Do you suffer from headaches on a regular basis? do massages help headaches If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience headaches regularly, and for some, they can be quite debilitating. If you’re looking for relief from your headaches, massage therapy may be the answer. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of massage therapy for headache relief. And what techniques are used in massage therapy
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Understanding Headaches
There are many different types of headaches, and the causes can vary greatly. In some cases, headaches may be caused by muscle tension or trigger points, while in others they may be due to vascular problems, inflammation, or even neurological issues. However, one thing that all headaches have in common is that they can be extremely painful and disruptive.
Do Massages Help Headaches?
Yes, massages can help relieve tension headaches and migraines. Massage therapy relaxes the muscles, which reduces pain and inflammation. It also helps improve circulation, which can reduce congestion and pressure in the head. In addition, massage increases the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
If you suffer from tension headaches or migraines, consider adding massage to your headache relief repertoire. Massage can provide significant relief from pain and other symptoms. It’s also relatively safe, with few side effects.
Of course, as with any treatment, massage isn’t right for everyone. If you have a history of blood clots or are at risk for them, massage may not be appropriate. Be sure to talk to your doctor before you book a session.
How Do Massages Works On Headaches?
The main way that massages work on headaches is by relaxing the muscles in the head and neck. This can help to release the tension that is often a major contributing factor to headaches. In addition, massages can also improve circulation and promote healing by increasing blood flow to the area. There are a number of different massage techniques that can be used to treat headaches, and your massage therapist will be able to customize a treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
What Are The Techniques Used In Massage?
Massage can be an effective way to help relieve headaches. By targeting the muscles and tissues that may be causing pain, massage can help to reduce tension and inflammation, as well as promote relaxation.
Here are some specific massage techniques that can help to ease headache pain:
Swedish Massage
This is a gentle form of massage that uses long, smooth strokes to promote relaxation and ease muscle tension. For example, a 2012 study found that Swedish massage was effective in reducing headaches and migraines.
Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage is more intense and targets the deep layers of muscle and connective tissue. It can be helpful in relieving chronic headaches by breaking up knots and tension in the muscles. For example, a 2014 study found that deep-tissue massage was effective in reducing headaches and neck pain.
Trigger Point Massage
This massage technique focuses on specific areas of muscle tension, or “trigger points.” Applying pressure to these areas can help to release the pain and tightness associated with headaches.
Aromatherapy Massage
This type of massage uses essential oils that are believed to have healing properties. The aromatic scents of the oils can help to further relax the mind and body, providing relief from headaches. For example, peppermint oil is often used as it has a cooling effect and can help to relieve tension headaches. Lavender oil is also commonly used as it has calming properties, which can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Hot Stone Massage
This massage therapy uses heated stones that are placed on the body. The heat can help to loosen tight muscles and ease the pain. For example, a hot stone massage may be helpful for people who have muscle tension but do not wish to use heat on their joints.
Thai Massage
This massage is performed on a mat on the floor and the therapist uses their hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of stretches. It’s said to be helpful in relieving headaches by improving flexibility and range of motion in the neck.
Cranial Sacral Massage
This is a very gentle type of massage that is performed on the head and face. It’s used to release tension in the tissues surrounding the skull, which can help to ease headaches.
Shiatsu
This is a Japanese massage technique that uses pressure and finger strokes on the head, neck, and shoulders. It’s said to be helpful in relieving tension headaches by promoting relaxation and easing muscle tension.
Acupressure
This massage technique uses pressure on specific points along the energy meridians of the body. It’s believed that this can help to relieve pain and promote healing.
Reflexology
This is a massage technique that focuses on specific pressure points in the hands and feet that are said to correspond with other areas of the body. It’s thought that applying pressure to these points, can help to relieve headaches and promote relaxation.
These are just a few of the many different types of massage that can be used to treat headaches. Talk to your doctor or a massage therapist to find out which technique may be best for you.
How Does Massage Help In Headache?
There are various ways by which massage help with headache:
Eases muscle tension
Massage is quite helpful in easing muscle tension which is one of the major causes of headaches. When we are stressed, our muscles tend to get tight which leads to pain. Massage can help relax those muscles and ease the pain.
Improves blood circulation
Another reason for headaches could be poor blood circulation. Massage can help improve blood circulation and thus provide relief from headaches.
Release the endorphins
Massage also helps in releasing the feel-good hormones known as endorphins. These endorphins interact with the pain receptors in the brain and help reduce the sensation of pain.
Reduces stress
Stress is another major factor that leads to headaches. Massage can help reduce stress and tension, and thus provide relief from headaches.
Promotes relaxation
Massage promotes relaxation and helps you sleep better. Getting a good night’s sleep is very important for overall health and well-being.
Hair growth
Your hair is in a growth phase for two to six years and then enters a resting phase for several months. After the resting phase, your hair falls out and new hair starts to grow. Massage can stimulate the scalp and help increase blood flow to the hair follicles, which may promote hair growth.
Reduces Blood pressure
Massage can help reduce blood pressure by stimulating the body’s natural relaxation response. This reflex slows heart rate, relaxes muscles, and decreases blood pressure. A study on people with high blood pressure found that 10 minutes of chair massage twice a week for four weeks significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
Conclusion
It may be concluded that “do massages help headaches”, depending on the type of headache and the intensity of pain. Massage can help to relieve tension headaches, but migraines may require a different approach. If you are suffering from headaches, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session
