Natural Pain Management
More than 100 million Americans experience chronic pain, which is defined as any discomfort that lasts three to six months or longer. For generations the standard protocol for treating pain has primarily been prescriptions and over the counter pain medications. This standard protocol has contributed to the ever increasing opioid epidemic. Sustained use of painkillers can lead to additional problems including liver failure, stomach ulcers, and addiction. According to a study conducted by the Institute of Medicine of The National Academies, chronic pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined.
Relieving Pain Naturally- Drug-Free Options for Managing Chronic Pain
While prescribed medications have their place in pain management, remember that the pain medication addresses the symptom, (pain), not the cause. We address relieving pain, while focusing on the underlying causes. Often the bodies response to pain or injury creates a cycle which includes inflammation, edema, (swelling), and restrictions in the soft tissue. We address these responses with a combination of integrative therapies that work with the lymphatic system, nervous system and the circulatory system. This combined therapy approach you receive will be tailored specifically to your needs. We utilize several therapy methods and work in conjunction with your existing prescribed medical care.
The primary modalities we use are:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
- Therapeutic Massage
- Massage Cupping
- MPS (Micro Current Point Stimulation)
- Thermotherapy, which is the use of heat
- Cryotherapy, which is the use of cold
- Aromatherapy
Activating Endorphin’s
Endorphin’s are the natural pain relievers produced by your body. Research has shown that massage therapy not only helps with relaxation, but can help diminish the body’s perception of pain. Therapeutic Massage brings increased blood flow to injured or painful areas, which helps the body to naturally nourish and heal the soft tissues. Massage therapy releases endorphin’s, which are the body’s natural analgesics.
Reduce inflammation-a contributor to pain
Inflammation is often referred to as the fire within. Inflammation is a leading contributor to most forms of chronic pain, and reducing the inflammation will help reduce your pain. Each of the modalities we use contributes to the reduction of inflammation and pain.
Thermotherapy
One way we address inflammation is through the use of thermotherapy. We apply heat in conjunction with the other combined therapies to the area of pain. Injuries can result in muscular strains, creating tension in the muscles and soft tissues. As a result, this restricts proper circulation and sends pain signals to the brain. Heat therapy increases the flow of healing oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area, and it suppresses pain signals. Heat therapy helps in releasing restrictions in the soft tissues in areas such as near the spine. This includes muscles, connective tissue, and adhesion’s. Not only can this help with inflammation but can decrease stiffness and increase flexibility and the overall feeling of comfort.
Thermotherapy or heat therapy works through several mechanisms:
- It dilates the blood vessels of the muscles. This process increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, helping the body to naturally heal damaged tissue.
- Heat stimulates the sensory receptors in the skin, which will decrease transmissions of pain signals to the brain and help to bring comfort and relief.
Cryotherapy
The word cryo comes from the Greek and means cold. We utilize the benefits of cryotherapy or ice therapy with cold compacts when appropriate in conjunction with other modalities. This helps the body by acting as a local anesthetic and by slowing nerve impulses, which in turn can interrupt the pain signals generated in the affected area. Intermittent compression also has a positive impact on swelling reduction and hence tissue repair by enhancing lymphatic flow recovery, which leads to normal tissue functions being restored more quickly. Researchers have proven that cold treatment provides an analgesic (numbing) effect by lessening pain mediator production and slowing nerve pain signals. Ice compacts decrease local inflammation and expedite healing.
Aromatherapy
There is a variety of literature published on the benefits of aromatherapy and the application of pure essential oils. Used in combination with Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Therapeutic Massage, Massage Cupping and MPS the synergy can trigger a natural calming response. There are studies reporting the benefits of essential oils in conditions even as complex as fibromyalgia. According to a study in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, people with fibromyalgia who applied a mixture of oils (including rosemary, eucalyptus, and aloe vera) to areas of discomfort as needed for one month reported significantly less pain than those using a placebo oil. Essential oils have many benefits and when combined in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities it can help the body in providing natural pain relief.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a gentle manual therapy technique that stimulates a malfunctioning or fatigued lymphatic system. Keeping the lymphatic system in good condition is imperative for the promotion of good health, and for restoring good health when the system has been compromised. Lymphatic massage can reduce the pain, inflammation and scarring associated with fluid retention, or edema.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, naturally reducing stress and stress hormones. A Lymphatic Drainage Massage session is profoundly relaxing as it calms the nervous system, reduces pain and restores balance. The gentle touch of lymphatic massage soothes and calms the nervous system. This can improve sleep and reduce depression, anxiety, and other effects of stress and pain. As attention shifts to the pleasant sensation of relaxation the grip of pain may also greatly recede. This deeply relaxing technique can even help reduce chronic pain from conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and headaches.
You can learn more on the lymphatic system tab of the website Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Massage Cupping
Massage Cupping techniques sedate the nervous system, move stagnant lymph and blood, hydrate and nourish tissue, shift tissue PH, and can be used on acute and chronic conditions for all ages. Massage cupping or MediCupping draws the inflammation out from deep in the tissues to be released. The increased local blood supply to the muscles and skin will bring nourishment and allow for toxins to be carried away via the lymphatic system. Integrating the application of liniments, analgesics, plant hydrosols and essential oil blends immediately after treatment will enable absorption of the product deep into the tissue. Conditions of chronic and acute pain can be relieved with minimal discomfort and tense muscles softened quickly and easily.
Learn more about Massage Cupping and MediCupping on the website section Massage Cupping
MPS-Microcurrent Point Stimulation
This technique and tool has shown through research to accelerate healing more than lasers, TENS, Acupuncture, or Manual Therapies. The microcurrent stimulation on soft tissue, acupressure points and trigger points releases the restrictions. The term ‘release’ refers to the releasing or relaxing of contracted and tightened tissue. Releasing these underlying restrictions in the soft tissue can significantly reduce stress and pain levels.
Learn more on the website or click this link about MPS
We have found that using the combination of each of these powerful techniques has a profound effect on reducing pain naturally. These techniques assist the body in its amazing ability to heal, restore and recover. Contact us today if you have questions about the techniques, natural pain management or to schedule your session. Call us today to take the next step to get started with helping your body recover and activate the bodies natural pain relief and healing systems.