The field of massage therapy draws practitioners for many reasons, and by undertaking massage continuing education they are able to acquire the skills that extend their foundation learning to allow them to focus on a range of modalities.  In that original training they will have learned about the different applications and specialties that a licensed massage therapist (LMT) can explore, but the in-depth training in each can only be covered by further study.

Pain Relief Through Massage

Using massage therapy to help ease pain for those with injury, chronic pain or in post-surgery recovery is an extremely rewarding specialty to study and practice.

Massage is proving to be a very effective therapy for controlling pain, and it works at a number of levels.

• Visceral Massage – Internal organ massage performed by those with very specific training. Visceral massage releases tension in the gut and can relieve back pain.
• Neuro-muscular Therapy – Releases tense muscles, ‘entrapped’ nerves and trigger points.
• Craniosacral Therapy – Can correct scoliosis, and helps to aligns cranial bones, the jaw, sacrum and spine.
• Joint Mobilization – Focuses on opening tight joints, allowing surrounding muscles to relax.  It is a slow, non-thrusting procedure.

Pain Signal Intervention

Practitioners who have undertaken massage continuing education believe that by using  a therapy based on “gate control theory”, the rubbing  that is involved interferes with the pain signals pathway to the brain.  Pain impulses are known to travel on nerves towards the spine, and then up the spinal cord to the brain – at which point the ‘impulses’ are perceived as ‘pain’.

When massage or rubbing is used, other impulses are also sent along those nerves, impeding the progress of the pain impulses.

Massage Attracts Natural Painkillers

Massage therapy can also stimulate the release of endorphins into the brain and nervous system. Endorphins are often described as natural ‘morphine-like’ substances and their release has been shown to reduce pain.

Deep Relaxation

Massage therapy techniques relieve stiffness, spasm and muscle tension, all of which are contributors to pain. Tense muscles are often deprived of oxygen, and this tightness can inhibit blood circulation to the area.

Massage is acknowledged as a great way to improve blood circulation, bringing to the muscles much needed oxygen. When the muscle relaxes post-therapy, the pain decreases.

What Types of Pain Can Massage Help?

We know that massage can help most pain caused by muscle tension, including back, neck, head and shoulder pain, by releasing tightness and easing the tension in muscles.

Massage is increasingly being used to relieve the pain caused by arthritis and as way of managing pain for those with chronic and terminal illness.

When looking at options for massage continuing education, considering pain relief therapy can broaden the scope of your massage practice and positively impact the lives of many.

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