Massage Articles

woman getting a head and face massage

How to Relieve a Migraine and Jaw Pain With Self Massage

Imagine waking up to a throbbing headache that doesn’t seem to go away. You try to eat your breakfast, but as you start to chew, a sharp pain shoots up your jaw. As the pain subsides, your jaw feels tight and overworked with an ominous clicking noise every time you

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central sensitization and peripheral sensitization on the molecular level.

How Central Sensitization Affects Your Chronic Pain

Central sensitization describes adaptations that occur in the brain and the spinal cord in response to repeated stimulation on your skin. The increased responsiveness comes in two main forms: hyperalgesia or allodynia. These changes are often part of the course of chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

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knee osteoarthritis pain massage therapy

How Massage Can Help Treat Chronic Pain

Chronic pain comes in many different types, including fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), joint pain, and headaches. By definition, chronic pain usually persists more than three months or many months and years. Oftentimes, it is more difficult to treat than acute pain because many factors influence the pain persistence

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kyphoscoliosis vs scoliosis

What is kyphoscoliosis and can it be treated?

Kyphoscoliosis is an extreme form of spine deformity where there is an excessive rounding of the upper spine (kyphosis) and side-to-side curve in parts of the spine (scoliosis). This type of posture tends to have the back appear crooked or have the lower part of the spine curve inward toward

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massage therapist athlete shoulders

Can Massage Squeeze Lactic Acid Out of Muscles?

Should you be concerned about the effects of lactic acid build-up in your muscles? If lactic acid really does what some people say it does, then you probably don’t want that substance anywhere near your muscular system. It’s an acid. It burns, which you can feel directly, and it causes

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massage therapist using massage gel to work on client's hand

The 6 Best Massage Gels

Some massage therapists don’t like the oils, creams, and lotions that often stain sheets and clothes. Also, some clients and patients don’t like the oily feeling after they receive a massage that can also get on their clothes. And so, massage gels are great substitutes for oils and lotions, but

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massage lotions, oils, and creams

Should you use massage lotion or oil?

When it comes to massage, there are two primary forms for lubrication: Oil and lotion. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Oil is best for protecting the skin’s moisture barrier and providing a smooth glide—especially during a full body massage or for those with dry skin. However, it can

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woman squatting with medicine ball

Exercise for Pudendal Neuralgia: Does It Work?

Pudendal neuralgia is the irritation, entrapment, or compression of the pudendal nerve, which can cause a sharp pain along the path of the nerve. It starts from a bundle of nerves from the sacrum, curving around the sciatic foramen of the pelvis and toward the genitals and rectum. There, the

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ovarian cyst

Do ovarian cysts cause back pain?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs found in or on the surface of an ovary. These cysts are a relatively common among those with a uterus of child-bearing age. There are many different kinds of ovarian cysts but most are caused by a normal menstrual cycle. The cysts develop when the

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irritable bowel syndrome

Can irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cause back pain?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system or gastrointestinal tract. It is often a lifelong problem that requires daily symptoms management to avoid flare-ups. Both food choices and medications may be used in the treatment of IBS.  The cause of IBS is unknown but

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uterine fibroids

Do uterine fibroids cause back pain?

Uterine fibroids are round growths that are made up of strong, connective tissues that form along the walls of the uterus, which may cause back pain when these growths push against nerves or the muscles of the back or hips. They can also cause pelvic pain that could be mistaken

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