Massage Benefits for Leg Pain in a Nutshell

In this post you will learn:

• What are some common causes of leg pain
• How conditions like irregular clotting and diabetes cause leg pain
• What are the benefits of massage for leg pain
• Precautions to take before getting a massage

What Causes Leg pain?

The most common cause of leg pain is an injury from exercise, excessive brisk walking,  sport, or an accident. These affect blood vessels, nerves, muscles, joints, soft tissues, or bones.

Medically speaking, leg pain can occur due to conditions like thrombosis i.e. restricted blood circulation due to clots. These clots can develop as a result of anything that restricts blood flow, like an injury to the vein, or limited movement for a long period of time due to surgery or a long journey.

Sciatica is another condition that causes leg pain. It affects the sciatic nerve that runs from the lower back, through the buttocks, and the thighs, causing a dull, continuous ache in either leg or one side of the buttocks. Diseases like diabetes can also cause leg pain.

Besides actual pain, you may also experience cramps, numbness, weakness, burning, or throbbing.

What are the Benefits of a Leg Massage?

A leg massage soothes the pain

A deep tissue massage is one of the best ways to soothe a sore leg. It releases tension all over the leg and stimulates the flow of blood. A leg massage starts in small strokes at the ankles, that lengthen, slowing building towards the ankles. On the knees slow circular movement. The circular movements widen, reaching the back of the knees.

A leg massage relaxes the body

Few can deny the instantaneous effects of a foot massage, that isn’t limited to that area of the leg alone. A foot massage relaxes your entire body and mind.

Regular leg massage can improve postural alignment

Some studies have shown that regular Leg, hip, and lower back massage can improve conditions of postural misalignment as well as reduce the symptomatic chronic pain.

What Are Some Precautions to Take When Getting a Massage?

Here are some things you need to be mindful about when getting a massage:

1. While you can give yourself a leg massage, it’s always best to get professional massage therapy at home twice a month for better pain relief.
2. Do Inform your therapist if you’re on blood thinners or similar medication. These medicines will cause bruises during the course of a massage.
3. Inform your massage therapist about the intensity and frequency of leg pain, and the conditions causing it.
4. Consult your doctor before getting massage therapy for your leg pain.