Benefits of Massage in Long Term Rehab
As we know, there are many benefits of massage, but how does it play a role in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries?
We will explore the benefits of massage in long term rehab and how it can improve general recovery time.
The importance of rehabilitation
Living a good quality life is dependent on keeping our bodies in good working order. Injuries and pain can be very inconvenient. In fact, poorly managed injury and pain can lead to long-term dysfunctions.
Your best chance to restore your body is through proper rehabilitation. Choosing to do nothing will end in long-term pain, dysfunction, and even possible disability.
Benefits of massage
- Improved blood and lymphatic flow
- Pain reduction and management
- Improved mobility
- Reduced stress
These benefits aid in a successful rehabilitation. Having pain means less mobility and injuries may further damage muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, skin and other soft tissues. This makes it hard for the body to repair.
By applying massage therapy, we can improve the blood flow to areas that are often restricted, which in turn speeds up the healing process.
Massage also enhances the effectiveness of rehabilitation protocols and improves the positive effect of rehab programs.
For example, if a rehab program includes strength training, massage can improve the recovery time after that exercise, allowing you to train more often. This translates to a faster and healthier rate of strength increase.
Another benefit includes joint stability. Massaging the area can improve our body’s sense of movement, force, and body position. This enhances our body’s ability to support itself.
Although massage is considered a medical practice, it shouldn’t be used on its own for rehabilitation. This is a ‘complementary’ medicine’. Meaning it should be used with other strategies and if necessary, medications, drugs or surgery to enhance your recovery.
In the hands of a skilled massage therapist, you can complement other allied health professionals and their treatments for better client care and rehabilitation.
Long-term Rehabilitation
It doesn’t matter if your rehab is meant to be short or lengthy. Massage is a long term intervention. It will initially complement the initial specialist program (GP, Physio, Osteo, etc) after that it should continue as prevention for the original condition. This will also treat additional dysfunctions in other areas of the body.
Cost of care can be a big factor for long term rehabilitation. However, it comes down to the quality of life you want now and in the future. Some insurances may even cover the cost or doctor prescribed massage. Ongoing massage treatments shouldn’t be viewed as a luxury, but a necessity for long-term health, along with physical activity and good nutrition.
A good massage therapist will advise you on how to stay injury free and ways you prevent injury and improve your health. This in turn will reduce the cost of maintaining a healthy, mobile and pain free body.
If you are interested in massage for your long term rehab, give Massage By Jen a try. Send us a message with any questions or book your appointment directly from our website here. Hope to see you soon!