Massage therapy is a form of rehabilitation where the muscles and soft tissues in the body are manually manipulated through physical pressure and movement. This type of therapy can be immensely beneficial as a part of a comprehensive injury recovery plan for reducing pain, tension, and stress.
Post-Injury Benefits of Massage Therapy
Following an injury, massage therapy is a valuable method for helping a patient improve their health-related quality of life and return to their most optimal physical state. Massage applied to an injured part of the body stimulates circulation within the muscles and tissues, resulting in reduced inflammation and increased blood flow to the area, as well as a quicker healing process. It also reduces the pain caused by the injury and improves the function of that body part over time.
Injury Prevention
Regular massage therapy can also be an advantage in preventing future injuries, as the improved blood flow and oxygen to the muscles combined with an increased range of motion and muscle recovery keeps the body healthy, balanced, and strong. It also activates the production of white blood cells, which boosts the immune system by fighting against infection.
Other Health Benefits
Massage therapy offers plenty of other health benefits as well, including:
- Muscle relaxation
- Decreased muscle stiffness
- Improved flexibility
- Strengthened immune response
- Lowered stress
- Improved sleep quality
The Different Types of Massage Therapy
Massage therapists use their hands, elbows, and forearms to perform a variety of massage techniques, including:
- Deep Tissue: Uses slow strokes that focus intense pressure on deep layers of muscles and tendons to relieve tension.
- Trigger Point Massage: Targets specific areas of muscle tissue in the body to relieve discomfort from tightness and muscle knots.
- Shiatsu Massage: Places deep pressure on precise points of the body, called acupressure points, for improving flow and reliving blockages.
Excelsia Injury Care is Here to Help with Your Chronic Pain
Massage therapy is a great treatment alternative to opioid medications and medical procedures for managing acute and chronic pain, dependent on the severity of injury. At Excelsia, our team of experts can diagnose the root causes of your pain and develop an effective treatment plan to get the pain relief that you deserve.
If you’ve been in an auto accident or have experienced an injury at work, visit your pain management physician or call us to get the help you need to get better.