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Everyone experiences pain, regardless of whether it is caused by a stiff neck, lower back strain, sports injury, or something chronic like arthritis. Modern medicine has many methods for addressing pain, but more and more people are exploring holistic or non-pharmacological strategies. One of the oldest and most trusted methods of pain relief? Body massage.
Massage therapy has been used for relaxation for a long time, but there is plenty of new scientific research to show that it can also be useful in controlling pain in the body. Massage is effective in alleviating muscle tension, improving circulation, and stimulating the body’s pain relievers. It is much more than relaxation; it is a scientifically based method of relief. This blog explores how massage therapy helps relieve pain, the types of pain it can treat, what research says, and why more healthcare professionals are incorporating it into pain management regimens.
Massage therapy helps relieve pain by manipulating the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia in several different ways. But pain relief isn’t just about kneading muscles—science shows that massage activates physiological responses that benefit the entire nervous system.
The most researched area of massage therapy is back and neck pain. Studies show that regular massage sessions significantly reduce both acute and chronic lower back pain, sometimes rivalling the effects of medication or physical therapy.
Massage helps reduce stiffness and pain in joints by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. It’s often used alongside physical therapy for osteoarthritis patients.
People with fibromyalgia experience widespread muscle pain and fatigue. Research shows that consistent massage improves sleep quality, reduces cortisol levels, and eases discomfort.
Tension headaches caused by tight neck and shoulder muscles can often be alleviated with massage. Some migraine sufferers also report fewer and less severe episodes with regular massage therapy.
Body massage near me plays a critical role in rehabilitation by loosening scar tissue, reducing stiffness, and improving range of motion, helping people recover more quickly and comfortably.
Athletes frequently use massage to aid recovery. Techniques like deep tissue massage help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and prevent future injuries.
A recent meta-analysis published in Pain Medicine in 2016 reviewed over sixty studies and provided positive support for the hypothesis that massage produces significant and clinically meaningful reductions for most measures of pain, especially musculoskeletal pain. Specifically, the meta-analysis found support for massage to relieve acute and chronic pain across populations and types of pain.
Research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine showed that chronically ill patients with back pain who received ten weeks of massage therapy had clinically meaningful improvements in pain-related dysfunction and less discomfort than patients who received usual care. An article published in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork shows support for patients with tension headaches, reporting a decrease in pain of 30% after one massage.
Swedish massage therapy can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to help lower heart rate and lower cortisol levels (stress hormone) that are typically elevated during periods of pain. Massage therapy may help reset the nerve pain signals that occur in conditions like neuropathy.
Massage is increasingly being used alongside traditional treatments in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and wellness clinics. It’s non-invasive, generally safe for all ages, and complements treatments like physical therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic care. Importantly, massage is now recognised as a vital component in managing chronic pain without relying solely on medications, particularly opioids. Doctors and pain specialists recommend massage to:
If you experience any of these, massage therapy could be highly beneficial:
Massage should only be used with caution while experiencing acute injuries, fractures, infections, or specific medical conditions; or if you have underlying health concerns, it is always best to check with your healthcare provider before starting a new massage routine.
Science increasingly supports what ancient traditions have long known—body massage isn’t just relaxing, it’s a therapeutic powerhouse for pain relief. Whether you’re battling back pain, recovering from injury, or living with chronic discomfort, the healing power of touch can make a real difference in your quality of life.For those in Lagos seeking professional pain-relief massage services in the comfort of their own home, Massage At Home Lagos offers highly trained therapists who blend science-backed techniques with personalised care. Explore how expert massage therapy can help you move, sleep, and feel better—starting today.
