In general, how does massage help with pain?
Psychological stress, caffeine, diet and sleep habits factor into how the body responds to/handles pain. Vitamins and minerals, acupuncture and massage have proven effective at relieving/eliminating certain types of pain. Such as headaches, arthritis etc.
Massage works on several levels to lessen/eliminate pain. Massage immediately reduces stress levels. When we're stressed psychologically, our body will directly manifest the stress - tightness or pain in the musculature or joints, mental confusion, anxiety, irritability, release of certain hormones (such as adrenalin or cortisol) which can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
If you're constantly stressed, eventually your immune system will adjust to the constant elevated level of stress hormone in your body and weaken. First, massage normalizes the central nervous system immediately soothing the mind and body. You can't help it. Your body's functions will immediately slow down and calm when it receives directed touch. Second, massage increases the flow of lym