Massage therapy is a popular form of treatment for pain relief, but can it sometimes make pain worse? In this article, we'll explore the potential risks of massage therapy and how to ensure that you get the best results from your massage. Massage therapy can be beneficial for many types of pain, including neck pain, lower back pain, and muscle tension. However, it is important to understand that massage can sometimes cause temporary inflammation in areas that the body perceives as needing attention. This process may temporarily increase inflammation (the healing response) in areas that the body thinks need attention.
Deep pressure massage is often painful, and many people enjoy the feeling of “hurting a lot” during a massage. However, this pain is actually a sign that the body does not like what it feels, also known as trauma. As a result, you may experience swelling and pain in areas that need healing. For example, if you have neck pain after a massage, it may be a sign that you have a lot of tension in that area.
This could be due to limited flexibility and mobility in your neck from sitting at a desk or leaning forward repeatedly. In some cases, inflammation that causes lower back pain can occur after a deep tissue massage. This is not a normal or expected result of massage therapy and could be due to an injury aggravated by too much pressure being applied during the massage. It is important to talk to your doctor about any injuries before getting a massage. Massage therapists may also apply stretching to patients, sometimes very strongly, and they routinely recommend it.
In some cases, this can lead to adverse effects such as headaches or even more serious conditions such as pulmonary embolism.For example, one masseuse experienced “the worst migraine of my life” after a neck and head massage. Chronic pain can be caused by complex issues, which may explain why massage works better with injuries and other acute episodes. When choosing between Swedish massage or deep tissue massage, it is important to understand the differences between them. Swedish massage focuses on relaxation while deep tissue massage focuses on realigning the muscles and relieving accumulated tension and pain.
It is best to find a massage therapist who specializes in the area or type of your injury to administer treatment for you. It is also important to take care of yourself after each massage session in order to improve your well-being and reduce pain. If you ever feel real pain during or after a massage, don't hesitate to ask your therapist to relax. In conclusion, while massage therapy can be beneficial for many types of pain relief, it is important to understand that it can sometimes make pain worse. It is best to talk to your doctor about any injuries before getting a massage and find a massage therapist who specializes in the area or type of your injury.
