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Benefits of Massage Therapy Treatment for Chronic Pain


July 12th, 2024

Massage therapy treatment is a valuable tool in improving the overall well-being of those dealing with chronic pain. It’s a natural and effective way to find relief, improve quality of life and reduce dependency on pain medications. Here are some of the ways massage therapy, administered by a registered massage therapist (RMT), offers chronic pain relief.

What’s Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is a persistent and often debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries, medical conditions or even stress. Chronic pain differs from acute pain in that it lingers for an extended period, typically lasting for more than three to six months. This prolonged discomfort can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life, affecting their physical and emotional well-being.

How You Can Benefit from Massage Therapy Treatment for Chronic Pain

Massage therapy is a great way to treat chronic pain. Some of the benefits of massage therapy include:

  • Pain reduction. Massage therapy treatment can significantly reduce chronic pain by promoting relaxation and releasing muscle tension. Techniques such as deep tissue massage focus on specific problem areas, helping to alleviate tightness and discomfort.
  • Enhanced range of motion. Regular massage sessions can lead to increased flexibility and improved range of motion. This is beneficial for individuals with chronic pain conditions that affect joints and muscles.
  • Reduces stress and improves mood. Massage therapy can help reduce the stress hormone cortisol and increase the production of mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. The treatment provides relief from both physical and emotional aspects of pain and improves sleep.

Types of Massage That Can Reduce Chronic Pain

Several massage techniques can be effective in chronic pain relief:

  • Swedish massage. Known for its gentle and relaxing strokes, Swedish massage is beneficial for those with milder chronic pain conditions.
  • Deep tissue massage. This technique targets deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue and is effective for addressing pain due to muscle tension and stiffness.
  • Trigger point therapy. Focused pressure is applied to specific trigger points in the muscles to release tension and alleviate pain.
  • Myofascial release. Myofascial release targets the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles to reduce pain and improve mobility.

You don’t need a referral from a physician to book a massage therapy treatment.

Massage Therapy Treatment in the Lower Mainland

At Legacies Health Centre, we offer massage therapy treatment, including deep tissue massage, and we direct bill most extended health plans. Contact us today to book an appointment with an experienced RMT at one of our clinics in North Vancouver, Burnaby Market Crossing, Surrey Southpoint or Surrey Nordel.

Nathaniel Jensen | RMT


Nathaniel graduated from the 3000-hour program at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in December 2019. He began his career in tech support, gaining troubleshooting skills that he now effectively applies in his massage therapy practice. Empathetic and dedicated, Nathaniel tailors treatments to each patient’s needs, whether they prefer deeper or lighter pressure. In July 2023, he completed a DermoNeuroModulating (DNM) course, enhancing his ability to use gentle, interactive techniques focused on the nervous system. Outside of work, Nathaniel enjoys hiking and scuba diving.

Book online with Nathaniel Jensen in Nordel!