Shiatsu massage involves using the fingers, palms, elbows and feet to manipulate the body at specific points along the body's meridians, depending on the patient's specific condition. Your practitioner may also use gentle tapping, kneading or stretching techniques to alleviate your pain during a Shiatsu session.

Your practitioner will do a comprehensive diagnosis before treating you to understand your medical history, the areas of the body you are experiencing pain and what underlying problems you may have. Shiatsu combines the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine with the Western sciences to help make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment.

Many studies have shown that massage helps reduce the intensity and duration of episodes of pain, making it helpful for treating many conditions. It also helps improve blood flow and release chemicals within the body that reduce stress and anxiety and elevate your mood — all good things for those who suffer chronic pain!