How to Use Massage to Heal Repetitive Strain Injuries - Affordable Massage in Jacksonville, FL

Repeat, Repeat, Repeat...Pain!
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are injuries that occur when the same movement is repeated over and over again. While RSIs are frequently associated with athletics, (for example, tennis elbow, golf elbow or a rotator cuff injury for a baseball pitcher) people from all walks of life often suffer from these injuries based on their jobs or frequent hobbies. Some of the most common instances of RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes pain in the wrist and hand from excessive typing or other hand activities; and plantar fasciitis, a recurring pain in the bottom of the foot caused by extended periods of running, walking or standing. Repetitive Strain Injuries begin with pain while performing the particular activity, but as the injury progresses, pain, numbness and tingling may occur while doing unrelated activities or upon waking. Left untreated, RSIs can progress to a level in which medications, steroid injections or surgery are recommended to alleviate symptoms.

How Can Massage Help?
Massage therapy can be used as an alternative or a complementary treatment for these painful injuries. Massage therapy is a non-invasive way to increase the mobility of joints by relaxing the tendons and muscles of the affected areas. Unlike pain medications, massage comes with no side effects besides relaxation. It will get new blood flowing to the affected area, which removes toxins and promotes healing. Regular massage can increase range of motion in the affected areas, which decreases the risk of injury. This eliminates the need to compensate with other muscles, and will improve movement efficiency.

Relieving the Stress to Heal
Finally, healing occurs most rapidly when the body is relaxed. While recurring pain can be stressful to both body and mind, massage releases endorphins to ease pain and improve mood at the same time. Your massage therapist can work with you to create a session that will address your physical concerns while putting your body into a relaxed state for optimal healing and emotional well-being.