Massage Therapy for Hand Pain
Massage therapy is one of the oldest forms of pain relief. It works! Tight muscles restrict blood flow. Without oxygen and blood, there’s pain. Massage releases tension and restores circulation. It is one of the key tools for treating hand pain and carpal tunnel symptoms.
Do I have tight muscles?
Here’s how you tell. Roll your knuckles over the palm side of your forearm just below your elbow. If you feel any taut bands or stringy, snapping cords, try this Self-Treatment Tip.
Self-Treatment Tip
- Start two inches below the bend of your elbow on the palm side of your forearm.
- Use your fingertips or knuckles of the other hand to slowly massage back and forth.
- At first, use light pressure then gradually increase. It should feel like a good hurt.
- Instead of your hands, use a massage tool. A ThumbbyTM is our favorite.
Will professional massage help me?
Yes! A professional massage therapist brings educated therapeutic touch. Ask yo
ur friends or healthcare provider first for a referral. Here are recommended styles of massage that might help with hand, wrist, shoulder and neck pain.
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Neuromuscular Therapy
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Active Assisted Stretching
Interview the therapist on the phone and ask if he/she is trained in treatment specific for your condition.
Find trained therapeutic massage therapists:
Florida State Massage Therapy Association
Trigger Point Therapists
How will massage help me?
- Reduces muscle tension
- Increases space for blood vessels and nerves
- Breaks down adhesions from old injuries
- Restores range of motion
- Improves joint mobility
- Enhances grip strength
- Increases flexibility
- Decreases hand pain
Coach Cathy’s Personal Healing Story
Coach Cathy made several lifestyle changes when her hand pain became debilitating. She stopped ignoring the problem and stepped up her already familiar practices. She became more focused on combining different therapeutic modalities more frequently. She did more home stretching, yoga classes, massage therapy, occupational therapy, acupuncture treatments, nutritional supplementation, and healthy eating. Each of Coach Cathy’s practices led her to a more pain free lifestyle that she continues today.