Can Massage Therapy Relieve Migraines?
Those who suffer from migraines know just how debilitating it can be when they feel a migraine coming on. Many people rely on medication to prevent and treat these migraines. This is an effective way to relieve pain, but there is modern research that shows massage therapy may work just as well or as a complementary solution to combat migraines. This is particularly helpful for patients who suffer from side effects from medications. As research continues to unlock the secrets of migraines, let’s look at some of the benefits of a massage for migraine sufferers, and how you can work it into your treatment plan. It has also been shown to help improve sleep and reduce stress.
Before we go over the reasons why you may want to consider massage for headaches, it’s important to remember to always consult with your physician first if you are experiencing any kind of head pain. Migraines can be a sign of a more severe head injury or illness, so it’s important to give your massage therapist a better understanding of your migraine pain before they begin treatment. This will allow them to put together the best plan for your massage so you can experience maximum comfort and return to a pain-free life.
Massage Therapy and Migraines
Massage therapy has been used as a treatment plan for people suffering with pain for thousands of years. Combined with the knowledge and expertise of a trained massage therapist who specializes in migraine massage, patients experience significant relief and improved life quality.
Studies have shown that migraine massages don’t just reduce pain, but also the frequency and severity of migraines. Patients have reported having a significant reduction in pain according to recent studies. They have also demonstrated a reduced frequency of migraines and fewer problems with sleep. They have also been found to have higher levels of serotonin, the hormone that improves your mood.
Massages for Migraine Relief
The benefits of migraine massages were also significant among patients who added this form of care to the pain management plan.
Patients have reported a decrease in anxiety and heart rate, as well as a lowered amount of the stress hormone cortisol. Over time, patients also developed better stress management and coping skills and improved sleeping habits.
Types of Massage for Migraine Relief
There are a number of massage options for people suffering from migraines, depending on the intensity and frequency you prefer.
The type of massage that works best for you may differ from someone else. So it’s important to discuss the pain you’re experiencing with your massage therapist to find the right option.
Traditional and aromatherapy massage
Traditional and aromatherapy massage works best for people who may have migraines that are typically triggered by stress or anxiety.
Lavender oil is the preferred essential oil for this type of massage as it has many stress-relieving properties.
Trigger point massage
For many patients, trigger point massage provides effective relief of migraines. Releasing those muscles through trigger points can ease headaches as a complementary treatment to medication.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the application of pressure to a point on the hands and feet. Like trigger point massage, it can stimulate relief for migraine sufferers. It also has a number of benefits including:
- Enhanced relaxation
- Improved sleep
- Low-stress levels
- Decrease in pain
Thai Massage
Like traditional western massage which is a gentle massage of the muscles, Thai Massage uses compression, stretching, and pulling to relieve muscle tension.
Your treatment provider will be able to provide you with information on the best ways to use Thai Massage to relieve the pain associated with migraines.
Hot or Cold Stone Therapy
One of the most popular migraine relief options is hot and cold stone therapy. Stones are placed strategically on key points of the body to provide the right kind of treatment for a client.
The neck and back are the best places on the body for hot and cold stone massage.
When to get a Massage for Migraine
Massage therapy can be used to lessen the pain and stress associated with migraines. It’s advised to seek regular massage treatment to enjoy maximum benefits.
Contact Us
The migraine massage therapists at Knead Wellness can help you find the pain relief you need. We offer specialized massages to get rid of headaches and head massages for migraines, our team can find the right treatment plan to improve your quality of life and let you get back to the activities you enjoy.