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Massage Therapy for Addiction Treatment

Written by: Dr. Saman Aftab, Mental Health Writer

Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC

It's common for people in the early stages of recovery to encounter physical and emotional obstacles. Symptoms require medical management and ongoing treatment, which can be unpleasant. However, many treatments help one to heal, including massage therapy. Here are 15 benefits you can expect from massage therapy for addiction treatment.

1. RELAXATION IS POSSIBLE WITH THIS METHOD:

Massage therapy is an activity that helps relax the body and mind. You can get a massage at home or at a therapeutic spa, where you can get a full-body massage from therapists who specialize in massaging those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

A good massage will help to focus on particular areas of tension. A therapist's knowledge of the client's problem area combined with their skills becomes part of the healing process for someone with drug and alcohol addiction.

2. SLEEP CAN BE IMPROVED WITH IT:

Massages can help improve a person's circulation and decrease stiffness, regulate the production of hormones such as cortisol and HGH, soothe sore muscles, relaxes tension in the body, and improves sleep. A good massage can also ease stress, which benefits anybody's health.

3. IT CAN REDUCE ACHES AND PAINS:

Like many aspects of life, massage therapy! Regular massages are beneficial for those suffering from arthritis or injuries. It reduces discomfort and promotes healing. Studies have shown that massages minimize pain related to muscle spasms due to arthritis by up to 50%.

15 Benefits of massage therapy for treatment

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4. THE SKIN'S APPEARANCE AND HEALTH IMPROVE:

Massage therapy can help detoxify the body while gently exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells and toxins from the skin's surface. It helps improve healthy cell renewal, producing a youthful, glowing appearance.

A massage can also increase blood circulation to the skin and increase oxygen supply to cells. In addition, massages improve overall health by releasing natural endorphins (the brain's feel-good hormones). Endorphins also promote relaxation, which can improve sleep and eliminate fatigue.

5. DEPRESSION CAN BE RELIEVED BY IT:

Therapeutic massages are an established addiction treatment for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and other emotional ailments. Deep tissue massages can promote relaxation, helping the body to heal.

6. IT HELPS YOU CONNECT WITH YOUR BODY IN A NEW WAY:

Massage therapy allows someone amid recovery to slow down, which most addicts tend to avoid at all costs in their addiction days. For addicts, stopping to take care of themselves and give themselves some TLC isn't high on the priority list, but it should be - especially if they are working towards recovery! In addition, aromatherapy massages are excellent for mood elevation and a healthy mind-body connection.

7. IT HELPS THE CLIENT TO DEVELOP A HEALTHY SELF-IMAGE:

For example, a person recovering from addiction often has problems with self-esteem, which can lead to depression and other emotional issues. A masseuse supports their development of self-worth and body confidence through their expertise by helping them to see how much potential their bodies have for healing.

8. MASSAGE THERAPY IMPROVES THE CIRCULATION OF BLOOD THROUGHOUT THE BODY:

People with arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, gout, and cancer can benefit greatly from massage therapy. The gentle pressure applied during a massage stimulates blood flow throughout the body on a cellular level (which also means it helps your skin look better, too!). Further, massages raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the blood, which prevents diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Medically Reviewed:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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9. IT EASES PAIN FROM INJURIES AND CAN SPEED UP THE RECOVERY TIME FROM AN INJURY:

Massage therapy can provide effective healing after an injury. Massage treatment for simple addiction helps to speed up the healing process by stimulating tissue repair, preventing scar tissue formation, and reducing inflammation. This will help alleviate pain caused by any physical damage a person may have suffered.

10. IT IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY:

Improved connective tissue within the muscles and joints can increase flexibility, resulting in a better range of motion throughout the body. By doing this, a person will find more comfort and ease in their movements, making exercise more accessible and improving daily activities such as bending over or reaching for things.

11. IT EASES HEADACHES:

Massage therapy can be effective in treating headaches that occur because of tension in the muscles. Massage therapists can help ease tension in specific muscles, giving clients a greater understanding of how their bodies work and helping prevent recurring headaches.

12. IT HELPS PEOPLE RECOVER FROM FATIGUE:

Massage therapy can help ease the effects of fatigue, helping a person to feel more energetic and refreshed, which should reduce their level of fatigue. They will thus feel more motivated and can focus on their recovery, making staying sober much more accessible.

13. IT CAN BE EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOMS:

Massage therapy can help ease some types of fibromyalgia symptoms by improving circulation and removing toxins from the muscles. Massage therapy is also believed to release endorphins -- hormones vital for healing - into the body, helping a person deal with pain caused by muscle spasms or tightness in the muscles.

14. IT CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH BY GETTING YOU MOVING:

A good massage improves flexibility, strength, and joint mobility. This makes it easier for your body to move as you want and helps you be more physically active. Massage therapy can also enhance muscle definition, making your body look healthier and more robust.

15. IT RELAXES TENSE MUSCLES THAT PREVENTS BETTER MOVEMENT.

Massage therapy allows clients to relieve tension in specific areas of the body, leading to a better range of motion and a person to be more active, thus promoting healthier living and weight loss if desired!