Physical therapy is an important part of your recovery, which is why Dr. Dustin Hamoy incorporates physical therapy into pain management plans for sports injuries, joint pain, and many other pain conditions.
Many different physical therapy techniques are available here at Precision Laser Joint and Spine Pain Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Below, our team zeros in on one physical therapy technique — massage therapy — and highlights the many benefits of receiving it.
Massage therapy is highly effective in relieving muscle pain and tension. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia or acute injuries, massage can help alleviate discomfort.
Massage techniques such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy target specific areas of tension, improve your blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapy can help you manage non-cancer-related pain without relying on opioids. The American Massage Therapy Association also adds that massage therapy supports your mental, physical, and social wellness.
Stress and pain are connected in a vicious circle. Chronic pain can increase your pain sensitivity, and chronic pain can increase your cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress, and though it’s useful for short-term situations, chronically high cortisol can wreak havoc on your body.
By manipulating muscles and tissues, massage helps to lower cortisol levels and boosts the production of serotonin and dopamine — both of which promote feelings of relaxation, ultimately leading to a better mood, less anxiety, and an increased sense of calm.
Regular massage therapy can positively impact your immune system. Massage can increase the activity of white blood cells (leukocytes) that defend your body against infection.
Additionally, by reducing stress hormones — as mentioned in the previous section — which can weaken your immune system, massage helps to bolster your body’s natural defenses.
Massage improves your circulation — both your blood flow and your lymph flow. Because your blood carries oxygen and other nutrients, this increased circulation can help promote the healing of your injuries. More blood flow means more healing nutrients that your injured tissues can use.
Studies show that massage therapy — specifically Swedish massage — can improve circulation even in sedentary adults.
Massage therapy can help improve your flexibility and range of motion. By working on muscles, tendons, and ligaments, massage helps to increase elasticity and flexibility.
This is particularly beneficial for athletes, individuals recovering from injuries, and those experiencing age-related stiffness.
Nothing sabotages a night's sleep quite like chronic pain. The relaxation and stress relief provided by massage can lead to improved sleep quality and duration.
Poor posture can lead to a variety of health issues, including back pain, neck pain, and tension headaches. Massage therapy helps to correct postural imbalances by relaxing tight muscles and strengthening weak ones.
Our team can also provide specific posture-strengthening exercises for you to do at home.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, don’t try to push through the pain. Our team here in Glen Burnie, Maryland, can help. Massage therapy might be just one element of your pain management plan.
Depending on your symptoms and the root cause of your pain, Dr. Hamoy may recommend Kinesio® taping, MLS laser therapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), therapeutic exercises, myofascial release, or joint mobilizations.
The best part is that all these potential treatments also complement massage therapy.
To learn more about massage therapy, call 659-204-5737 to speak with our friendly staff. You can also simply click here to book your appointment easily.
