Types of Massage Sessions for Addiction Recovery

Most people new to massage therapy may think that massage is just kneading and pressing on the back and shoulders. But there’s are many types of massage, including those proven beneficial in treatment of patients in addiction rehab. Massage is now widely used for addiction recovery, and excellent results have been observed.

Goals of Varied Types of Massage for Addiction Recovery

There are multiple forms of massage used in addiction treatment, starting in detox. When massage is employed, it serves many purposes beyond helping the patient to relax. This is why you may see massage included in an individualized patient treatment plan.

Some treatment goals of the varied types of massage used in addiction recovery include:

• Relief of tense and tight muscles, including knots, aches and pains
• Circulation improvement
• Improved oxygenation of the body
• Stress reduction after talk therapies and due to cravings or other symptoms of addiction recovery
• Enhanced sense of personal well being
• Mood improvement with reduction of anxiety, anger and depression
• Improved personal outlook
• Sleep quality and sleep pattern regulation
• Energy and vitality increases
• Comforting experience of personal touch
• Lymphatic system stimulation for improved detoxification

Beyond relaxation massage, there is also clinical massage. Clinical massage is different from types of massage you may receive from a commercial massage therapist, in that it focuses on specific goals of therapy. Many of these clinical massage benefits help repair the physical self, whereas relaxation massage helps with the physical, psychological and emotional self. Patients who have developed addiction due to self-medication for chronic pain can benefit from clinical massage, just as those suffering from extreme tension and stress can.

Such goals of clinical massage may include:

• Pain reduction
• Muscle tension release
• Repair of injuries in tissues, muscles, tendons and ligaments
• Scar tissue release
• Adhesion release
• Nerve compression release and reduction
• Flexibility and range of movement improvement

Specific Types of Massage Used for Mind, Body and Spiritual Recovery

In addiction treatment, whether goals are clinical or more for relaxation, there are specific types of massage used by therapists. According to the University of Minnesota, each type achieves its own results.

Relaxation massage methods include:

• Hot or cold therapies
• Directed breathing
• Direct application of pressure, static friction
• Friction
• Static compression
• Light gliding
• Hand rolling
• Kneading
• Percussion
• Holding
• Rocking, jostling
• Shaking
• Vibration
• Passive stretching

For physical or clinical goals, clinical massage methods include:

• Hot or cold therapies
• Static compression
• Holding MFR
• Compression-pumping
• Cross fiber friction
• Static friction/direct pressure
• Gliding-deep
• Kneading
• Traction
• Percussion with stretch
• Skin rolling
• Resistive stretching
• Manual direct stretching
• Passive stretching

Massage Therapy and Other Therapeutic Methods Used by Beaches Recovery

At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, patient treatment plans for addiction recovery include a diverse array of evidence-based practices. These methods include traditional talk therapies, such as individual counseling, group therapy and family support programs. Other practices include cognitive behavioral therapy and dual diagnosis treatment. Holistic therapies, including massage, are used to ensure a complete, well-rounded approach to overall patient wellness that encompasses healing of mind, body and spirit.

If you or a loved one are ready to gain lasting recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, programs at Beaches Recovery offer a comprehensive array of program types and treatment methods to ensure strong and sustainable recovery. Call Beaches Recovery now at 866.605.0532 for more information about Joint Commission-accredited rehab for your addiction.