Alternative Pain Treatment Directory

Massage is gaining in popularity as an alternative therapy for chronic pain, but there are many types of massage and not all are equally effective. Choosing the right type can make the difference between achieving a temporary relaxation effect and getting long lasting pain relief.  Therapeutic massage  and bodywork include a wide variety of techniques that involve manipulation of soft tissue or subtle energy to alleviate pain or resolve structural imbalances so that health and well-being are improved.  Physical therapists, chiropractors, and other types of health care providers may incorporate massage as one of the treatment modalities used during a session. Massage is also used as a stand-alone treatment; in which case the massage is usually of longer duration and more intensive.  In 2023 there were over 321,000 massage therapists in the United States. Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia regulate massage therapists or provide voluntary state certificat...