How Massage Therapy Can Soothe Your Chronic Pain
How Massage Therapy in Newmarket Can Soothe Your Chronic Pain
If you’re living with chronic pain, you know how exhausting it can be. That constant ache in your back, neck, or shoulders doesn’t just affect your body, it drains your energy, messes with your sleep, and even kills your mood. And if you’ve tried everything, painkillers, heating pads, even yoga, but still can’t find lasting relief, you might be missing a key piece of the puzzle: Massage Therapy in Newmarket.
At PhysioChiroWellness, we’ve seen firsthand how the right massage techniques can transform stubborn pain into real, lasting relief. No magic pills, no invasive procedures, just skilled hands, science-backed methods, and a personalized approach to healing.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how massage therapy helps chronic pain, which techniques work best, and why so many Newmarket residents are turning to it as a drug-free solution.
Why Does Chronic Pain Stick Around? (And How Massage Helps)
Chronic pain isn’t just a symptom, it’s often your body’s alarm system stuck in overdrive. Maybe you had an old injury that never fully healed, or years of poor posture finally caught up with you. Whatever the cause, your muscles, nerves, and even your brain can get trapped in a cycle of tension and pain.
Here’s where Massage Therapy in Newmarket comes in. It doesn’t just mask the pain, it tackles the root issues:
- Releases Muscle Knots – Tight muscles pinch nerves and restrict blood flow, making pain worse. Massage loosens those knots.
- Improves Circulation – Better blood flow means more oxygen to sore tissues, speeding up healing.
- Calms the Nervous System – Chronic pain keeps your body in “fight or flight.” Massage triggers relaxation, dialing down pain signals.
- Boosts Mobility – Stiffness from pain creates more stiffness… and more pain. Massage breaks that cycle.
According to the Canadian Pain Task Force, non-drug therapies like massage are now recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic pain, because they work without the side effects of medications.
The Best Types of Massage for Chronic Pain
Not all massages are created equal. If you’re dealing with ongoing pain, these are the most effective styles we use at PhysioChiroWellness:
1. Deep Tissue Massage
Best for: Stubborn muscle tension, old injuries, sciatica, lower back pain.
This isn’t your spa-day Swedish massage. Deep tissue targets the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, breaking up adhesions (those nasty “knots” that feel like rocks under your skin). It can be intense, but the relief is worth it.
Fun fact: Many of our Newmarket patients with desk jobs find just 1-2 deep tissue sessions undo months of hunched-over-computer tension.
2. Myofascial Release
Best for: Fibromyalgia, post-surgery stiffness, headaches.
Your fascia (the thin web of tissue wrapping your muscles) can get tight and sticky, pulling everything out of alignment. Myofascial release uses slow, sustained pressure to “melt” those restrictions.
3. Trigger Point Therapy
Best for: Sharp, localized pain (like a stubborn shoulder knot or hip pain).
Ever press on a spot and feel pain radiate elsewhere? That’s a trigger point. This technique zeroes in on those spots, releasing referred pain.
4. Sports Massage
Best for: Athletes, weekend warriors, or anyone with overuse injuries.
It blends deep work with stretching to boost flexibility and prevent injuries. Great for runners, golfers, and gym-goers in Newmarket.
5. Prenatal Massage
Best for: Moms-to-be battling back pain, swollen joints, or sciatica.
Special positioning and gentle techniques make it safe and incredibly relieving during pregnancy.
“But Does It Actually Work?” (What the Research Says)
Skeptical? You’re not alone. Many patients come to us after years of cortisone shots or pain meds, unsure if massage will help. But the science is solid:
- A Health Canada review found massage therapy significantly reduces pain and improves function in chronic low back pain sufferers.
- The Mayo Clinic lists massage as an effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain.
- Studies show it lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts serotonin (your body’s natural painkiller).
The key? Consistency. Unlike painkillers that wear off, massage’s benefits build over time. Most chronic pain patients see the best results with:
- Weekly sessions for 4-6 weeks (to reset the body), then
- Maintenance visits every 2-4 weeks to keep pain at bay.
What to Expect During Your Massage in Newmarket
If you’ve never had therapeutic massage before, here’s how we make it comfortable and effective at PhysioChiroWellness:
- We Start With a Chat – We’ll ask about your pain history, goals, and any areas to avoid. (No one-size-fits-all here!)
- You’ll Stay Fully Covered – Only the area being worked on is exposed. Modesty is always respected.
- Pressure = Your Choice – “Good pain” is okay, but we’ll adjust if it’s too much.
- Aftercare Matters – We’ll suggest stretches, hydration tips, or heat/ice to prolong relief.
Pro tip: Avoid heavy workouts or alcohol post-massage, your muscles are in repair mode!
“I’ve Tried Massage Before and It Didn’t Last!” (3 Reasons Why)
Some patients tell us, “Massage felt great, but my pain came back in a day.” Common culprits:
- You Needed a Different Technique – A relaxation massage won’t fix deep scar tissue. That’s why we customize.
- Underlying Issues Were Missed – If your neck pain stems from a pinched nerve, massage plus chiropractic care works better.
- You Skipped the Homework – Stretching and posture fixes between sessions make results last.
FAQs About Massage Therapy for Chronic Pain in Newmarket
Q: How many massage sessions will I need to feel better?
A: It depends on how long you’ve had pain. Most chronic pain patients need 4-6 weekly sessions to “reset” the body, followed by maintenance visits every 2-4 weeks.
Q: Will massage therapy hurt?
A: Therapeutic massage shouldn’t be painfully intense. You might feel some “good hurt” when working on tight areas, but we always adjust pressure to your comfort level.
Q: Can massage help with arthritis pain?
A: Absolutely! Research shows massage reduces arthritis pain and stiffness by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Gentle techniques like myofascial release work best.
Q: Is massage covered by OHIP or insurance?
A: While OHIP doesn’t cover massage, most extended health plans do. We direct bill to most major insurers for your convenience.
Q: What should I wear to my massage appointment?
A: Wear comfortable clothing you can move in. For full-body massages, you’ll undress to your comfort level (most people keep underwear on) and be properly draped at all times.
Q: How soon after an injury can I get massage therapy?
A: For acute injuries (first 48-72 hours), we recommend ice and rest first. After that, gentle massage can actually speed up healing by reducing swelling and breaking up scar tissue.
Q: Can I get massage if I’m pregnant?
A: Yes! Prenatal massage is specifically designed for expecting mothers and can relieve many pregnancy-related aches. We use special positioning pillows for comfort and safety.
Ready to Try Massage Therapy in Newmarket?
Chronic pain doesn’t have to be your “normal.” Whether it’s from arthritis, an old car accident, or just years of wear and tear, Massage Therapy in Newmarket at PhysioChiroWellness can help you.