How to use massage to manage chronic pain

Living with pain is an all-too-common experience for many people.

Whether it’s chronic pain due to a medical condition or acute pain resulting from an injury or illness, the experience can be debilitating, affecting not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being.

Coping with pain can be a challenging and exhausting process, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach that includes medication, physical therapy, and psychological support.

Despite the many challenges that come with living with pain, there are also ways to manage and alleviate it. With the right tools, support, and resources, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life despite ongoing pain.

How to use massage for pain management

Massage can be an effective pain management technique for various types of pain including chronic pain due to medical conditions or acute pain resulting from an injury or surgery. Here are some tips on how to use massage as a pain management technique:

1. Identify the source of your pain: Before starting any massage techniques, it is essential to identify the source of your pain. This will help you to target the affected area more precisely and ensure that you are not exacerbating the pain.
2. Seek professional guidance: If you have severe or chronic pain, it is advisable to seek guidance from a professional massage therapist who has experience in dealing with pain management. They can provide you with customized massage techniques to target your specific needs.
3. Use gentle pressure: When performing self-massage, use gentle pressure to avoid aggravating the pain. Applying too much pressure can cause more harm than good.
4. Focus on trigger points: Trigger points are areas of tightness or tension in the muscles that can cause pain. Massaging these trigger points can help to release the tension and alleviate pain.
5. Consider different types of massage: There are various types of massage that can be used as a pain management technique, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and reflexology. It is worth exploring different options to find the technique that works best for you.
6. Make it a regular practice: Massage is not a one-time solution for pain management. It is essential to make it a regular practice to experience the full benefits. Consider incorporating massage into your self-care routine to help manage your pain effectively.

Try a massage class

Goldster offers live online massage classes where you can gain knowledge about anatomy and ways to prevent common muscular issues. These classes are led by massage expert Daniel Hope, who will guide you through self-massage techniques to help ease aches and pains.

Discover what causes certain conditions and how to soothe them, while also practicing seated massage, floor work, and stretching exercises to work towards a pain-free lifestyle.

To expand your knowledge and techniques, consider pairing these sessions with a class from Goldsters resident reflexologist Aimee Moore, available on Thursdays at 8:30 am and Sundays at 9 am. Together, these offerings provide a comprehensive toolkit to help you manage pain symptoms.

Special Offer: Get unlimited access to Goldster for three months, for just £3 per month.
Sign up to Goldster to join these classes

Upcoming classes (recordings will be available):

4pm Friday 3th March – Carpal Tunnel / Arm pain
– Moisturiser or lotion
– Pillow to rest arms on to
– Can also be performed resting arms on a table

11am Saturday 4th March – Arms – (Tennis/golfers elbow)
– Lotion
– Comfortable position to massage arms on
– Small tea towel

4pm Friday 10th March – Sinus Pain
– Facial oil or oil based moisturiser
– Gua Sha stone if you wish

11am Saturday 11th March – All over energising massage
– Oil or lotion
– Comfortable seated position

4pm Friday 17th March – Plantar Fasciitis / foot pain
– Lotion or moisturiser
– Tennis or Lacrosse ball
– Foot stool (if sat on a chair) or supported position on the floor

11am Saturday 18th March – Head & Neck Massage (Lying on floor)
– Lotion or moisturiser
– A tennis or lacrosse ball

4pm Friday 24th March – TMJ – Jaw pain
– A face lotion
– Tissue paper or a small towel

Saturday 25th March – Total Relaxation of the body
– Comfortable seated Position
– Lotion
– A warm drink

4pm Friday March 31st – Leg pain / restless leg syndrome
– Lotion
– Foot stool

Saturday April 1st –  Neck and shoulders
– Lotion
– Towel
– Comfortable seated position

Previous classes you can watch recordings of:

3rd Feb – Upper body focus – Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

10th Feb – Lymphatic drainage

17th Feb – Arthritis in hands

18th Feb – All over relaxing massage

24th Feb – Cramping / calves & back

25th Feb – Neck & shoulders

Special Offer: Get unlimited access to Goldster for three months, for just £3 per month.

Sign up to Goldster to join these classes