Massage Therapy

 Massage therapy when used in treatment, has many benefits to people who are recovering from the adverse effects of substance or alcohol misuse. If you plan on using holistic therapy and treatment options, massage therapy might be something you want to incorporate during your treatment program. If you need help finding a program that offers massage as part of their rehab program call to speak with an addiction specialist today. We can help you locate a holistic drug rehab that incorporates massage into their recovery package. 

1-800-513-5423

7 Benefits of Massage Therapy 

The 7 benefits of massage therapy while in treatment for substance abuse disorder can reduce the pain and anxiety from withdrawal. Stress and pain hormones are also decreased by massage, reducing pain and enhancing immune function.

1. Releases endorphins: Drug and alcohol use can reduce endorphins that naturally occur and require time after drug use to get back to normal. When a person is newly sober, massage therapy gives the body a little help manufacturing these chemicals that make us feel good. Massage helps the body get back in balance faster than it would take naturally. Endorphins are hormones produced in the brain that help relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve mood.

2. Help to overcome fear of touch: When someone has been physically or sexually assaulted in the past. Having someone touch you can manifest negative feelings and emotions. Massage therapy can help the individual’s brain associate physical contact with more positive sensations. There have been many studies by psychologists that study trauma and have stated that being a victim of physical abuse undermines a group of 5 basic human needs: feeling of value, control over one’s life, safety, trust, and experiencing closeness with others. Massage therapy provides intimacy in a safe and therapeutic way to help meet those needs, in turn offering the foundation for healing.

3. Enhances self-awareness: One of the foundations of treatment for addiction involves being self-aware so you can manage the personal addiction triggers, and learning to understand how feelings like boredom, frustration, anxiety, and anger trigger a person to want to use drugs or alcohol. Learning to be proactive will help the person manage their sobriety.

4. Reduces chronic pain: Incorporating regular massage in treatment can lower pain levels and promote a healthier sleeping cycle. For someone who has used drugs or alcohol to cope with chronic pain, massage can be a way to help the body heal. When a person suffers from opioid addiction related to chronic pain, getting regular massages can be very beneficial. Recovering opioid addicts will often try and stay clear of any opioid medications used for pain even when prescribed by a doctor. Massage coupled with other holistic practices can offer great relief from chronic pain without the need for opioid medications. Massage when added to holistic practices like yoga, acupuncture, and specialized diets can increase serotonin levels in the body.

5. Helps with co-occurring disorders: If you are suffering from a co-occurring disorder like anorexia, depression, PTSD, Bipolar disorder, or bulimia, massage therapy can help the body trigger a relaxation response. When being treated for one of these disorders massage therapy can help relax a person making therapy less stressful for the person. This can help reduce the urge to self-medicate and enhance the effectiveness of therapy programs.

6. Reduces stress: Stress reduction is a main part of treatment as chronic stress can weaken the immune system and create mood disorders. By incorporating massage therapy into the treatment plan, a person can feel more in control of their sobriety by lowering cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol plays an important role in the stress response. Maintaining an adequate balance of cortisol is essential for health.

7. Help with detoxification: When detoxing from opioids, alcohol, or other drugs, professional massage therapy will do more than just make a person feel good. Professional masseuse will pull squeeze and stretch your muscles boosting blood flow to the limbs. By boosting the blood flow to the limbs, the body will start flushing out lactic acid. Lactic acid buildup causes muscle fatigue and soreness.

Do inpatient rehabs have massage therapists?

Yes, some treatment programs will offer massage therapy as an add-on to treatment, or their program may already include that service. Higher-end rehab centers often have massage therapists who work for the center. If you are interested in adding massage therapy to your recovery plan, you should discuss it with your primary therapist when developing your treatment plan. You can also give us a call to find out which programs offer massage therapy near you. Call now for more information.

1-800-513-5423

Sources
Massage Therapy VA.gov
Effects of Massage
Erik Epp – Content Author