Chronic pain can be defined as a condition (excluding cancer related pain) that persists one to three months beyond the time that an expected acute pain or acute injury should subside.

Few things are as distressing as chronic pain. It emotionally drains our body and has an impact on our normal activity. Over time a constant pain becomes a vicious cycle that we unfortunately "accept" to live with, often by overmedicating ourselves with painkillers.

Massage Therapists see patients suffering from various conditions; chronic pain is one of the most common. Whether it is the result of an old sport accident, an improper posture or a repetitive strain injury, the patient's entire body will have suffered various changes to try to accommodate the pain. Those are called compensatory changes. For instance, pain in your right shoulder over time will affect the way you move your head, your mid-back and your left shoulder. It will also reduce your ability to move your right shoulder to the full range of motion, therefore reducing the blood (and oxygen) irrigation to that part of the body. Scar tissue will start forming to "seal " the area. Lack of mobility causes your muscles and tendons to shorten and become chronically tight, putting pressure on nerves causing more irritation, greater pain, and stress. This is called the Pain Cycle.

Massage Therapy is an effective tool in breaking the pain cycle because it addresses most of the elements of the cycle.

1. Research suggests that massage stimulates the release of natural pain-relievers such as endorphins.
2. Massage relaxes spasm (guarding) of muscles around the affected area.
3. Massage and joint mobility techniques promote circulation to tight muscles and joints, as well as reducing toxins.
4. Massage stretches short muscles, breaks down scar tissue and stimulates weak muscles therefore creating a more balanced and supple musculature.
5. Massage can have a deep relaxing effect, reducing stress hormones in the bloodstream.

Always seek medical advice first for chronic paint but remember that Massage Therapy and complimentary approaches such as Naturopathic Medicine, Acupuncture, Exercise and relaxation are safe and effective techniques to treat many chronic pain conditions. They can prevent our bodies from entering a harmful cycle of pain, medications and often depression.

Massage Therapists in Ontario have completed a 2-3 years diploma program from a recognized Massage Therapy school and have passed written and practical examinations set by the C.M.T.O (College of Massage Therapist of Ontario). Only members of the C.M.T.O. can use the name "Massage Therapist" (MT) or "Registered Massage Therapist" (R.M.T).

By: Fabio Castello, RMT