09/22/2025
So...You got a massage and you're still in pain?
Let's talk about why...
Massage does a lot for pain relief, but it's only one piece of the puzzle.
* Pain is complex, and here are 10 other reasons you might still hurt:
1. Past injuries or trauma
Your body remembers. Old injuries or unresolved emotional trauma can linger and show up as chronic pain.
2. Breathing & nervous system regulation
Stress and shallow breathing keep your body stuck in "fight or flight," which amplifies pain signals. Deep breathing helps break the cycle.
3. Stress & mental health
Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress heighten pain perception by keeping the nervous system on high alert.
4. Sleep & recovery
Poor sleep throws off hormones, slows repair, and makes your body more sensitive to pain.
5. Hormones & joint health
Estrogen helps keep joints lubricated and tissues resilient.
When levels drop (like in perimenopause/menopause), stiffness and joint pain are common.
6. Food sensitivities & inflammation
For some people, certain foods can trigger inflammation, increasing pain or making flare-ups more frequent.
7. Hydration
Muscles and fascia need fluid to stay supple. Dehydration can make tissues stiff and painful.
8. Strength & stability
Weak or underused muscles can't support your body well.
Without strength training, pain often returns.
9. Posture & daily habits
How you sit, stand, work, and scroll matters. Small daily patterns can keep pain cycling.
10. Joint alignment
Sometimes pain is connected to restricted or misaligned joints.
Chiropractic adjustments can restore movement and complement massage therapy.
+ Bottom line: Pain is multi-layered. Massage is powerful, but lasting relief often means addressing several of these pieces together.
