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Are you dealing with chronic pain? You’re not alone. More than 100 million Americans suffer from it. Medication is often used to help control these ailments but can lose its effectiveness over time. This is why many doctors recommend massage and physical therapy to help manage chronic pain. These two forms of therapy are often paired with other treatments or used as alternatives to medication.

Benefits of Physical & Massage Therapy for Chronic Pain

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy treats pain at its source. These professionals look for weak or stiff areas that might be contributing to overall discomfort on the body and then build a custom treatment program to provide relief.

Treatment often involves implementing a low-intensity fitness program that incorporates strengthening and flexibility exercises. For the latter, a physical therapist will use techniques such as targeted soft tissue mobilization and gentle stretching to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and relax tense muscles.

Massage Therapy

physical-therapy-high-point-ncWith so many different types available, massage is a way to alleviate chronic pain in single or multiple parts of the body. Studies show that massage therapy is an effective treatment for chronic pain, including musculoskeletal, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Massage therapy helps boost blood flow and circulation throughout the body, which provides muscles and tissues with the nutrients they need to recover. It also helps relax the muscles, improving a patient’s range of motion and relieving the stress that often comes with chronic pain.

As Alternatives to Medication

Massage and physical therapy can reduce or eliminate reliance on pain medications such as opioids. With more than 115 Americans dying every day from opioid overdoses, these prescription medications have caused a major public health crisis.

While previously medication was administered as a first-line treatment for pain management, it is now recommended that non-pharmacological treatments such as physical and massage therapy be used first. These alternative therapies provide a safe, effective, and non-addictive option for pain management without relying on medication.

 

If you are seeking a solution to chronic pain, schedule an appointment with Hands-On Health Massage & Physical Therapy in High Point, NC. Led by practitioner Malia Grimes, this pain management center provides massage and physical therapy to alleviate pain. Visit their website to learn about services and rates, or call (336) 906-2040 to schedule an appointment.

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