What Repetitive Stress Injuries Are Treated By Massage?

There are a number of repetitive stress injuries that can be treated by massage. Some of the more common ones include:

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome - This is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the wrist. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers. Massage can help to relieve some of this pressure and improve symptoms.

2. Tennis elbow – This is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It is often caused by repetitive motions of the arm and forearm. Massage can help to stretch and loosen the muscles and tendons around the elbow to reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Golfer’s elbow – This is a condition that causes pain on the inside of the elbow. It is also often caused by repetitive motions of the arm and forearm. Massage can help to stretch and loosen the muscles and tendons around the elbow to reduce pain and inflammation.

4. Tendinitis - This is an inflammation of the tendons, the tough fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. It's often caused by overuse, such as repetitive motions at work or during sports.

5. Bursitis - is a condition that causes swelling and pain in the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that act as cushions between bones and tendons or muscles. Massage can help to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with bursitis.

6. Trigger finger - Trigger finger is a condition in which the finger gets stuck in a bent position. The condition is caused by the inflammation of the tendons in the fingers. The condition is more common in women than men. People with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk for developing trigger finger. Treatment for trigger finger includes splinting, oral anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

7. De Quervain's disease - De Quervain's syndrome: A condition that causes pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb. De Quervain's syndrome is caused by inflammation of the tendons that attach the muscles to the bones in the thumb. This condition is also called gamer's thumb, because it is common among people who play video games. De Quervain's syndrome can be treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be necessary. Surgery is rarely needed. If you have De Quervain's syndrome, it is important to rest your thumb and avoid activities that aggravate the condition. Wearing a splint can also help relieve symptoms. Physical therapy may be recommended to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the thumb.

What to Expect During a Massage for Repetitive Stress Injury

• Your massage therapist will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and the activities that may have contributed to your condition. He or she will then assess the affected area/s.

• The massage itself will vary depending on the type of repetitive stress injury you have. Generally, the therapist will use gentle, slow strokes to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Deep tissue work may be used to release knots and tension in the muscles.

• After the massage, your therapist will likely give you some stretching and/or strengthening exercises to do at home. These can help to prevent future injuries.

• A massage for repetitive stress injury is usually a relaxing and pain-relieving experience. However, you may feel some soreness afterwards, especially if the massage was deep and/or focused on a particularly tight area. This is normal and should go away within a day or two.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a repetitive stress injury, massage may be able to help. Massage has been shown to be an effective treatment for many different types of repetitive stress injuries, and can help to reduce pain and inflammation, increase flexibility and range of motion, and improve circulation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and see if massage is right for you!