How to Use Massage Therapy to Treat 5 Different Injuries

Massage Therapy can be used to treat a multitude of injuries, conditions and health concerns.  Some may only think of massage as a way to pamper yourself and as a light and fluffy means to relaxation.

 While massage is a means of self care and can been done with light or deeper pressure receiving a massage from a Registered Massage Therapist has so many more benefits.  An RMT is trained to treat many conditions or injuries.

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For almost2 years I suffered with neck pain on my right side. Just about every-time I turned my head I would be met with sharp shooting pains that started In my shoulder and went right up to my ear. I tried all sorts of different remedies both at home and In conjunction with my doctor, all with no luck. After my very first massage It was like my eyes were finally open. Immediately after my first treatment my symptoms decreased, and after about 4-5 massages I am now feeling great and maintaining It. I went from needing to be treated once a week to once a month, and my quality of life has Improved 110%.

5 Injuries That Massage Therapy Can Help to Heal

1. Lower Back Muscle Pain


Picture1-1Over 80% of the population will suffer from lower back pain during their lives. Most cases of lower back pain can be linked to general causes such as:

  • muscle strain
  • injury
  • Over use
  • Structural Imbalances

For everyday causes of lower back pain, standard at-home pain management is a reasonable approach.

For those of you who’s lower back pain does not resolve on its own, massage therapy can provide substantial healing and pain relief for many lower back problems. Specifically, when the correct muscles are targeted, the pain can be controlled at its source—for quicker and lasting relief.

2. Plantar Fasciitis

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Plantar fasciitis, also known as plantar heel pain syndrome (PHPS), is a common pathology characterized by pain on the sole of the foot. Often, the pain is worse in the morning and when coming up on the toes of the affected foot.

Massage therapy intervention is performed with patients lying prone with their feet off the end of the table. Deep massage therapy is performed on the painful areas of the posterior calf muscle group.

Massage therapists massage the medial and lateral aspects of the posterior calf from both a medial and lateral approach with the goal of reducing trigger points in the muscle bellies and releasing tension between the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle.

3. Rotator Cuff Injuries


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The most common cause of shoulder pain is a problem with the rotator cuff muscles and tendons of the shoulder. You may have heard of these muscles before in conjunction with injuries to...

  • baseball players
  • tennis players
  • Hockey players
  • Football players

The truth is, these injuries affect most of us to one degree or another.

The most effective way to treat the rotator cuff is by treating adhesions and trigger points in the muscles and tendons. When these muscles and tendons are free of adhesions and trigger points, they will be stronger and function much better in their important job of stabilizing the shoulder joint. They also will not be a source of pain.

In addition to the hands on treatment of massage therapy, stretching the joint capsule and

comprehensively strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and also the key scapular stabilizers such as the lower and middle trapezius, the rhomboids and the serratus anterior are effective treatments.

4. Headaches

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Most of, If not all of us have had a headache at one point In our lives. They can be brought on by a number of different Influences such as:

  • tense muscles
  • environmental Influences
  • foods, or smells.

The most effective way to treat a headache Is to find the root cause. In most cases If tension Is not the root cause Its one of them, so It Is crucial to treat that first. Getting the muscles to relax and find some harmony Is the best chance you have at diminishing the headache.

In addition to the hands on services massage can offer, often the music, the warm comfortable table, and dim lights can ease a person out of a headache.

5. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD)

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TMJD Is an umbrella term used covering pain and dysfunction In the muscles of mastication and the temporomandibular joint. The most Important characteristic Is pain, restricted jaw movement, and noises from the joints during movement. It’s estimated that about 25% of the population suffers from TMJD.

Massage therapy may help to reduce joint pain and tenderness, decrease stress and depression,Increase oral opening and movement, promote relaxation and better sleep, and reduce overall tension.

Contact us now and we will book a time that works for you to come in and see our massage therapists! If you are looking to stay in the comfort of your own home that is no problem, we can have our massage therapist contact you over the phone for a consultation at the earliest of your convenience.

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FAQ

What Is the difference between relaxation and therapeutic massage?

Not much! Relaxation massages are exactly how they sound; relaxing! However, although therapeutic massages have a more clinical approach, the goal Is and always will be to relax right muscles.

Should I see a massage therapist If Im not In pain?

Yes! One of the best ways to stay out of pain Is to create a routine to proactively keep yourself away from it!  

Is Massage Always Beneficial?

 No. Sometimes when your injury is too acute, a massage is contraindicated. Although, if you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and have broken your leg, you can still receive treatment on your neck and shoulders to help with whiplash or just to help you manage stress reduction.

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