If you deal with the pain of tension headaches regularly, you don't have to settle for paracetamol and a glass of water. Several studies have investigated the positive impact of remedial massage on treating this distressing problem, with regular 30-minute sessions found to help reduce the frequency and duration of tension headaches.
Ready to find out more? Here, we outline the causes of tension headaches and explain how remedial massage might be the solution you need.
What causes tension headaches?
Tension headaches are closely associated with muscle tightness and mental stress. Considering the average professional is spending most of their day sitting at a desk or managing an anxiety-inducing project, our neck, shoulder and back muscles can remain locked into position for extensive periods.
By leading to so-called trigger points, these sore areas cause tightness in the upper trapezius and sub-occipital muscles, creating what's known as referral pain in the form of headaches. With remedial massages helping to release these muscles, you might just find this problem becomes much more manageable.
Improve blood flow
With tension headaches caused by muscles in the head, neck, shoulder and back becoming rigid, remedial massage can provide effective relief. With trigger point therapy intended to release these knots and bands of muscles, the increase of blood flow to this area is key to reducing the level of pain experienced. As these contractions in the muscles ease, nutrients can flood into the area to diminish or even completely alleviate a patient's symptoms.
Relax muscles
Alongside increased blood flow to the problematic area, deep tissue massage can also see tension headaches become a thing of the past. With this massage technique using deep and slow strokes to delve into the layers of muscles that regular massages don't reach, this extra pressure is excellent for releasing tension.
With remedial massage therapists needing to apply significant force, some people may feel discomfort during the deep tissue process. Don't be afraid to let your therapist know if this is the case. However, conducting deep breathing exercises throughout the session can help you immerse yourself in the soothing benefits.
Book your remedial massage today
Are you experiencing painful tension headaches? Effective remedial massage might be just what you need to reduce your pain. Get in touch with Christopher's Remedial Massage to book a session at our clinics in Ramsgate Beach, Enfield and Brighton-Le-Sand. Call us on 0417 451 081 or visit our contact page to complete the online enquiry form.