Massage Therapy

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia) to promote health and well-being. For chronic pain, massage can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, promote relaxation, and may directly reduce pain. It's one of the most commonly used complementary therapies.¹

How It May Help²

• Reduces muscle tension
• Improves blood circulation
• Promotes relaxation
• May reduce stress hormones
• Can release trigger points
• Improves range of motion
• Provides therapeutic touch

Types of Massage³

Swedish Massage

• Long, flowing strokes
• General relaxation
• Good for beginners

Deep Tissue

• Firmer pressure
• Targets deeper muscle layers
• For chronic tension

Myofascial Release

• Targets fascia (connective tissue)
• Sustained pressure
• For restrictions and trigger points

Trigger Point Therapy

• Focuses on specific tight spots
• Direct pressure to release knots

Evidence

• Some evidence for low back pain
• May help neck and shoulder pain
• Beneficial for fibromyalgia in some studies
• Effects often short-term
• More research needed

What to Expect

• Sessions typically 30-90 minutes
• You undress to comfort level
• Communication about pressure is key
• May feel relaxed or tired after
• Some soreness next day is normal

Finding a Therapist

• Look for licensed massage therapist (LMT)
• Ask about experience with chronic pain
• Get referrals
• Many insurance plans don't cover
• Some pain clinics offer massage

When to Avoid

• Active inflammation or infection
• Blood clots
• Open wounds
• Severe osteoporosis
• Some cancers (check with doctor)

Self-Massage

• Foam rollers
• Tennis balls
• Massage tools
• Can complement professional massage

References

1. Field T. Massage therapy research review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016;24:19-31.
2. Furlan AD, Giraldo M, Baskwill A, et al. Massage for low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;9:CD001929.
3. Crawford C, Boyd C, Paat CF, et al. The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations—a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2016;22(3):223-237.