It has been referred to as “The Silent Epidemic”. Recent studies show that one in five Canadians, nearly seven million people, suffer from chronic pain.
Be it due to illness, ongoing pain from tissue damage, or prolonged post-surgery recovery, the effects of chronic pain are devastating, leaving those in its grip feeling helpless, depressed and wondering if they will ever experience a full life again.
And it doesn’t just affect the elderly or the injured, many Canadian children are living with chronic pain as a result of illness or injury.
According to the Canadian Pain Society, chronic pain, defined as pain that lasts for longer than three months, is the most common reason why people seek health care. It accounts for up to 78% of visits to the emergency room and costs our healthcare system more than cancer, heart disease and HIV combined. Estimates place direct healthcare costs for Canada to be more than $6 billion per year.
Patients looking to manage their pain are becoming increasingly frustrated by a medical system that offers limited education for pain assessment and lacks the funds for chronic pain research. Many are prescribed addictive medications to alleviate their symptoms only to find themselves reliant on drugs that may have associated side effects.
The role of massage therapy in managing pain
Complementary and non-addictive responses to pain management such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, dietary supplements and yoga are becoming increasingly popular as Canadians seek alternatives ways to manage their pain.
The massage therapist’s approach to pain relief involves a holistic analysis of the patient’s pain, focusing on the entire body and its relationship to the pain site. Therapists help patients to become more aware of their body and better understand the root cause of their pain.
For patients who may have undergone a psychologically traumatic surgery, such as a mastectomy, the healing touch of massage can be very comforting and help build self esteem as they adapt to their new body shape.
Massage therapy relieves muscle spasms and tension by loosening tight muscles and constricted bands of tissue. It has been proven to be effective in decreasing pain levels associated with the following conditions:
- Cancer-related fatigue and pain
- Chronic neck pain
- Low back pain
- Chronic pain syndromes in arthritis and diabetes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Postoperative pain
- Immune system functioning
- High blood pressure
Studies have shown that regular massage therapy also decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while increasing feel-good endorphins. This restoration of the body to a more balanced hormonal state helps to decrease the stress and anxiety associated with chronic pain.
If you would like to discuss how massage therapy can help manage your pain, contact Heather via email or by phone at 604-857-3599. If you would like to go ahead and book an appointment, click the click the button below, or call the clinic.