What Are the Benefits of Remedial Massage Therapy for Pain Management and Rehabilitation?

Remedial massage uses various massage techniques to increase blood flow to the affected area, reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Remedial massage can also help break up scar tissue and adhesions formed after an injury. It can speed up recovery and improve mobility.

Increased Blood Flow

Identifying where the pain stems from can be difficult, so seeking a professional specialising in remedial massage is a good idea. To understand ​​what is remedial massage, therapists will take a detailed medical history and perform a series of diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of your pain.

Increasing blood flow during the treatment will help speed up the healing process and repair damaged tissues in the affected area. It can be especially beneficial if you have an injury or ongoing chronic conditions that must be addressed.

In addition to stimulating blood flow, massage can also help move lymph fluid. Lymph is a milky white fluid that travels through your lymphatic system, taking waste and impurities from your tissue and carrying it away from your organs.

During the treatment, the pressure created by the squeezing and pulling of the muscles causes the lymph to circulate and flushes out lactic acid from the muscles. The increased circulation of the lymph will aid in removing metabolic waste from your tissue and organs, helping you stay healthy.

Increased Immune System Function

The immune system is one of the main defences against disease, illness and infection. Its function is to attack foreign organisms like viruses and bacteria and keep the body in a state of overall good health by producing a wide range of hormones that help regulate mood, fight inflammation and decrease pain.

Remedial massage aims to improve the function of the immune system by increasing circulation, improving lymphatic drainage and enhancing the production of mood-boosting and disease-fighting hormones. In particular, it can help reduce the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone known to have detrimental effects on the immune system and which is suspected to destroy immune cells.

During your session, your massage therapist will ask you various questions about your health and what is causing you discomfort or pain. They will also observe your posture and movement to get a feel for the area of the body that needs addressing.

Reduced Anxiety and Stress

Remedial massage therapy is a safe, effective and holistic treatment that can be used for pain management and rehabilitation. It is one of the most popular forms of physiotherapy in hospitals and rehab centres. It can be a key element in helping patients to recover from injuries and chronic conditions.

Rehabilitative massages can effectively reduce anxiety and stress during a recovery period. It is because they reduce the neurohormones associated with stress, such as cortisol and endorphins. They also stimulate ‘feel-good’ hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, which can positively affect a person’s mood.

In fact, a study conducted in the United States found that massage therapy reduces stress and anxiety levels while providing numerous physical benefits for clients. The study revealed that people who received massage therapy experienced reduced stress levels and increased energy.

During the process, your therapist will use various massage techniques to improve blood and oxygen flow throughout your body. It includes increased venous return, which helps to improve circulation and reduces inflammation and pain. It also helps to encourage lymphatic drainage, which is beneficial for detoxifying the body.

Improved Sleep

Massage can improve your sleep quality and the length of time you sleep. Massage can help increase the production of serotonin and melatonin, which are chemicals that promote quality rest.

Studies have shown that patients who have received a massage before sleeping report improved sleep and deeper REM stages of sleep. They also report a more positive mood and less irritability after the treatment.

Another study of cancer patients showed that a regular massage therapy routine significantly improved their mood, pain and sleep quality. Despite the high dropout rate in this trial, the results show that massage may be effective for cancer survivors.

There is strong evidence that massage benefits people who suffer from insomnia and narcolepsy. In a clinical trial, a patient who received weekly 45-minute treatments reported improved sleep quality and increased alertness when awake.

Other studies have found that a massage can alleviate sleep issues associated with anxiety and depression. In a randomised controlled study, psychiatric inpatients who were given a series of massages were significantly more relaxed afterwards. It was accompanied by a decreased need for medication and reduced stress levels.

It could be due to the release of feel-good hormones such as dopamine, endorphins and serotonin, all produced during massage sessions. These are important for mental well-being, helping to relieve stress and anxiety.

Physiotherapy and remedial massage are effective for various chronic health conditions, including pain management and rehabilitation. If you want to learn more about how massage therapy can benefit you, talk to your physio today! They can discuss your specific requirements and recommend a tailored plan for you.