Overview

Clinical massage therapy is a very effective way to help patients who suffer from chronic pain. It is also beneficial for a number of musculoskeletal injuries.

Unlike regular massages, clinical massage therapy employs an array of evidence-based techniques that can be tailored to the patient’s needs. This is a therapeutic practice, not a simply enjoyable activity.

Keep on reading to discover the amazing benefits of this therapy that no one is talking about!

The benefits of orthopedic massage therapy

1.     Reduces muscle tension

By allowing blood to flow to your muscles, clinical massage therapy can lower muscle tension significantly. As a result, it will decrease post-exertional recovery time.

Moreover, the active and passive contractions of the muscle aid in loosening up the fibers, along with the attached tendons.

2.     Relieves chronic pain

Chronic pain refers to feeling pain for a long time after the initial injury. Some people experience chronic pain without a notion of trauma – we call it idiopathic chronic pain.

Relative to receiving no treatment, a few sessions of clinical massage therapy managed to induce pain relief in patients.

3.     Promotes relaxation

Several studies found that clinical massage therapy is a powerful anxiolytic (i.e., anxiety-relieving) tool to help with anxiety and stress.

Experts theorize that massage therapy optimizes the regulation of hormones, such as endorphins, which make you feel more relaxed and less stressed.

4.     Increases flexibility and range of motion

Last but not least, getting regular clinical massages will improve your flexibility and joint range of motion.

You see, the active and passive stimulation of the ligaments and tendons prevent stiffness, allowing you to move freely and decreasing your risk of injuries.

A 2017 meta-analysis advocated for this theory, adding that people who received clinical massage therapy reported significant improvement in their shoulder range of motion.

Techniques of clinical massage therapy

Active engagement – your therapist will use this technique to relieve your neck and lower back pain. The amazing thing about active engagement is that it can reach deeper muscles.

Neural mobilization – if your pain is the result of a nerve issue, your therapist will use this technique to pinpoint the original location of the pain and address it.

Muscle energy technique – this technique has two components: active contraction of the muscles and resistance to the movements of muscles. Your therapist may recommend this technique for back pain.

Myofascial release – this form of massage therapy targets the fascial tissues to improve blood flow to the injured muscles. As a result, all the repair-promoting substances reach the site of injury.

Takeaway message

Most people who receive orthopedic massage therapy wonder why they did not opt for this technique in the first place.

We hope that this article helped you appreciate the potential role of orthopedic massage therapy and how it could help millions of people who suffer from injury.

Here’s to your health!

Click for more information about Dr. Kevin Crawford, Orthopedic Surgeon

Sports Medicine Lubbock, Top Orthopedic Surgeon in Lubbock Texas

Dr. Kevin Crawford

Enjoy life to its Fullest!

Sports Doctor Lubbock

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.