Massage is a natural pain reliever

By Lisa Borchert, M.A.Ed., LPCC. Founder, Vivify Wellness at Avenues

As the weather ticks colder, we find our clients often report an increase in pain issues.

Although massage used to be considered an indulgence, now it’s considered best practice and is often the first line of natural treatment for chronic pain.

Therapeutic massage may relieve pain via a variety of mechanisms. For instance, muscle tension can be an underlying cause of chronic pain issues. Massage can help reduce tension in tight muscles and improve blood flow to those areas, in turn reducing pain and increasing relaxation.

In addition to the physical component of chronic pain, there is often a psychological piece. Chronic pain can cause stress levels to rise, which over time can result in sleep problems and fatigue, anxiety and depression.

The stress and pain cycle can be difficult to break, but studies have found that therapeutic massage can significantly reduce cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormone). Serotonin and dopamine (our body’s feel-good chemicals, responsible for mood) are also increased during massage.

Similar to what research supports, when our clients schedule a series of therapeutic massage sessions, they report that their pain relief is long-lasting. Vivify Wellness at Avenues has several specialized and compassionate licensed massage therapists prepared to design a massage experience around your unique needs.

Vivify Wellness at Avenues is located at 843 N. Cleveland-Massillon Road in Fairlawn. In addition to massage, Vivify also offers acupuncture, reiki, an infrared sauna and a salt room.Call 330-576-4144, or visit VivifyWellnessatAvenues.com for more information.

New clients who book any massage automatically receive a free 45-minute session in the Salt Room. Offer good through Friday, December 31, 2021.