Other Alternative Therapies That Help Chronic Pain

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese-developed therapy that is known for it’s abilities in relaxation, relieving pain, and improving health. Although the therapy was originally dismissed as a myth by many scientists in the western world, many recent studies have shown that if done correctly, acupuncture is effective against certain maladies, as long as sterile needles are used for the procedure. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as a valid treatment for over twenty conditions. Acupuncture is commonly practiced alongside herbal medicine, as various herbs and roots are believed to encourage the healing effects also being promoted by the acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture has been used as a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine which encompasses both herbal treatments, acupuncture, and diet to treat the person as a whole. The Chinese believe that the person cannot just be treated physically but has to be treated as the mind/body connection play a very big part in healing. Food plays a big part in this type of therapy and Qi or the life force of health and well being is blocked or dysfunctional when disease or pain is present. This type of therapy has been used for thousands of years both in conjunction with western medicine and in lieu of. Many people have been helped by adding this type of therapy to their pain management regime.

Reflexology

Reflexology, a branch of massage therapy developed in 1913 by William Fitzgerald, is usually described as a massage on either the hands or feet (as well as other body parts such as the ears) that is meant to cause positive reactions in other parts of the body. There are various charts that reflexology therapists use in order to map out which parts of the hand and feet correspond to the various organ and muscle groups of the body. The therapy itself is sometimes referred to by patients as “zone therapy”, because of the belief that the hands and feet map out the various zones which they will effect.

Studies have been done that have shown there are relating reflex type reactions in parts of the body on both MRI and pet scans while reflexology has been done on patients. There is a general sense of well being and relaxation after being though a session of reflexology and the premise behind the treatment is to open the energy channels in the body so that it allows the body to heal itself. This can be helpful in relaxation and to relieve stress and tension in long term painful situations and syndromes.

Rolfing

Rolfing is a therapy technique developed by Ida Pauline Rolf in the mid 1950’s. Rolfing is primarily used to release bound up connective tissues to enable muscles to work with less restriction. Over time, muscle fibers tighten up in some people and inhibit movement – this technique loosens the fibers through deep tissue manipulation. In addition to the massage, patients undergoing Rolfing are asked to make specific movements while the massage is being completed. Although there is not enough data to prove that Rolfing is an overall effective manner of treatment, many patients claim to experience increased mobility after undergoing the treatment.

Myofascial Release

Myofasical Release is a technique that aims to eliminate pain while increasing flexibility. This is done by manipulating the fascia – a paper-thin layer of connective tissues located below the skin and above the bones – through a heavy massage. The massage loosens up the layer of connective tissues to release the tension in the fascia and improve overall mobility, and can be done directly or indirectly. The direct method involves moving the tissues back and forth that need to be loosened. The indirect method is slower and relies on holding slight pressure for a few minutes and then releasing. The technique became widely used in 1983 when Janet G Travell published a book about the therapy.

Both Rolfing and Myofascial Release work in conjunction with massage therapy or in lieu of on the premise of breaking up scar tissue or releasing connective tissues that are either scarred down or not pliable as they should be. This should allow muscles to move more freely and allow them to heal themselves with more movement. Both of these treatments have been shown to be beneficial in situations where there is injury or trauma to tissues, muscles, tendons, or joints.

As with any type of alternative therapy, you should talk with your physician and get their permission before trying any of the alternative therapies that are mentioned here or elsewhere. However, if your physician does agree for you to try some of these methods, I think you will find that thre is a lot of benefit here for you as so many others have found before!