Find out how massage therapy can relieve pain and make you feel better

Massage, or manual therapy, has been around for more than 2,000 years. It is an effective way of relieving discomfort, preventing pain and relaxing.  Modern science has shown that massage can be an effective treatment in some cases. A good massage can have significant therapeutic effects on the person’s body and mind, as well as being an effective treatment for numerous conditions.

Massage is good for health and well-being, because it acts superficially and deeply on all the muscles of the body. However, not all types of massage have the same benefits. These are the most common conditions and the most suitable massage techniques for treating them.

• Headache – cranial/head massage

Long hours in front of a computer screen, great physical effort and built up tension can cause headaches and migraines. One of the most popular remedies for these conditions is cranial or head massage. The therapist works on the head, face, neck and shoulders, the parts where the stress is most noticeable. This therapy, which stimulates blood flow, helps to relieve stiffness and mental fatigue and can be ideal for cases of insomnia, dizziness and bruxism (grinding the teeth).

• Cervical spine – relieving massage

Cervicalgia is the term used to describe discomfort in the neck, particularly at the back and sides. It is often caused by bad, repetitive posture or by staying in one position for long periods. Examples of these are spending a long time staring at a screen, sleeping in a bad position or having a nervous attack.

In cases like these, a relieving massage is generally prescribed to get rid of “knots” and restore the muscles to their natural condition. These types of treatment should be left to qualified physiotherapists, who know how to work on the parts directly affected by the contraction.

• Lower back – therapeutic massage

Many people suffer from lower back pain. Pain in the lumbar region, commonly known as ‘lumbago’, appears suddenly. It is intense and normally comes on after a sudden movement. To relieve the pain, experts recommend treating the soft tissues of the lower back and the top of the buttocks with massage therapy for around 30-60 minutes, which helps to keep muscles flexible and speed up the healing process.

• Tired legs – Lymphatic drainage

Tired and painful legs are usually caused by fluid retention. Lymphatic drainage of the legs and feet is an excellent treatment for preventing tingling, swelling and even itchy limbs.

Pressure techniques are used to stimulate the lymph fluid, which acts as an intermediary between blood and tissues, helping to flush away toxins (waste products) and improve venous return (the rate of blood return to the heart) in the body.

Don’t forget, if you have acute or chronic pain in any part of the body, you should see a specialist. Your healthcare professional will perform an anamnesis, in other words, take your medical history to rule out any possible contraindications before deciding how to treat your condition.

This post is also available in: Italian