Therapeutic Massage vs Painkillers
What is pain? Pain is an unpleasant signal in your nervous system that something may be wrong. Many people turn to painkillers such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Aspirin, Aleve, and Advil). However, studies of therapeutic massage benefits have been done and may even be more effective at relieving pain.
First of all, how are each of these said to relieve pain? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “prescription painkillers work by binding to receptors in the brain to decrease the PERCEPTION of pain.” While according to a blog written by Harvard Medical School, “therapeutic massage may relieve pain by way of several mechanisms, including relaxing painful muscles, tendons, and joints; relieving stress and anxiety; and possibly helping to “CLOSE THE PAIN GATE” by stimulating competing nerve fibers and impeding pain messages to and from the brain.” Both are effective at relieving pain. However, painkillers may be the short-term solution, while therapeutic massage may be the long-term solution as it helps address the reason BEHIND the pain.
How will your body react to each of these? Both of them come with possible side effects. For example, painkillers may cause dizziness, nausea, and constipation while therapeutic massage may cause soreness, sleepiness, and inflammation — lasting a few days. However, the biggest difference between the two is that painkillers have the possibility of causing physical dependence. Therapeutic massage brings no worries like this, but possibly worries about the cost.
Aren’t painkillers cheaper than therapeutic massages? Yes, that is true. However, therapeutic massage helps your body in countless ways. As a daily hardworking individual, are you feeling stressed and anxious? As an athlete or someone who enjoys working out, are you feeling limited in range of motion? As someone who is pregnant, are you feeling back and leg pain? Therapeutic massage is perfect for relieving all of this. Taking the time RIGHT NOW to take care of your body is key.
So the next time you are feeling pain in your body, consider therapeutic massage. Your body is your home and there is no better feeling than being in tune with it and giving it what it deserves.
