London Ontario Massage – Massage therapy is becoming an increasingly popular way to manage chronic pain naturally in London, Ontario. This article explores how regular massage can relieve chronic aches and pains, and the top massage clinic in London. Read on to learn how massage can improve your quality of life.
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than 3 months. It can be caused by old injuries, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. Living with chronic pain can negatively impact mental health, sleep, and daily activities. Medications provide limited relief and often have side effects. This is why more people are turning to massage as a natural pain management solution. Here are some of the main benefits of massage therapy for chronic pain:
Reduces muscle tension and spasms that contribute to pain. The hands-on pressure helps muscles relax. Tight, tense muscles pull on joints which enhances pain and reduces mobility. Massage releases this tension.
Improves circulation which enhances delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues. Better circulation can speed healing. Massage motions increase blood flow to nourish muscles. Enhanced circulation removes lactic acid and other waste products that cause stiffness and soreness.
Releases endorphins which are the body’s natural pain killers. Endorphins provide a soothing sensation. Massage boosts endorphins which bind to receptors in the brain to mute pain signals. This endorphin release induces relaxation.
Manages trigger points which are knotted areas of muscle that radiate pain. Massage can deactivate these trigger points. Experts believe trigger points restrict blood flow and release inflammatory chemicals. Massage increases blood flow to trigger points and stops this painful cycle.
Improves range of motion and flexibility. Gentle stretching during massage increases mobility. When muscles are tense and knotted, it limits movement that strains joints. Massage lengthens muscles and makes motion more fluid.
Reduces anxiety and stress. The relaxation response enhances mood and sleep. Massage promotes activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. This produces a state of calmness which enables the body to relax and heal.
Research confirms massage therapy significantly reduces pain, depression, and anxiety for those with chronic pain. The benefits are enhanced when massage is received regularly. Studies found the effects of massage therapy on chronic pain can last up to 6 months. However, most experts recommend bi-monthly or monthly massages. (Resource: Mayo Clinic)
There are many styles of massage. Certain techniques are better suited for chronic pain than others. Here are some of the most effective massage styles:
Swedish massage – This uses kneading, circular movements, vibration, tapping and long strokes. It’s gentle and relaxing. The improved circulation can alleviate muscle soreness. Swedish massage is a good option if you’re new to massage therapy.
Deep tissue massage – Slow, forceful strokes target deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It works out knots and tightness to relieve stiffness. Deep tissue massage is ideal for releasing chronic muscle tension and trigger points.
Trigger point therapy – Isolated finger pressure is applied to trigger points to deactivate them. This can reduce referred pain. Trigger point therapy stops the pain cycle caused by these knotted muscle areas. It’s especially helpful for back and neck pain.
Myofascial release – Sustained, gentle pressure releases restrictions in the fascia or connective tissue. This helps with limited mobility. Myofascial release improves range of motion by releasing tightness in the fascia surrounding muscles.
Neuromuscular therapy – Targeted pressure is applied to individual nerves to treat chronic pain conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Neuromuscular therapy deactivates trigger points and reduces nerve pain signals.
No matter which style you choose, work with an experienced massage therapist who can customize the techniques to your needs. Combining methods like Swedish massage and trigger point therapy can relieve muscle tension and deactivate painful trigger points.
Consistency is key for lasting pain relief. Here are general recommendations on massage frequency:
Acute pain – At least once a week for the first 4 weeks. Acute pain is severe and sudden, often caused by injuries. Weekly massage helps heal damaged muscles and reduces inflammation.
Chronic mild pain – 1-2 times per month for ongoing relief. Mild chronic pain like osteoarthritis can be managed with monthly massages to improve flexibility.
Chronic severe pain – 2-4 times monthly until the pain improves. Severe pain from fibromyalgia or sciatica needs more frequent massage to release muscle spasms and tension.
Some people opt for weekly or bi-weekly massage to better control chronic pain. The right frequency depends on your pain levels and budget. It’s best to start with 1-2 massages per month. If you don’t experience improvement, try increasing your massages to 2 to 4 times per month. Consistency is what provides lasting results.
Curious to explore other pain management techniques? Check out a few of our other services:
Chiropractic
Acupuncture
Concussion Management
Shockwave Therapy
Not all massage therapists are equally skilled. Ask these questions before booking:
Are you registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario? This ensures proper licensing. Registered massage therapists (RMTs) from accredited schools must pass a licensing exam.
How many years have you been practicing massage therapy? Look for at least 2-5 years experience. New therapists may lack the advanced skills needed to address chronic pain. Find an RMT with ample experience.
Do you have experience treating chronic pain conditions? Find someone who regularly works with your type of pain. Look for a therapist who has success treating chronic pain from arthritis, sciatica, old injuries, etc.
What massage techniques do you use for pain relief? See if they mention the most effective styles like trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Make sure they customize treatments.
Do you provide direct billing to insurance companies? This allows clients to claim massage on their benefits plans. Check if they bill major insurance providers directly for convenient claims.
What do your clients say about your massage treatments? Ask for reviews or testimonials. Positive feedback indicates their ability to reduce pain and provide a professional, comfortable massage.
Massage therapy is a manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissues (such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues) to enhance a person’s health and well-being. It involves various techniques and pressure applied to the body using hands, fingertips, elbows, or tools. Massage therapy can stimulate blood flow, reduce muscle tension, promote relaxation, and relieve pain.
Check out another one of our blog posts on Massage Therapy!
Massage therapy has numerous benefits, including:
Yes, you can discuss your preferences and needs with the massage therapist before the session. They will recommend the most suitable type of massage therapy based on your specific requirements, such as relaxation, pain relief, or pregnancy. Some common types of massages include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and prenatal massage.
Yes, massage therapy can be safe and beneficial for pregnant women. Prenatal massage focuses on addressing the unique needs of expectant mothers, such as relieving back pain, reducing swelling, and promoting relaxation. However, it is important to inform the massage therapist about your pregnancy and any related concerns to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
A typical massage session may last anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. The duration can vary depending on the type of massage therapy, your preferences, and
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We are a wellness-based clinic that focuses on a thorough assessment to help determine the root-cause of your symptoms, to get you back to moving, living and feeling well. We can’t wait to meet you!
330 Pond Mills Road, Unit 102 London, Ontario N5Z 5A9
Monday — 8am-11:30am
Tuesday — 8am-12pm & 3pm-7pm
Wednesday — 9am-2pm
Thursday — 8am-11am & 3pm-7pm
Friday — 11am-5pm
Saturday — 8am-12pm
Phone: (519) 649-4046
Email: resetchiropractic@gmail.com
Reset Chiropractic & Rehab
We are a wellness-based clinic that focuses on a thorough assessment to help determine the root-cause of your symptoms, to get you back to moving, living and feeling well. We can’t wait to meet you!
330 Pond Mills Road, Unit 102 London, Ontario N5Z 5A9
Monday — 12PM - 7PM
Tuesday — 9AM - 7PM
Wednesday — 10AM - 7PM
Thursday — 9AM - 7PM
Friday — 9AM - 4PM
Saturday — 8AM - 2PM
Phone: (519) 649-4046
Email: resetchiropractic@gmail.com
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Welcome to Reset Chiropractic & Rehab! In addition to being an experienced London ON chiropractor, we are a holistic, multidisciplinary clinic in London, Ontario run by a husband and wife team, Dr. Arjun Bali and Dr. Jess Pileggi.
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