Massage Therapy — It's Not Just a Spa Service

When you think of massage therapy, you might imagine a relaxing day at the spa, and while that’s bliss all on its own, massages aren’t just for relaxation. 

You can incorporate massage therapy into treatment plans for many conditions, including headaches, neck pain, back pain, and sports injuries. Massage therapy is a therapeutic practice that involves manipulating soft tissues, such as muscles and tendons, to relieve pain and reduce stress. While it’s a standalone practice, it can also complement physical therapy.

Read on as Bradley A Silva, MD, and the Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center team in Kenosha, Wisconsin, explain the many benefits of massage therapy.

Massage therapy can:

Alleviate pain and muscle tension

Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain, neck stiffness, or muscle soreness from a workout, massage therapy can target and relieve these problem areas. Depending on your injury or condition, you may benefit from various therapeutic massage techniques.

By applying pressure and manipulating your muscles, your massage therapist can release tightness in your muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.

In the case of fibromyalgia, for example, massage techniques can reduce pain, improve sleep, and combat muscle fatigue.

Improve your mobility and range of motion

Massages can help loosen joint stiffness or muscle tightness and increase your range of motion, which is beneficial if you lead an active lifestyle or are recovering from an injury. Improved flexibility can also prevent future injuries and keep you moving comfortably.

Reduce your stress

Stress wreaks havoc on your entire body, including your mental wellness. Chronic pain can contribute to stress and anxiety, and when you’re chronically stressed, your pain tolerance goes down. It’s a vicious cycle!

That’s where massage therapy comes into the picture. Massage therapy is a powerful stress reliever. The gentle touch and rhythmic movements promote relaxation and trigger the release of endorphins, your body’s natural feel-good hormones. 

Improve circulation 

The pressure applied during a massage helps move blood through congested areas, which, in turn, boosts your blood flow and oxygen delivery to your tissues. This improved circulation can aid in faster recovery from injuries and reduce swelling,

Help you recover from injury and surgery

Massage therapy can significantly aid in recovery after an injury or surgery by:

• Reducing inflammation
• Improving blood flow (which then brings healing nutrients and oxygens to promote wound healing)
• Speeding up the healing process

Some types of massage are performed in the hospital immediately after surgery to help prevent blood clots. Pneumatic compression devices use air to compress your legs — it feels similar to a leg massage — to reduce your risk of blood clots.

Boost your immune system

Yep — massage can even boost your immune system! Between improved flow of both blood and lymph fluids, massage therapy can also support your immune system.

How massage therapy can help you

Here at Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center, Dr. Silva utilizes a variety of treatments and procedures to help you get the relief you need. From physical therapy to medication management to injections, Dr. Silva creates a comprehensive treatment plan based on your diagnosis, overall health, and goals.

To learn more about massage therapy or to schedule your appointment, call us at 262-484-4035 or click here to get started.