People struggling with substance or alcohol addiction can experience painful withdrawal symptoms during recovery, such as headaches, fatigue and depression. Aside from medical interventions like counseling, massage can be a great tool to help decrease pain, improve circulation and alleviate trauma manifestations. Discover the seven benefits of massage therapy during recovery.

What is Massage Therapy?

This refers to an integrative medicine that helps enhance wellness or manage a health condition. It involves a professional therapist manipulating the body’s soft tissues to relieve muscle tension and achieve relaxation. 

Common types of this therapeutic practice include Swedish and deep tissue massage. Massage therapy comes with many advantages for people seeking relaxation and for those recovering from substance abuse.

What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy During Recovery?

In 2018, around 68,000 people died from overdose in the U.S., making clinical treatment essential. You may consider working with a qualified massage therapist if you’re seeking holistic addiction therapy for yourself or a loved one. Check out reasons why it can be beneficial during recovery:

1. Prevents Chronic Pain

Muscle aches that exist over an extended period are common among patients with substance use disorders (SUD). The cause of chronic pain and addiction can be complex and challenging to treat. Massage therapy can help reduce soreness and improve mood and energy. This relaxing tool is particularly beneficial for people who have an opioid use disorder—it can encourage better circulation so they can heal faster.

2. Helps Address a Fear of Touch

The benefits of massage therapy during recovery extend beyond removing muscle tension. It can also be a source of relief to people coping with traumatic experiences, such as those patients diagnosed with PTSD. A professional’s touch helps the brain associate physical contact with positive sensations.  

Clinical massage therapy also requires a certain level of trust between the therapist and the patient. Open communication is essential—the professional must ensure they avoid triggering any flashbacks of the patient’s trauma.

3. Boost Self-Awareness

A critical aspect of addiction recovery is learning how to manage triggers, such as anger, frustration, anxiety and boredom. Knowing how to control the urge to use helps in managing sobriety. Massage therapy is excellent for promoting a positive response and contributing to an awareness of the body. The release of toxins can help you or a loved one better avoid relapse and control cravings.

4. Aids Reduction of Symptoms 

During the early stages of recovery, patients may experience physical pain. When patients receive massage, they get muscle stimulation that sends messages to the central nervous system, releasing dopamine that brings balance to body, mind and spirit.

5. Reduces Stress

After the detoxification stage of an addiction recovery treatment, the body might experience shaking, sweating, headaches and muscle aches. Massage therapy can promote relaxation during this critical phase of the process. You or your loved one is more vulnerable to the changes in the body and environment, which is why optimal support is essential. 

Compassion is also crucial during this time. Helping a family understand what happens during treatment promotes an immersive and collaborative experience where they can better understand and support their loved ones during recovery.

6. Better Sleep Quality

Aside from blood circulation, relaxation and enhanced mood, massage therapy can promote better sleep. Patients who have insomnia and other conditions that contribute to this sleep disorder can benefit from the holistic benefits of a professional massage. 

7. Alleviates Tension

Trauma and addiction recovery can be mentally draining and cause body aches. Feelings of change, anxiety and other negative emotions can hamper your or your loved one’s journey to sobriety. One of the benefits of massage therapy is it helps relieve mental and physical tension.

Types of Massage for Recovery

Different types of massages can help aid faster healing. The three common kinds include:

1. Therapeutic Massage

This type puts pressure on soft tissues to reduce stress and promote an overall sense of well-being. Techniques used during a therapeutic massage can also help stretch muscles to promote better mobility. 

2. Deep Tissue Massage

Strains and sports injuries often require this type of technique. It involves applying pressure using slow, deep strokes to target connective tissues and inner muscle layers. A massage device can help relieve deep soreness and help you enjoy your daily activities better. 

3. Remedial Massage

This kind of massage therapy treats both superficial and deep tissues. It can help relieve muscle problems, including knotted, tense and damaged. Depending on the issue, the pressure can be deep or gentle.

A Convenient Way to Get Massage Therapy

The physical and mental benefits of massage therapy can aid addiction recovery. Take your time to research or ask a physician which type better suits you or a loved one’s journey to sobriety. If you have a question about a specific product, type of massage or benefit mentioned, don’t hesitate to reach out at your convenience. The team is dedicated to helping you find the best solution for your concerns.