When you think about treatment and recovery, massage might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But for people living with addiction, mental health challenges, and even physical conditions, massage therapy offers numerous benefits that can support healing on multiple levels.
In this article, we look at different ways massage can help.
Massages Can Support Physical Healing and Relieve Pain
From our experience, one of the most immediate benefits of massage therapy is its ability to relieve physical pain and discomfort. Many people live with chronic pain, and many addictions—especially to opioids—begin with attempts to manage it. But regardless of the particular relationship between pain and substance use for a given individual, massage therapy can provide effective relief of pain and promote physical healing.
Massages can help us reduce pain by increasing blood flow, relaxing tight muscles, and releasing endorphins—our body’s natural painkillers. This makes them an effective treatment for managing chronic pain and helping the body recover from physical stress.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Not surprisingly, recovery is often accompanied by intense emotional stress. Whether it’s the stress of withdrawal, the anxiety of facing life without substances, or the emotional turmoil of healing from trauma, managing stress is crucial for long-term recovery. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol while boosting serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters associated with feelings of well-being and happiness.
Thus, massage’s calming effects can help create a more peaceful mental state, making it easier to focus on other aspects of recovery.
Supporting Emotional and Psychological Healing
Massage is not just about what’s happening physically—it’s also about creating a safe space where individuals can reconnect with their bodies and begin to process their emotions. This is particularly important in recovery, where feelings of guilt, shame, and fear can often be overwhelming.
Massage therapy can help individuals become more attuned to their bodies, encouraging the mindfulness and self-awareness that are crucial for emotional healing. By fostering a positive connection between the mind and body, massage can help promote a healthier, more balanced emotional state.
How Massage Therapy Fits Into a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
Of course, massage is not the be-all and end-all of addiction treatment and recovery. Recovery is challenging, and it takes a lot of work! But massage therapy can be very effective when used in conjunction with other interventions, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), group therapy, or medication management.
Where traditional therapies address the psychological and behavioural aspects of addiction and mental health, massage therapy provides support at the physical and emotional levels.
Customized Treatment Plans
At Sunshine Coast Health Centre, we recognize that every individual’s needs for treatment and recovery are unique. That’s why our treatment plans are tailored to our clients rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
From our experience, many clients see the benefit of massage. For some individuals, this is their first time experiencing one. Our registered massage therapists work closely with our clinical team and physicians to ensure that each client receives care that aligns with their individual needs and goals.
For some clients, this might mean daily or weekly massages to manage pain and stress, while for others, it could involve incorporating massage into their aftercare plan as a way to maintain balance and prevent resumed use.
As individuals transition into long-term recovery, massage can play a key role in maintaining physical and emotional health. Regular sessions can help manage stress, reduce the risk of relapse, and promote a sense of well-being that supports sustained recovery.
Embracing Massage In Holistic Healing
Massage therapy is more than a luxury—it’s a powerful intervention that can support every stage of recovery. From alleviating physical pain to reducing stress and fostering emotional healing, the benefits are extensive and well-documented.
At Sunshine Coast Health Centre, massage therapy is just one of the many interventions we provide as part of a comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery that addresses the mind, body, and spirit, ultimately bringing recovery within reach.
If you’re interested in learning more about how massage therapy can support your recovery journey, we invite you to reach out to our team.
Get In Touch Today
Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic are world-class treatment centres for addiction and mental health. We take an approach that recognizes the importance of the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of individuals in treatment and recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or mental health, please give us a call.
