MM Chapter 23: Massage for Chronic Pain

As discussed in Chapter 3, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS. HIV is a retrovirus that can live in an infected individual for long periods before causing symptoms. The National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases reports that people infected with HIV generally develop a flu-like illness 1 to 2 months after initial exposure

Headache can generally be defined as pain experienced in the region of the head. It has many different causes. Headaches are classified as tension, vascular, chemical, or traction-inflammatory. Tension and vascular headaches are the most common types experienced regularly (Fig. 23-5). The following sections consider each type’s symptoms, causes, and contributing factors, as well as

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease related to wear and tear of a synovial joint’s structures. It causes the affected joints to become painful, stiff and swollen (Fig. 23-4). It is especially prevalent in weightbearing joints like the hips and knees. The joint tends to be stiff, tight, and mildly painful, but feels better as

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the synovial membranes of joints but may also affect other tissues, including blood vessels, the lungs, and fascia. A variety of symptoms might be experienced at the onset of RA. Often, people feel like they have a low-grade illness like a cold or the flu and

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Fibromyalgia affects 3% of the U.S. population (women comprise 85% of those affected) and causes diverse symptoms, including the distribution of tender points all over the body, chronic pain in soft tissues, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.9 The tender

Population level surveys indicate that between 11% and 40% of the U.S. population report some level of chronic pain, with millions suffering from daily, severe, and disabling pain.1 A 2023 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that approximately 24% of U.S. adults (over 50 million people) experience chronic pain, with

In your massage practice, regardless of the setting (e.g., clinic, spa, cruise ship, home office), you will encounter clients with pathologies, many of which cause chronic pain. Some clients seek massage purely as a luxury, while others are looking to massage to help them manage their conditions. In any case, you must have a strong