Pain!
In relation to soft tissue injuries pain tells us there is something we must do, a problem to which we need to pay attention. If a little pain comes and goes after a short time there is usually nothing to worry about. However, if a severe pain comes and stays you might think about going to the doctor.
Ben Benjamin, Ph.D. gave a list of times when you should definitely see your doctor in his book, LISTEN TO YOUR PAIN. You should see a doctor:

1. If your pain is severe;
2. if there is swelling;
3. if you hear any cracking or snapping sounds at the time of injury;
4. if you cannot perform normal activities;
5. if there is nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, paralysis, weakness or disturbed excretory functioning after and accident or injury;
6 . if your pain containers beyond seven to ten days. (1)

Sometimes the doctor may find something like a broken bone, or he may prescribe muscle relaxants, pain relievers or just tell you to go home, elevate the problem and take copious amounts of Tylenol telling you its just a sprain or a strain. If the doctor has checked you out and released you but a soft tissue injury still causes pain, you might think about seeing a reputable massage therapist.

Injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments and related fascia may continue to cause pain due to:

1. Scar tissue which has healed improperly,
2. an adhesion where two muscles stick together causing pain when they move,
3. a muscle becoming dry and taut like a banjo string, or
4. a muscle or group of muscles may be experiencing a “pain-spasm-pain” syndrome.

Massage therapy can:

1. Help scar tissue heal properly so that it is more pliable and flexible,
2. break down adhesions freeing muscles to more properly and painlessly.
3. rehydrate dry, taut muscles so they relax and soften,
4. break the pain-spasm-pain syndrome leaving muscles calm, relaxed and pain free.

It is important to realize, you do not have to suffer continuously from pain. Plain is there to let you know there is a problem needing to be fixed. If you live in the Waco, Texas area and are experiencing chronic pain. Call BEN GUSTAFSON MASSAGE THERAPY to make an appointment for a free consultation. At BGMT the rates are affordable and the customer is always important.
Ben Gustafson; RMT

(1) Ben Benjamin,j Ph.D.;l LISTEN TO YOU PAIN. Penquin Books Ltd, Newyour, NY:1984