– Pregnancy Massage: Safe techniques to relax muscles, reduce swelling and support the expectant mother.
– Athletic/Sports Massage: Uses stretching, compression and trigger point therapy to prevent or treat sports-related injuries.
Find Relief Through Massage Therapy in NW Calgary
If you’re looking for an effective way to manage chronic pain, call NW Chiropractic and Massage today at (403) 282-4004. Our team of experienced registered massage therapists develops customized treatment plans that reduce pain and improve function for our patients.
Conveniently located at 3604 52 Ave NW #138 in Calgary, AB, we offer early morning, evening and Saturday appointments to fit any schedule.
Don’t live with pain any longer – schedule your appointment online at https://nwcalgarychiro.ca/online-booking/ or call us at (403) 282-4004. Discover how therapeutic massage can improve your health and bring relief naturally.
