massage

Massage Therapy in Addiction Treatment

This entry was posted in Uncategorized on by .

As you recover from substance abuse, it’s important to have as many support tools as possible. For some individuals, massage therapy is one of them. Getting a massage when you’re stressed can help you deal with conflict in your life. Plus, massage therapy strengthens the immune system and improves overall health and well-being.

If you are considering alternative ways to deal with stress following addiction treatment in Agoura, massage therapy should be added to your list. Let’s explore the benefits to this type of therapy and the various types available.

Why Massage Therapy Works

Stress is a normal part of life, but if you have been traumatized by past events, it’s difficult to process this stress in a positive way. This is probably one of the reasons why you turned to drugs and alcohol in the first place. Now that you are recovering from addiction, you need ways to manage stress and fight the urge to self-medicate.

Massage therapy raises dopamine and serotonin in the blood, feel-good chemicals that are usually depleted following addiction. This is what can make you feel irritable and uncomfortable. When these chemicals are boosted, your mood and energy are improved. The stress hormone cortisol is also reduced during massage therapy sessions.

Additional benefits of massage therapy are:

  • Lowered heart rate and blood pressure
  • Reduced agitation
  • Improved sleep
  • Increased awareness of the body
  • Efficient removal of metabolic waste
  • Positive rewiring of the brain

Types of Massage Therapy

There are different types of massage therapy, making it easy to find a style that is comfortable and effective for you. Many of them have additional benefits as well, such as improved posture and increased circulation. Let your massage therapist know what areas of the body need special attention, such as the back, arms or neck.

Here are some common massage types:

  • Deep tissue massages target the connective tissue along the spine
  • Swedish massages improve circulation of the blood and lymph nodes
  • Shiatsu or trigger point massages improve organ function and focus on areas along the body’s meridian
  • Hot stone massages increase blood flow and relieve muscle pain

Where to Get a Therapeutic Massage

So, where can you get a therapeutic massage?

Start with your insurance company to see if you qualify for a medical massage. If you don’t, you can find a massage therapist in your area. But, make sure they have experience working with people in recovery.

You can also receive massage therapy as part of your outpatient treatment plan. Awakenings Treatment offers this option to clients at our trauma treatment center. Contact us today to learn more and to verify your insurance.

And, if you find that massage therapy works for you, keep it up! The rewards of this therapy continue to build for more powerful, longer lasting benefits.