Incorporating Massage into Addiction Treatment
Inpatient program treatment can be a very intense experience. A lot of the experience is positive because it involves an individual taking back their life and learning how to be happy and healthy. However, inpatient treatment can also be mentally and physically draining and even stressful. Massage is one method we offer our patients to alleviate the stress of substance abuse treatment.
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How Massage Therapy Works
During a massage session, a trained professional will use their hands to manipulate muscles, soft tissue, and pressure points in the body. This practice releases tension while also alleviating discomfort and even pain. The holistic approach of touch also makes patients feel cared for and relaxed. Massage causes the body to release dopamine and serotonin, also known as the feel-good hormones. In many cases, people suffering from addiction are well acquainted with these feel-good hormones as that is what causes the high feeling addicts chase. Dopamine levels typically drop during detox and substance abuse treatment.
Massage is a healthy and natural way to stimulate these levels which are relaxing, but also comforting during substance abuse treatment. Patients may feel the results in as little as one treatment session. However, sometimes ongoing massage treatment can be helpful in order to provide relief from built-up stress and even injury.
Using Massage During Inpatient Program Care
Inpatient care requires an individual to be committed and motivated to get better. If a person feels tired and stressed they are unable to give their treatment their full attention. By the time a person progresses into inpatient care, they have completed their initial detox, but they will still feel cravings and withdrawal symptoms from time to time. Patients learn how to manage these feelings during their treatment sessions, but these feelings and the stress of working through all of the emotions and physical symptoms can be challenging.
Massage is a great way to remove the barrier created by stress, so a patient can refocus their efforts and work on becoming healthy. Eliminating the tension in the body can help an individual feel better physically and even mentally.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
For many people, the feelings of rest and relaxation created by massage are enough. However, massage can also help promote a healthy lifestyle. Massage can help an individual feel more limber and better able to complete workouts while even preventing sore muscles and helping to decrease the risk of injury. Massages can also help promote improved blood flow, which can reduce swelling and inflammation while also helping immunity.
Regular massage sessions can provide the following health benefits:
- Reduced swelling and inflammation
- Improved function of the immune system
- Alleviate tension and stress in the body
- Eliminate feelings of fatigue
- Increase flexibility
- Reduce insomnia
Eliminating Some of the Stress of Recovery
Addiction is a complicated problem, and as if often the case a complicated problem requires a comprehensive solution. Massage is just one tool that can help individuals during inpatient program treatment. The relaxing impacts of massage can help patients rest and unwind after the intensity of treatment, so they stay focused and committed to their health.
