National Massage Therapy Awareness Week starts on October 22
National Massage Therapy Awareness Week is an observance held annually in the United States to raise awareness about the benefits of massage therapy for health and wellness and serves as an opportunity to highlight the various aspects of massage therapy for alternative pain management, stress reduction, injury recovery, and overall well-being.
The Structured Intensive Multidisciplinary Pain Program (SIMP) at Northwest Return to Work (NWRTW) helps clients develop self-awareness and find strategies using several alternative pain management tools such as massage. We also recommend chiropractic care, acupuncture, meditation, and craniosacral therapies, as well as regular physical activity, such as yoga, walking, or hiking. Many people feel trapped by their injuries. Increasing blood flow through massage, stretching, and breathwork can flush your body’s inflammatory process and break the cycle of pain.
Massage therapy can be highly beneficial for rehabilitation for several reasons. It can help reduce muscle tension and pain by improving blood circulation and promoting relaxation while stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. By promoting better circulation massage helps in the efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles and other tissues, aiding in the healing process and reducing inflammation.
Regular massage therapy can help improve flexibility and range of motion in joints, which is especially important for individuals recovering from injuries or surgeries, as it can enhance mobility and overall functional abilities, and can break down scar tissue and adhesions that may form following an injury or surgery.
Massage can increase overall body awareness, and aid in the rehabilitation process by encouraging individuals to be mindful of their movements and body mechanics, and provides a non-invasive form of human touch, which can be incredibly comforting and supportive during the rehabilitation journey.
It’s important to note that while massage therapy can be highly beneficial for rehabilitation, it should be integrated into a comprehensive rehabilitation program under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
NWRTW has one of the only structured, intensive, multi-disciplinary programs in the state of Washington for treating chronic pain. We utilize psychologists for psychological treatments, physical and occupational therapists for physical treatments, vocational counselors to make sure barriers to recovery are eliminated, medical doctors to oversee the program and provide information, and occupational medicine for supplements, homeopathic medicine, and pain management treatments such as massage for managing pain.
Learn more about pain management at NWRTW. If you or someone you know is suffering from pain due to a work injury, it’s time to contact NWRTW.