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The Role of Massage in Pain Management
Expert insights by Gabriella E Silva, Registered Physiotherapist accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), holding a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and currently practising in the UK.
What is Pain, and Why Does Massage Help?
Pain is more than a physical sensation. It’s a complex response involving nerves, muscles,
emotional triggers, and inflammation. It can be:
• Acute – from a sudden injury or strain
• Chronic – ongoing, as in arthritis or fibromyalgia
• Referred – pain felt in one area due to issues in another (e.g. sciatica)
• Myofascial – caused by muscle “knots” or trigger points
Massage therapy helps by addressing both the physical and neurological aspects of pain.
Physiological Benefits of Massage for Pain:
• Reduces inflammation by improving lymphatic flow
• Improves circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues
• Releases muscle tension, reducing trigger points and knots
• Interrupts pain signalling to the brain
• Boosts endorphins – natural pain-fighting chemicals in the body
• Promotes relaxation, which lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels
These effects are magnified when combined with therapeutic-grade massage oils — especially those
infused with hemp, lavender, arnica, or ylang-ylang.
Massage Oils vs. Regular Creams: What’s the Difference?
Massage oils differ from standard creams in both application and purpose:
Feature |
Massage Oils |
Pain Creams |
| Texture | Smoother, ideal for extended massage | Absorbs quickly, better for spot relief |
| Use Case | Full-body massage or larger areas | Localised joint or muscle pain |
| Effect | Relaxation, improved circulation, muscle easing | Fast, targeted pain relief |
| Duration | Longer massage window | Short-term topical treatment |
Combining both in a recovery routine — e.g. massage oil followed by a pain balm or patch — can provide powerful, layered results.
Which Types of Pain Respond Best to Massage?
Massage isn’t a cure-all, but for many conditions, it significantly helps manage pain symptoms, reduce medication reliance, and improve mobility.
✅ Muscle Tension & Spasms
Massage reduces involuntary contractions and tightness, especially in the neck, back, and shoulders.
✅ Joint Pain
While massage doesn’t fix joint degeneration, it helps by relieving the muscles and fascia surrounding painful joints — often easing pressure and stiffness.
✅ Post-Exercise Soreness (DOMS)
Massage stimulates blood flow and flushes out lactic acid, speeding up recovery time.
✅ Arthritis
Gentle, oil-based massage can reduce stiffness and support circulation — especially with Vitalive Lavender Petals Massage Oil, known for its anti-inflammatory blend of hemp, arnica, and lavender.
✅ Fibromyalgia
Massage calms the nervous system and reduces pain sensitivity — ideal when using soothing oils like Vitalive Sensual Whispers with ylang-ylang and patchouli.
Expert Technique: How to Perform a Pain-Relieving Massage
You don’t need to be a professional therapist to get the benefits of massage at home. With the right product and technique, you can safely manage pain between appointments.
💡 Step-by-Step:
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Warm the Oil – Gently warm Vitalive oil in your palms.
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Apply Evenly – Use long strokes to spread the oil over the area.
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Massage with Purpose – Apply medium pressure in circular or kneading motions.
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Focus on Problem Areas – Spend extra time on tight or painful spots.
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Relax Post-Massage – Let the body rest for 10–15 minutes to maximise benefits.
💡 Tip: Massaging after a warm shower helps increase absorption and softens tissue.
Why Choose Vitalive Massage Oils?
Unlike generic oils, Vitalive's massage oils are formulated specifically for pain relief, muscle support, and joint care, with a range tailored to individual needs. Each product combines premium botanical oils with hemp seed oil, known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
🟢 Vitalive Enchanted Roses Massage Oil
• Key ingredients: Hemp, almond, grapeseed oil, rose extract
• Benefits: Skin nourishment + emotional relaxation
• Ideal for: Massage therapy with a calming fragrance
💜 Vitalive Lavender Petals Massage Oil
• Key ingredients: Hemp, arnica, lavender, almond oil
• Benefits: Pain relief + stress reduction + improved sleep
• Ideal for: Evening massage routines, tension, insomnia
❤ Vitalive Sensual Whispers Massage Oil
• Key ingredients: Hemp, ylang-ylang, patchouli, coconut oil
• Benefits: Relaxation, connection, muscle ease
• Ideal for: Couples massage, fibromyalgia, full-body tension
When Should You Avoid Massage?
Massage is generally safe, but avoid massaging if:
• The skin is broken or infected
• You have an acute injury or open wound
• There’s swelling or active inflammation
• You experience sharp pain during massage
Always consult a GP or physiotherapist if unsure — especially if you're recovering from surgery or managing a complex condition.
Ready to experience natural pain relief through massage?
expertly crafted to support pain recovery, muscle relaxation, and
long-term joint care.
Layering Massage Oils with Other Topicals: Advanced Pain Relief Strategy
As a physiotherapist, I often encourage patients to explore layered pain relief — combining
multiple methods to create synergistic effects. Massage oils, when used correctly alongside topical
creams, balms, and heat patches, can dramatically boost recovery and reduce discomfort across
joints and muscles.
🔄 Why Layering Works
Each product targets pain in different ways:
| Product Type | Primary Function | Best Use Case |
| Massage Oils | Relaxation, circulation, muscle tension | Before bed, post-exercise |
| Hemp Creams | Anti-inflammatory, fast absorption | Daytime relief, post-shower |
| Hemp Balms | Deep penetration, longer-lasting | Chronic pain, stiff joints |
| Heat Patches | Heat therapy, passive relief | On-the-go support, arthritis |
By layering:
1. Start with massage oil to relax muscles and improve circulation
2. Apply hemp cream to reduce inflammation and support mobility.
3. Use balm over specific areas that need lasting comfort.
4. Add a heat patch for prolonged, passive support — especially during work hours or while sleeping.
This approach addresses both surface-level and deep-seated pain, offering comprehensive results with natural, non-pharmaceutical methods.
Aromatherapy in Massage: A Powerful Yet Overlooked Ally
Beyond physical effects, certain essential oils play a significant role in reducing perceived pain by lowering cortisol (stress hormone) and triggering the parasympathetic nervous system (your body’s “rest and digest” mode).
🧠 Oils That Support Emotional & Pain Relief:
• Lavender: Known for calming the mind, reducing muscle tension, and improving sleep — vital for recovery.
• Patchouli & Ylang-Ylang: Great for relaxing deep tissue and promoting emotional well-being — particularly useful for fibromyalgia sufferers.
• Rose: Enhances emotional balance and relaxation, working well in stress-induced pain.
Vitalive’s range of hemp massage oils is infused with these essential oils, blending aromatherapy with topical recovery.
Daily Routine for Massage-Based Pain Relief
Creating a daily massage routine doesn’t require clinical expertise — just consistency and the right product pairings. Here’s a recommended guide, particularly beneficial for those with chronic pain, stiffness, or post-exercise soreness:
Morning Routine
• Apply Vitalive Hemp Cream Triple Action Formula post-shower.
• Massage gently into knees, shoulders, or lower back.
• Finish with a Hemp Heat Patch to provide relief throughout the workday.
Evening Routine
• Use Vitalive Lavender Petals Massage Oil for a calming bedtime massage.
• Focus on areas that feel tight or inflamed.
• Ideal to wind down, relax muscles, and encourage restful sleep — crucial for healing.
After Workout
• Apply Vitalive Enchanted Roses or Sensual Whispers Massage Oil immediately post-exercise to improve circulation and reduce DOMS.
• Follow up 20 minutes later with Vitalive Natural Hemp Balm for lasting muscular support.
When Not to Use Massage Oils
As gentle as massage oils are, there are a few scenarios where use should be avoided:
• Broken or irritated skin
• Allergic sensitivity to essential oils
• Open wounds or active infections
• Post-surgical areas (unless approved by a medical professional)
Always patch-test first and consult a professional if you are uncertain, especially when dealing with conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, or severe inflammation.
Why Professionals Recommend Vitalive Oils
Compared to many mainstream massage oils, Vitalive offers several advantages:
• Infused with high-strength hemp seed oil – supports anti-inflammatory action.
• Free from synthetic additives, parabens, or artificial fragrances
• Tested for skin safety
• Trusted by customers and therapists alike
• Natural oils allow longer massage window without greasy residue
🔗 Shop Vitalive Massage Oils
Final Physiotherapist Advice
If you're managing pain from arthritis, injury, or stress — massage should be part of your recovery toolkit. It’s non-invasive, easy to do at home, and highly effective when paired with the right oil.
Choose your massage oil based on:
• The time of day (e.g. lavender at night)
• The area of pain (e.g. balm for joints, oils for muscles)
• Your sensitivity (opt for natural, chemical-free formulas)
“Massage helps the body heal by moving fluid, easing tension, and calming the nervous system — when you combine that with pain-targeting ingredients like hemp, arnica, and essential oils, you create a powerful, drug-free solution for pain relief.”
– N. Hughes, Chartered Physiotherapist
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does massage therapy really help with pain management?
Yes. Research and clinical practice show that massage therapy reduces muscle soreness, joint stiffness, and tension, while boosting circulation and endorphin levels. When paired with natural oils like hemp and arnica, it becomes even more effective for pain relief and inflammation control.
2. What is the best massage oil for muscle and joint pain?
Vitalive Hemp Massage Oils are among the top-rated options in the UK. For example:
• Use Lavender Petals Massage Oil for night-time relaxation and deep muscle tension.
• Use Enchanted Roses Oil for daytime muscle recovery.
• Use Sensual Whispers Oil for couples' massage and emotional wellbeing alongside pain relief.
Each oil contains hemp seed oil, known for its natural anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, without any psychoactive effects.
3. Can you use massage oil and a heat patch together?
Yes, but layering should be done strategically. Apply massage oil first, allow it to absorb fully, and then apply a self-adhesive heat patch like the Vitalive Hemp Heat Patch for lasting warmth and deeper relief. This combo works especially well for chronic pain, arthritis, and postural strain.
4. How often should you massage an area affected by chronic pain?
For chronic issues like arthritis, joint stiffness, or sports injuries, massage the area 1–2 times daily, especially after physical activity or before bed. Use a Vitalive massage oil or hemp balm for optimal results, depending on whether you need hydration, warmth, or deep tissue support.
5. Which is better for pain — hemp massage oil or hemp balm?
It depends on your needs:
• Massage oils are better for full-body application, emotional relaxation, and surface-level tension.
• Hemp balms, like Vitalive Hot Hemp Balm, are ideal for targeted joint pain, longer-lasting support, and deeper penetration.
Some users layer both: oil for flexibility, balm for intensity.
6. Is hemp massage oil safe for sensitive skin?
Yes — Vitalive massage oils are dermatologically safe, non-comedogenic, and free from harsh chemicals. They’re made with botanical ingredients like lavender, almond oil, and hemp seed oil, which soothe rather than irritate. Always perform a 24-hour patch test if you're prone to allergies.
7. Can massage oils help with sleep and stress-related pain?
Absolutely. Massage oils infused with lavender, ylang-ylang, or patchouli, like Vitalive Lavender Petals or Sensual Whispers, not only ease physical discomfort but also support restful sleep, lower cortisol, and reduce stress-induced muscle tension — ideal for those with anxiety, fibromyalgia, or burnout.
8. Are there any side effects of using massage oils too frequently?
Generally, no — if the product is natural and non-sensitising. Vitalive’s range is designed for daily use. However, avoid:
• Over-massaging bruised or inflamed areas.
• Applying oils to broken skin.
• Using oils with synthetic fragrances (not found in Vitalive products).
9. What’s the best time to use massage oil for recovery?
For best results:
• Use after a warm shower (opens pores for better absorption).
• Apply before bed to enhance relaxation and overnight healing.
• Use post-workout to relieve DOMS and increase blood flow.
10. How does hemp oil work to relieve muscle or joint pain?
Hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects. When applied topically via massage oil, it helps reduce local inflammation, ease stiffness, and nourish the skin. It’s ideal for arthritis, neck pain, back tension, and sports injuries.
11. Is it better to use massage oil before or after exercise?
Massage oils should be used after exercise to promote recovery and reduce inflammation. Apply a light layer of Vitalive Enchanted Roses or Lavender Oil, and gently massage into sore or tight areas. For warming support before a workout, use Vitalive Hot Hemp Balm instead.
12. Can hemp massage oil be used during professional sports therapy or physiotherapy?
Yes. Many physiotherapists and sports massage therapists use hemp-infused oils to complement manual therapy techniques. They’re ideal for enhancing glide, supporting recovery, and reducing reliance on oral medication.
🛒 Ready to Try Massage for Pain Relief?
Explore our range of Vitalive Hemp Massage Oils, specially formulated to help you recover faster, sleep better, and move freely.