CAN MASSAGE HELP MY PAIN?
To quote one of our more famous teachers in the massage world, Whitney Lowe, it depends
We at Allied Massage Sterling Heights, MI work with a great number of clients who are in pain. Their pain may be acute and short-lived, or chronic. It may be soft tissue or skeletal pain. Our clients may have been managing their pain for years, or just a few days. Some may used over the counter medication alone to deal with their pain, while others have success with massage therapy. Still others may prefer to have their medical doctor manage their pain.
We would never presume to tell you that massage therapy is the answer to your pain. Our experience is that quite often our clients need different treatments throughout the course of their healing (medication, massage, physical therapy, exercise, etc.). We can only educate you about what we know best, and that is bodywork. Read on, then you decide what's best for you.
Why Do My Muscles Hurt?
When you overdo it, whether it is yard work, house work or athletic endeavors, you will quite often experience pain in your soft tissue; muscles, tendons, fascia. This may result because of some minor micro tearing of the muscle fibers, more commonly known as muscular sprain or strain. It may also be the result of hypertonic or tight muscles, or fascia, (the connective tissue that forms the web that encases our muscles and organs). It seems we have all experienced minor muscular pain at one time in our lives, and it usually heals itself. Some people prefer to seek massage therapy to soothe these aches and pains, while others prefer to see a medical doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor.
We at Allied Massage Therapy of Sterling Heights, MI specialize in Therapeutic and Orthopedic Massage. This means our training and expertise is geared toward addressing dysfunction in the soft tissue of the body, specifically pain and loss of range of motion. It is always important to give your massage therapist a complete health history before your massage. We always ask you to complete our Client Intake Form on your first visit, to help us assess your condition. We need to know both current issues that may have contributed to your pain condition, as well as past events.
It may be that you were involved in an automobile accident a few years ago, but only now are experiencing back pain. It may be that you recently moved into a new home, and lifted many heavy boxes., resulting in low back spasms. Perhaps you were just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia by your doctor, and are experiencing pain throughout your body. Based on your health history, we will determine your treatment plan.
We always advise our clients to seek the advice of their doctor when they are in pain. Providing the doctor approves, we may then begin a course of massage therapy.
So How Can Massage Help My Pain?
Massage promotes circulation and the flow of lymph throughout the body. The lymphatic system is the body's immune system, and assists in the filtering of toxins and metabolic waste from the body. Gently massaging an injury site signals the body to send repair cells to the site. Massage can also assist in moving waste matter out of an injury site, by increasing the flow of lymph. Massage also soothes the mind, and calms the nervous system. To discuss the details of your condition, please call our office for a free consultation.
