20.9% of adults in the U.S. experienced chronic pain in 2021, while 6.9% experienced high-impact chronic pain that results in “substantial restriction to daily activities,” according to one report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [1]
For older adults and seniors, chronic pain might sound like a non-negotiable part of growing older. However, there are plenty of ways to manage it, including massage.
From the effects of chronic pain to the value of geriatric massage — and even at-home techniques and tools, here’s how pain can be successfully managed.
Table of Contents
The Effects of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is “pain experienced on most days, or every day, for three months or more.” While chronic pain can stem from a known cause — such as arthritis, it can also happen without an obvious injury or disease. [2]
According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic pain symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and trouble sleeping, to name just a few.
As a result, such pain can affect your mood, productivity, and relationships, making it extremely difficult for some to participate in their lives fully.
Common types of chronic pain include arthritis (joint pain), back pain, or muscle pain all over (fibromyalgia), to highlight a few.
For those who experience chronic pain, the pain can be described in many different ways, from an aching feeling to burning, shooting, squeezing, stiffness, or throbbing. [3]
The Cleveland Clinic points out that chronic pain often leads to other symptoms and conditions, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, and mood swings, thus underlining how chronic pain can impact an individual.
According to one news post from the Mayo Clinic, geriatricians like Dr. Brandon Verdoorn see a wide range of effects of chronic pain on older patients, highlighting the impact that it can have on day-to-day life.
“Anything from sleep disturbance to low mood, social isolation, functional limitations — pain preventing folks from doing their daily activities,” Dr. Verdoorn said.
While short-lived pain can easily be managed with methods such as ice, heat, or over-the-counter medication, severe, persistent pain or pain that affects function should be discussed with your healthcare provider, advises the article. [4]
Talking with a medical professional can help develop a pain management plan and determine the underlying cause of the pain.
The Benefits of Massage
Regarding chronic pain management, Dr. Verdoorn notes that it often involves nonmedication strategies. These might include physical therapy, exercise, and acupuncture, though strategies using medication may also be used.
Massage is another option that may help. Healthline explains that massages are a ‘complementary or alternative therapy.’ While they’re not considered part of conventional medicine, they “may be an additional intervention that helps manage your health symptoms.”
The Arthritis Foundation lists several instances where the research backs up the back massage benefits for pain management. [5]
Regarding the use of massage for arthritis in hand, a study conducted at the University of Miami found that a 15-minute moderate-pressure massage daily reduced pain and anxiety and improved grip strength in 22 adults diagnosed with hand or wrist arthritis.
Massage can also benefit those experiencing pain with fibromyalgia, too — a 2014 review of nine randomized trials published in PLoS One found that massage therapy for five weeks (or more) significantly improved pain, anxiety, and depression in those with fibromyalgia.
Healthline explains the value of geriatric massage, a type specifically geared towards an older individual. [6]
As such, a massage therapist will consider an individual’s age and specific health conditions to tailor the massage to their needs, though it’s noted that there isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all approach’ due to everyone having unique health situations.
Healthline goes on to list the several benefits of a geriatric massage, from stress reduction to an improved mental outlook, better sleep, and pain management.
Regarding the research behind the matter, Healthline highlights several studies, including one in the International Journal of Older People Nursing.
The study looked at 14 studies on aging adults living in residential care who received massages and concluded that massage “can enhance the health and well-being of adults in residential care.”
At-home Massage Solutions
There are plenty of options for older adults looking to relieve chronic pain at home. A massage gun, for instance, can help improve circulation and loosen up stiffness around joints and muscles.
With time and careful use, you may notice benefits such as improved tissue relaxation and muscle-joint function. [6]
However, it’s essential to remember that there are potential downsides to using such a tool, from the risks of incorrect use to the chances of aggravating injury or other chronic conditions chronic pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can worsen with the use of a massage gun.
With that in mind, it’s always a good idea to check with a medical professional beforehand to ensure that using a massage gun is right for you.
Apart from tools such as massage guns, using back support for women can offer additional relief from discomfort and ensure proper posture.
- ✅ 𝐁𝐘𝐄 𝐁𝐘𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍: Stot Sports back brace ensures instant and lasting relief for diverse back concerns. Our back brace for women, and men offers enhanced comfort and robust support during daily activities such as walking, bending, and intense gym workouts.
- ✅ 𝗨𝐍𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓: Featuring six discreet vertical supports, including four plastic stays and two spring bones, our back brace for lower back pain women delivers excellent support and prevents rolling up, ensuring comfortability & stability during all activities
- ✅ 𝗕𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 & 𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐗𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍: Crafted from high-quality mesh fabric, our back support brace offers superior comfort, keeping you cool and dry during intense activities. With outstanding elasticity, it ensures a perfect and adjustable fit, allowing confident and flexible movement throughout the day.
- ✅ 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗘 & 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗘: Our back support belt comes with a spacious mesh bag for easy storage and carrying, making it convenient for outdoor activities. Wear it discreetly under clothes or make a fashion statement over clothing, offering dual-style versatility for all ages, genders, and body types.
- ✅ 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗗: Experience heightened back comfort with the sizable and detachable lumbar pad. With our back brace for men you can quickly attach or detach the lumber pad, using secure hook and loop closures, ensuring convenient and irritation-free support throughout the day.
- ✅ 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐒𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐃: We're confident you'll love Stot Sports Lower Back Brace for men and women that are incredibly user-friendly. If dissatisfied, contact us for a prompt refund. Your happiness is our priority. Order now with confidence! We stand behind our lower back support belt.
Hiring a masseuse who provides a mobile service can also be a great consideration when looking to have regular massages at home.
If you’re able, learning self-massage techniques presents another worthy option for pain relief, too.
“Self-massage is using your hands, tools, or objects to work on sore muscles and adhesions instead of seeing a licensed massage therapist or bodywork professional,” says Elliot Ledley, a massage therapist in New York City.
This can be done in multiple ways, from using a foam roller to massage the legs to using your hands to massage your head, neck, or feet.
Using items such as a tennis ball can be particularly useful in massaging harder-to-reach areas, such as your shoulders, explains Healthline.
For many older adults, experiencing chronic pain can seem like a part of growing older, though it’s important to realize that you don’t have to suffer.
You can determine whether massage can benefit you by talking with a medical professional.
FAQs
How does massage therapy help alleviate chronic pain?
Massage therapy increases blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and promotes the release of endorphins, all of which can contribute to pain relief and relaxation in chronic pain patients.
Are there specific massage techniques best suited for chronic pain?
Yes, techniques like deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy are especially effective for addressing chronic pain issues. It’s important to consult with a professional therapist to determine the best approach for your specific needs.
How often should one get a massage for chronic pain management?
The frequency can vary based on individual needs. Some people benefit from weekly sessions, while others might opt for bi-weekly or monthly treatments. It’s essential to work with your therapist to establish a routine that supports your pain management goals.
Resources
1. One in five US adults suffer from chronic pain: CDC [Internet]. Business Insurance. [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20230414/NEWS08/912356807/One-in-five-US-adults-suffer-from-chronic-pain-CDC-#:~:text=In%202021%2C%2020.9%25%20of%20adults
2. noble.dana. Chronic pain: How it works [Internet]. Mayo Clinic Press. 2023. Available from: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/opioids/how-chronic-pain-works/
3. Cleveland Clinic. Chronic Pain: Symptoms, Treatments [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2021. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4798-chronic-pain
4. Howland J. Mayo Clinic Minute: Helping older adults manage chronic pain [Internet]. Mayo Clinic News Network. 2020. Available from: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-helping-older-adults-manage-chronic-pain/
5. Benefits of Massage [Internet]. www.arthritis.org. Available from: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/natural-therapies/benefits-of-massage
6. Geriatric Massage: Benefits, Considerations, Cost & More [Internet]. Healthline. 2021. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/geriatric-massage#benefits
7. https://www.facebook.com/lukasz.deszczulka. 12 Massage Gun Benefits To Know About (And A Few Drawbacks) [Internet]. massagegunadvice.com. 2021 [cited 2023 Jul 20]. Available from: https://massagegunadvice.com/massage-gun-benefits/#Relaxation_and_Overall_Wellness_of_Body_and_Mind
