 | Robb Rose is Director of Marketing Operations at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita. Robb is also a Respiratory Therapist, Boarded Disability Analyst and Adjunct Faculty for Wichita Sate University. He holds a Masters in Human Resources from Webster University. Robb serves on the American Lung Association Regional Council and the American Heart Association Board of Directors. Robb is married and has 2 children. He can be reached at (316) 729-9999 |
Health & Rehabilitation
2009-05-01 11:45:00
Continuing pain in joints and muscles
Question: I continue to have pain and tingling in my joints and muscles, long after my accident and recovery. Is there anything else I can do besides medications?
Answer: Depending upon what kind of accident you originally suffered, the answer could very well be “Yes.” Many times muscular and joint pain can cause us to tighten up even more in a natural protective reflex manner that can increase the pain even more. This perpetuates the pain cycle, and then we react by doing less and less in terms of exercise and stretching. Exercise and stretching increase blood flow, which warms and heals the area of pain.
Many patients look forward to therapeutic massage by a physical therapist or even a certified massage therapist, as it brings physical and even emotional relief. A therapeutic massage by an educated and trained therapist can be a much needed “healing touch.” Dr. Sunil Mathews, a neurologist at North Texas Neuroscience Center in Irving, Texas, recommends massage therapy as an adjunct to prescribed physical therapy after consulting your physician. Patients with hypersensitive nerves can end up with worsening pain, and patients with numbness can receive too deep a massage that causes further damage, due to the inability to provide sensation feedback to the therapist. Your doctor will know if either of these conditions exists.
Therapeutic massage generally has few serious risks when done by appropriate professionals, and all involved are aware of the patient’s condition. Massage relaxes muscles, reduces pain and improves blood flow. Many neurologic diseases such as Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis respond well to massage therapy.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
•Stress reduction
•Pain reduction
•Reduced swelling and inflammation
•Circulation increased
•Muscle and tissues relaxed
•Release of accumulated toxins
•Improved energy levels
•Emotional improvements
Massage therapy is known to stimulate the release of serotonin. Serotonin is a natural chemical in the body that improves mood and reduces pain, along with reducing cortisol which is a natural stress hormone. Benefits of massage therapy can be felt the day of the therapy and the benefits can extend as far as a week afterward. Different types of massage can relieve muscle stiffness, headaches, neck and back pain, as well as deep muscle tissue healing. Postoperative massage therapy can greatly improve healing and mobility as it can prevent scarring and fibrosis, which tighten muscles and joints. Regular massage has proven the most beneficial over the course of time, versus sporadic massage.
A physical therapist or a certified massage therapist can teach a patient self-massage and stretching exercises that can get you through some of the pain on your own. Consult your physician and always listen to your body, as it can let you know your limits and possibilities.
